Visual Arts Center of Richmond

Going ghost 👻

Exploring ghost signs in Richmond, VA
PepsiCo ghost sign
The PepsiCo ghost sign is almost covered, but those iconic reds and blues are still visible. | Photo by @ghostrva
Boo! It’s a sign. The term “ghost signs” may not ring a bell, but old painted advertisements on the sides of buildings are scattered across Richmond. Many of them are relics of former businesses, others may just be lost to time.

We went exploring + found some faded favorites.

PepsiCo. advertisement | Corner of Brook Road and West Clay Street

The beverage company now has a factory out in Chesterfield County, but back in 1923, the River City was the second home of PepsiCo. We can’t determine when this was painted, however.

Old Weiman’s Bakery | 127 N. 17th St.

Though this classic has closed, there’s still a larger version of the 1940s-era sign painted along the side of the Shockoe building. Now, it’s set to become a 12-story apartment tower.

Feeds and Seeds Ghost Sign

We think these signs look similar to the LaDiff designs on their old building.

Photo via @ghostrva

F.H. Boehling Co.'s Feed & Seeds | 18th + E. Cary St.

This food company from the 1800s has watched over Richmond streets for decades, all starting with German immigrants Herman Heinrich Boehling and second wife, Maria Elizabeth Gerling.

Tyler & Bradley Inc. Real Estate | 28 N. 8th St.

Today, there is a Tyler Realty Group still selling homes across the Richmond region. We’re not sure if they’re related, but we found a Mr. Tyler listed as “one of the youngest real estate dealers in Richmond” in a 1915 Library of Virginia archive.

Send us more ghost signs across the city so we can shine a light on their past.
6AM City In-house

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Today
  • Created Equal Film Series | Wed., Oct. 12 | 6:30-7:45 p.m. | Virginia Museum of History & Culture | Free | Watch a documentary and discuss civil rights, human rights, and social justice in American history with fellow Richmonders.
Thursday
  • Garden Glow | Thu., Oct. 13 - Sun., Oct. 23 | 6:30-10 p.m. | Maymont, 1700 Hampton St, Richmond | $7.00 - $17.00 | Starting at sunset, dramatic lighting transforms Maymont’s Japanese and Italian Gardens into a magical experience for all ages.
  • Salute to Service: United States Navy | Thu., Oct. 13 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Virginia War Memorial, Richmond | Free | Celebrate the Navy’s 247th birthday and hear firsthand accounts at this Virginia War Memorial program.
Friday
  • Virginia Opera presents “The Valkyrie” | Fri., Oct. 14, Sun., Oct. 16 | 8 p.m. | Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center, 600 E Grace St, Richmond | $20.00 - $110.00 | Following the production of “Das Rheingold” last year, Virginia Opera continues the Norse mythology saga with a story about powerful gods.
Saturday
  • Festival of India 2022 | Sat., Oct. 15-Sun., Oct. 16 | 11 a.m-9 p.m., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Greater Richmond Convention Center | Free entry | Explore the beauty of Indian culture, music, dance, food + clothing at this two-day festival.
  • Gourds, Goblets, and Ghouls Festival | Sat., Oct. 15- Sun., Oct. 16 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Hanover Vegetable Farm, 13580 Ashland Rd. | $10.00 - $30.00 | Grab a pumpkin, sip on some adult beverages + enjoy the fall weather.
Sunday
  • Artisan Market | Sun., Oct. 16, Sun., Nov. 6 | 1-5 p.m. | Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln, Richmond | Free | Craft beer, live music + local artisans abound at this pet-friendly market.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
100+ MORE EVENTS

Add to cal: Exploring Richmond’s art scene at Craft + Design
Visual Arts Center Richmond Craft Design
In addition to the craft show, Craft + Design will host two special ticketed events: a Preview Party on Friday and brunch on Saturday. | Photo provided by The Visual Arts Center of Richmond
Richmond, want to see (and maybe purchase 👀) some incredible fine art + museum-worthy crafts? 🎨

Craft + Design, happening this Sat., Oct. 15-Sun., Oct. 16 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., is the Visual Arts Center of Richmond’s annual contemporary craft show gathering 10,000+ attendees to browse and buy work from 150+ artists from across the country.

General admission is $10 — and don’t miss the Hardywood Park Craft beer garden for local brews.*
SEE PARTICIPATING ARTISTS + GET TICKETS

Weather
  • 75º | Partly cloudy | 6% chance of rain
Civic
  • On Monday night, City Council passed an ordinance to establish a Citizen Review Board. The board will look over police misconduct, policy procedures + disciplinary decisions. The council will select four people to serve; the other four will be chosen by the mayor’s office. (NBC12)
Community
Arts
  • Three Art Nooks — think Little Free Libraries, but for artsy types — have been installed at Deep Run, Dorey + Echo Lake Parks in Henrico. They’re each stocked with free-to-use art supplies. Users can scan a QR Code, make some art, then return supplies to the colorful shelves. 🎨 (ABC8 News)
Festival
  • Triple Crossing Beer - Midlothian (1101 Winterfield Crossing) is hosting a Family Fall Festival coming up on Fri., Oct. 21 from 1-7 p.m. There will be an artisan market, plus beer, food, live music + pumpkins to add to your front porch. 🍻
Concert
  • What’s this? Head to the Altria Theater for “The Music of Danny Elfman from the Films of Tim Burton” on Sat., Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. The classic scores will be performed by the Richmond Symphony Pops. Tickets are available now. 🎃
Holiday
  • RVATukTuk has opened up bookings for its annual Tacky Light Tours. The 90-minute private rides will take you to public and private holiday light displays across Richmond with heated seats + music to set the mood. Tours start Fri., Dec. 2. 💡
  • The Fox Elementary PTA Christmas Tree Sale is now open for preorders. Choose a Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, or wreath to support teachers, students, and staff of Fox. No purchases will be allowed on pick-up days, Fri., Dec. 2 + Sat., Dec. 3. 🎄 (RVAHub)
Number
  • $67,500. That’s how much Henrico County was awarded from the state Dept. of Emergency Management. The grant will go towards planning operations, trainings, and renovation efforts for emergency response during natural disasters at the local level. (Henrico Citizen)
Announced
  • If you love this newsletter (and supporting local) as much as we love strolls around Maymont, morning lattes from Rostov’s + Saturdays spent on the James (which is a lot) — we’ve got something for you: RICtoday just launched a membership program. Learn more + sign up.
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Show off your snaps 📸

A RICtoday photo contest
An aerial autumn shot over Richmond
It looks like the leaves are already October orange here in Richmond | Photo by @newkentdroneco
Calling all local photographers — we’re launching a Fall-tography Contest run from now until Sat., Oct. 29. 🍁

What does that mean? We’re looking for photos that show what it’s like to live autumn in Richmond. (Think leaves, themed festivals and foods, etc.). Submissions can be emailed to us + will be reviewed by City Editors Katie and Robin.

We’ll announce the contest winner on Fri., Nov. 4 and our favorite photos will be featured on our Instagram. 📸
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Katie.

Editor’s pick: Did you know? October is Virginia Wine Month. I’ll be heading to Jardin this week to catch some live jazz on the patio with a glass of something sparkly. 🥂

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Take a bite of history at Richmond’s cookie factory tower.
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Editorial: Robin Schwartzkopf, Katie Potter, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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