Plus, ballpark lease agreement approved + Southside bagels
 
08.16.2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE
6AM City In-house

Today’s Forecast

90º | 6% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:26 a.m. | Sunset 8:00 p.m.
 

New exhibition in bloom at Lewis Ginter

New Lewis Ginter exhibit lets visitors explore augmented reality
RICtoday_BloomsOfLight_LewisGinter_KyleEpps
Kyle M. Epps shows visitors how to access the exhibition. | Photo by RICtoday
You’ve never seen Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden quite like this.

A new augmented reality exhibition is now open at the Garden, thanks to multi-disciplinary artists Kyle M. Epps. “Blooms of Light” is a series of digital displays that visitors can interact with through their phones. QR codes are present at six points around the Garden to unlock the art.

The pieces incorporate digital illustration, animation, and sound design to capture different feelings about the natural world. Epps said he wanted to create a non-invasive way for everyone, but especially children, to explore nature.

“It’s fun — I want them to feel fun first, and from there, curiosity,” Epps said. “Just getting comfortable in nature is the first step.”

RICtoday_BloomsOfLight_LewisGinter_LightDisplay

Make sure your phone is charged to explore the exhibition.

|

Photo by RICtoday

Epps’ time as artist-in-residence comes to a close in September. He joined the Garden in April as part of its 40th anniversary celebration.

In his first few months, Epps spent his time live painting in the Garden and getting to know the Lewis Ginter community, from staff to visitors to the local wildlife that Epps said would keep tabs on him.

“I was walking around pretty much daily, doing some kind of sketching or drawing,” Epps said. “With that information it really influenced the final decisions on a lot of the work.”

RICtoday_BloomsOfLight_LewisGinter_ARExhibition

See the Garden in a new light through augmented reality.

|

Photo via Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Here are some pro tips on how to enjoy “Blooms of Light.”
  • Make sure your phone is charged — the experience works best is you aren’t low on battery.
  • Download the Adobe Aero app on your phone in advance of your visit. You don’t need an Adobe account to access the exhibition.
  • Be aware of your surroundings while exploring. There are signs to remind you, but you don’t want to spend too much time in AR and forget the very real staircase in front you.
“Blooms of Light” is included with Garden admission, which is $20 for adults, $15 for those 65+, and $10 for ages 4-12. Children under 3 and members are free.
 
Events
Friday, Aug. 16
Saturday, Aug. 17
  • Monster Drawing Rally | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 12-6 p.m. | 1708 Gallery | $5 | This live art-making event will feature 20 artists creating imaginative creatures as well as kids activities and food from Bikini Panini and The Neighborhood Scoop.
  • Psychology in Film | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 1-4 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | Free | Dive into a discussion of psychology in film with three short film screenings and a Q+A with neuroscientists, filmmakers, and actors.
  • RVA Square Dance | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 7-10 p.m. | Studio Two Three | $10 | No experience is necessary for this community dance night featuring live music by The Rounders.
Sunday, Aug. 18
  • Mimosa Fest | Sunday, Aug. 18 | 11 a.m. | Henrico Sports and Events Center | $10-$45 | Sample a variety of mimosas and enjoy a live DJ performance at this fest.
  • Chip Hale Duo | Sunday, Aug. 18 | 1-3:30 p.m. | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery – Richmond | Cost of purchase | Grab a brew and enjoy an afternoon of folk tunes and intricate fingerstyle guitar.
More weekend events
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Traffic
  • The city is placing safety cameras near nine more schools in advance of the first day of classes on Monday, Aug. 19. For the first 30 days after installation, vehicle owners traveling more than 11 mph over the limit will be issued warnings instead of fines.
Development
  • The Economic Development Authority approved the development and lease agreements for the new baseball stadium on Wednesday. The Squirrels will pay $3.2 million in annual rent for the first 10 years. Get the specifics, check out the new renderings and let us know what you think about the project. (Richmond BizSense)
Coming Soon
Sports
  • The Kickers have inked a multi-year extension with head coach Darren Sawatzky, who also serves as chief sporting officer for the club. Sawatzky joined Richmond in 2020. The announcement highlighted his talent for developing young players and focus on long-term success.
Theater
  • Virginia Opera has announced the casts for its 50th Anniversary season. It begins in October with performances of “Don Giovanni” and wraps up with the world premiere of “Loving v. Virginia,” inspired by the story behind the landmark Supreme Court case.
Arts
  • Know a local artist? CultureWorks is looking for vendors for its artoberVA Kickoff Block Party on Oct. 1. The event will celebrate the start of the month-long arts showcase. Fill out this form to be considered.
Trending
  • In case you missed it, Keanu Reeves was in Richmond on Wednesday. He signed copies of his book, “The Book of Elsewhere,” at Fountain Bookstore and took a break on a sidewalk before playing with his band, Dogstar, at the National.
Cause
  • Registration is still open for the Zoe Freedom Center’s 5K to End Overdose, happening on Saturday, Aug. 24 in Fredericksburg. From 7-9 a.m., run or walk to help raise awareness + support prevention efforts in the battle against addiction. Sign up.*
Home
  • Cringe alert: Every 24 hours, 27,000 trees are cut down for toilet paper. But this new bamboo toilet paper just might save the planet. It feels just like high-end TP, but doesn’t harm trees. Plus, code 6AM30 gives you 30% off your first purchase. Read more.*
Finance
  • Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. These are hands down some of the best.*
Wellness
  • Curious about CBD gummies? Cornbread Hemp is giving first time customers a second jar for free with code SUMMERTIMEBOGO. Choose from watermelon, berry, peach, or special sleep varieties.*
 
Edu

🍎 School’s (almost) in session

Your guide to Richmond region school districts
RICtoday_BackpackSupplyDrive_RPS
Many local students will be ready to take on the new year thanks to the Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive. | Photo via Richmond Public Schools
Did you know? The Greater Richmond Region has 16 school districts and 185,000+ students. For many students in Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield, the first day of school is this Monday, Aug. 19.

We’re giving you the 411 on enrollment, student-teacher ratio, tuition, and more for the area’s major school districts. And don’t worry, there won’t be any homework.

Richmond Public Schools
  • Number of schools: 45
  • Number of students: ~22,000
  • Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
  • ~72% graduation rate
Henrico County Public Schools
  • Number of schools: 75
  • Number of students: 48,977
  • Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
  • 91% graduation rate
Chesterfield County Public Schools
  • Number of schools: 67
  • Number of students: ~64,000
  • Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
  • 91% graduation rate
Get the rest of the breakdown at the button below.
13 more school districts
Quiz

What is the average public school student to teacher ratio in the US?
A. 10:1
B. 15:1
C. 17:1
D. 25:1
Test your knowledge
The Buy

The Buy 8.16.24 (Affiliate)
These waterproof Chelsea rain boots. Prepare for rainy months ahead with these stylish rubber boots — available in three different colors — that will keep your feet safe and dry from any inclement weather.
More worth The Buy
 
The Wrap
 
Robin Schwartzkopf in a red button down shirt

Today’s edition by:
Robin
From the editor
While exploring “Blooms of Light” I also got to see the ongoing exhibit “Flourish,” which features four intricate, living displays from Lewis Ginter’s horticulturalists. Those will be up through October.
Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Advertise with us to stand out.     ›
Games | Crossword, Sudoku, and More     ›
 
Feedback on Today's Newsletter

Did you like today’s newsletter?

😍 Loved it 🙂 Solid effort 😞 Changes needed
 
 

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY