Posted on: June 15, 2021
NORFOLK, VA – In honor of Juneteenth, local artist Dañetta Evans will paint the streets. Dañetta holds a Master of Fine Arts Degree from Norfolk State University and teaches at Tidewater Community College. Titled, The Gathering Place, the asphalt art mural highlights the history of Double Dutch, African American quilt design, the Underground Railroad, and gathering together in community. The artwork uses pedestrian movement and Double Dutch to evoke a sense of activity and caution at the busy Tidewater Drive entrance to Tidewater Gardens near the Hunton YMCA.
Find out what's happening in Norfolkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Join us for a free Juneteenth Community Celebration and Asphalt Art Dedication: June 19, 1-3pm. Meeting point is the Hunton YMCA, 1139 E. Charlotte St. The Norfolk Double Dutch jump rope team returns for a 30 year reunion showcase performance. Special guests include Councilwoman Royster and Ayana Askew, Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureate Ambassador reading her original poem created in recognition of Juneteenth. Enjoy free food from Crop Circle Gourmet, Copsicles from the Norfolk Police Department, music by DJ Jokin’ Joe, face painting, a photo booth, and neighborhood fun.
This project is supported by a grant from the BloombergAsphalt Art Initiative with funding awarded to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Virginia and Norfolk Arts.Three streets, one in each of the three Norfolk Police Patrol Districts will eventually be painted. Asphalt Art creates an opportunity for the police to engage residents, embrace communities, and helps to ensure those living in the area feel looked after and cared for. The events not only beautify and enliven neighborhoods, they increase police-community trust.
Find out what's happening in Norfolkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Watch a video that features the 1st project we completed: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=180793893520957
Volunteers needed!All ages and skill levels are invited to help us paint June 16-18. Show up any time 10am-5pm or choose a 1hr. time slot here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094baaab2ea0ff2-volunteer
This press release was produced by the City of Norfolk. The views expressed here are the author’s own.