Richmond Grid

Celebrating Richmond's makers, storytellers, and community builders. Our goal is to share stories about people inspired by a purpose beyond themselves.

Grid is a solutions-oriented news platform that celebrates makers, storytellers, and community builders. We are interested in hard work, humility, authenticity, and stewardship. And most of all, people who roll up their sleeves and push Richmond forward. As a certified B Corporation, we produce digital content and a quarterly print publication that features Richmond at its best — from startup owne

rs to creators to civic leaders. We deliver our magazine by bike whenever possible, print on FSC-certified paper, use soy-based ink, and donate a portion of our advertising space to local nonprofits. We hope you enjoy reading about the talented people, small businesses, and community organizations that we feature in Grid as much as we’ve enjoyed getting to know their stories. Each follows a philosophy and set of practices that are building a more just and caring Richmond. And for that we’re grateful.

*Richmond Grid also offers* Online news at www.richmondgrid.com; Email newsletter via its sister publication, Here Weekly, offering weekly tips and ways to explore RVA. Sign up for free at www.hereweekly.co; Locally Made Goods: Grid Supply Co., www.gridsupplyco.com, featuring products made in Richmond by Richmonders, such as cocktail glasses laser etched with murals by local artists, growlers and water bottles featuring the City of Richmond flag, visual works by Richmond illustrators, "Dear Richmond" journals; and Grid Collective: A content house and brand consultancy for socially conscious local businesses with a meaningful story to tell.

01/25/2025

In the heart of Richmond’s East End, where challenges are met with courage and creativity, Richmond Cycling Corps () is making a difference—one flat tire, one mile, and one young Richmonder at a time.

Through cycling, RCC empowers youth to rise above barriers of concentrated poverty and limited opportunity. This winter, RCC is riding strong thanks to community donations at local bike shops—, , and .

Most of the small and extra-small bicycles in their fleet for 6th and 7th graders feature 26” wheels—a size most adult bikes don’t use. With your support, RCC has been able to stock their fleet with the right tubes to-go, ensuring quick and easy repairs for their youth riders.

But RCC isn’t just about bikes—it’s about building a brighter future through their five pillars:

🚴 Community: Connecting with East End neighborhoods through meaningful outreach.
📚 Education: Helping high school youth succeed when traditional systems fall short.
💼 Employment: Providing job opportunities through local businesses and RCC’s own ventures like Kickstand.
💪 Health & Wellness: Using cycling to foster physical and emotional resilience.
🤝 Individual Support: Offering structure, stability, and mentorship to those who need it most.

Want to help keep their mission rolling?
Donation cards are still available at these local bike shops, and every contribution fuels more than just bike repairs—it powers futures.

🎉 Save the Date: 1st Annual RCC Chili Cookoff and Ride! Join RCC and on February 8th for a day of group rides, chili, and fun!

Here’s what’s in store:
• Three different group rides for all skill levels.
• A chili cookoff featuring Richmond’s finest homemade chili and cornbread.
• A chance to cast your vote with three voting tickets included in your $15 registration.

After sampling and voting, the finalists will be announced, and handmade trophies will be awarded to the winners. Whether you’re riding, cooking, or just there to taste and vote, it’s a perfect way to support RCC and have a blast.

📷

01/25/2025

❤️ Local artist John Holland () and want to help you spread the love this Valentine’s Day—and all year round! John has created 30 little love letters on 4”x4”x1.5” wrapped canvases, available for $45 each. These pieces debuted at the recent art pop-up with . So many choices, so many ways to show someone you care—with local art! DM and with purchase inquiries.

01/24/2025

❄️ Richmond woke up to a frozen James once more this morning—stunning, still, and reflective.

🌅 Here’s to resilience, warmth, and finding beauty in the days ahead.

01/24/2025

Virginia’s first-ever trans joy zine! The new zine, titled Celebrating Trans Joy: Building Communities, offers 100+ illustrated pages of trans joy designed to help shift the harmful anti-trans narrative and debunk misconceptions. To create this publication, brought together 13 trans and nonbinary storytellers to share their own stories — stories of love, family, and community — through beautiful illustrations.

Visit acluva.org/spreadtransjoy to meet the trans and nonbinary storytellers! Click on each profile to learn more about the q***r, Black, Latinx, and Filipino-American contributors, and order a free copy of Celebrating Trans Joy: Building Communities.

📸

01/22/2025

😻Because 2025 could use more cat snuggles! The Belmont Branch of the Richmond Public Library () is hosting a Work-from-Home Cat Café this week. That’s right—stop by anytime between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Wednesday or Thursday to cuddle some kittens while you crank out your work.

The adorable felines in the house are from Richmond Animal Care and Control (), and guess what? They’re all available for adoption! If you’re not able to bring one home, you can still participate by helping name them—come cast your vote!

📚🐈💻 Don’t miss this purr-fect chance to mix productivity with some much-needed kitten therapy.

📸

01/19/2025

A weekend hike to some of Richmond’s raw and beautiful corners—full of life, even in the stillness of winter.

01/17/2025

🌟 Meet Kathryn Thompson, this week’s guest editor of our partner publication, .weekly! As Development Director for the Partnership for Housing Affordability, Kathryn’s work is transforming the Richmond region through innovative policies and programs. Kathryn is passionate about driving change and building an inclusive Richmond. She’s eager to connect with donors and advocates who share her vision for stronger, more equitable communities.

📅 Don’t Miss Her Top Event Picks:
• Edgar’s Sweet 216th Birthday Bash | Jan 18, 6–10 PM @ ($10-$20)
• Dominion Energy Jazz Café | Jan 22, 6–8 PM @ (Free)
• State of Housing in Richmond | Jan 23, 4–7 PM @ ($25)

Follow Kathryn on Instagram, , to learn more about her inspiring work as an Usui Reiki Master, filmmaker, and other creative projects!

📸:

01/14/2025

🛶 A glimpse at this weekend’s snowy rafting adventures, brought to you by our friends at RVA Paddlesports! Veteran guides and new trainees are honing their skills weekly, rain, shine—or snow.

Patrick Griffin launched RVA Paddlesports back in 2014 with just a couple of kayaks in his Richmond apartment. Today, his whitewater-certified team offers guided trips, classes, and gear rentals featuring a colorful fleet of kayaks, rafts, canoes, paddleboards, and even climbing equipment. With over 50 team members boasting decades of experience in Richmond and beyond, they’re committed to delivering top-notch outdoor adventures.

RVA Paddlesports is now recruiting for their 2025 Spring Guide Training class! There’s still time to join the team. Follow and send them a DM to learn more.

01/11/2025

❄️ A few frosty scenes of the River City, all dressed up in a fresh coat of snow this morning.

01/11/2025

Today, the William Fox Elementary School community came together for a cupola crowning, marking a milestone in the rebuilding of Richmond’s beloved school after a devastating 2022 fire.

🎉 Thank you to all the Fox kiddos, families, staff (past and present), Fox community, , School Board, City Council, and Superintendent for celebrating this important step forward. Together, Richmond honored the installation of the iconic cupola—a symbol of resilience and hope.

📸 A special shoutout to Principal Daniela Jacobs, who celebrated this historic moment alongside teachers, neighbors, and community leaders all working tirelessly to welcome students back in Fall 2025!

But the support doesn’t stop there …

🎨 The 2025 William Fox Art Auction is just around the corner! Now is the time to help raise critical funds for Fox Elementary at this annual celebration of art and community:

📅 Event Date: February 1, 2025
📍 Location: Common House RVA (), 303 W Broad St, Richmond, VA
🎟️ Tickets & Info: www.williamfoxauction.com

✨ What’s Included?

• Original artwork, travel getaways, dining experiences, and more up for auction
• Delicious appetizers, desserts by Fox volunteers, and live music
• Friends of Fox packages with exclusive goodies & a tax-deductible donation.

📧 Interested in donating or sponsoring? Email us at [email protected] to get involved!

Let’s continue to celebrate the Fox community and build toward a bright future for Richmond’s youth together. 🦊❤️

Photos by

01/10/2025

🛶 Karl Schmidt Launches Fall Line River School: Richmond’s paddling community just got an exciting boost for 2025 on the James! Karl Schmidt, a well-known figure along the James River, has officially launched a new venture: Fall Line River School ().

With over 15 years of experience in the outdoor industry, Karl’s stellar reputation as an educator, river guide, and risk management professional positions him as a trusted leader for paddlers and adventurers alike. He has dedicated his career to blending academic expertise with hands-on skills, serving roles like river ranger, expedition leader, and wilderness EMT.

Karl’s new business, based right here in Richmond, offers world-class instruction and certification courses in swiftwater rescue, emergency medicine, and whitewater paddling. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or new to the river, his courses prioritize safety, inclusivity, and empowerment.

“Fall Line River School is here to support paddlers everywhere,” Karl explains. “From guide companies to individuals, we’re helping people reach a new standard of excellence on the water.”

Fall Line River School’s offerings include CPR and first aid training, wilderness medical courses, customized paddling clinics, and advanced swiftwater rescue instruction. Karl’s professionalism, coupled with his familiarity with the James and an infectious enthusiasm for all things outdoors, ensures every participant feels safe and supported.

If you ask us, Richmond is lucky to have Karl steering this new venture. His commitment to the local community and passion for the river make Fall Line River School a welcome addition to RVA’s outdoor scene. Learn more, explore offerings, and sign up for courses at falllineriverschool.com.

01/09/2025

💙Community Spotlight: Celeste Farms (.farms) Steps Up to Help Fellow Local Business Owners!

In response to our area’s water crisis, Celeste Farms is going above and beyond to support Richmond’s small business community. They’re offering free water to local restaurants working hard to open their doors tomorrow. 💧

If your restaurant needs water, head to Celeste Farms with your 5-gallon buckets (with lids) to ensure you’re covered. Let’s rally behind businesses like this that embody the true spirit of Greater Richmond and collective action.

📍 Location: Celeste Farms
⏰ When: Starting now!
📩 DM them .farms for more details.

Tag your favorite local restaurants and share the love. Together, we’ll get through this! 💪

01/09/2025

☕✨Blanchard’s is doing what they do best—fueling our community with coffee and love! Swing by the Broad St. location for free cold brew and sweet treats while they last!

01/09/2025

Attention, RPS Families! 💙 ALL RPS families are invited by to join the community for lunch this Thursday and Friday at six sites across the City of Richmond!

📅 When: 11 am to 1 pm
🥗 Where:

📍 Cardinal Elementary School – 1745 Catalina Dr
📍 Carver Elementary School – 1110 W. Leigh St
📍 Henderson Middle School – 4319 Old Brook Rd
📍 Lucille Brown Middle School – 6300 Jahnke Rd
📍 M.L. King Middle School – 1000 Mosby St
📍 Richmond High School of the Arts – 4314 Crutchfield St

RPS is also looking for volunteers to help!

• Thursday: Volunteers are needed to hand out food to families as they walk up or drive through.
• Friday: Volunteers will help families who come to the food trucks at the school sites.

📅 Volunteer Hours: 10:30 am - 1:00 pm both days.

💻 Sign up to volunteer at rvaschools.net/feedrps

💙

01/08/2025

❄️RESOURCE ALERT: Local area YMCAs are opening their doors to anyone in need of a shower or a welcoming space to connect with others. Here’s what you need to know:

What to Bring to :

• Photo ID
• Towel
• Toiletries

Participating Locations:

📍Manchester Family YMCA – 7540 Hull Street Road
📍 Tuckahoe Family YMCA – 9211 Patterson Avenue
📍 Patrick Henry Family YMCA – 217 Ashcake Road, Ashland
📍 John Rolfe Family YMCA – 2244 John Rolfe Parkway
📍 Shady Grove Family YMCA – 11255 Nuckols Road, Glen Allen
📍 Chester Family YMCA – 3011 West Hundred Road

Please be aware that there may be a brief wait for shower access based on demand. For Hours of Operation: visit ymcarichmond.org/locations

01/08/2025

It’s been a tough week, but Village Green RVA () — a local organization dedicated to running free programs that provide support and healthy food to the Richmond community — is here to make life a little easier by putting a meal on your plate.

If you’re dealing with water outages, missing work, or just need a little extra nourishment, Village Green RVA is ready to help! Their kitchen is hard at work preparing fresh, ready-to-eat meals just for YOU.

📍 Stop by and grab a meal:
• Thursday | 3-6 PM
• Friday | Around 1 PM at one of the

“Let us handle the cooking and the dishes so you can enjoy a warm, delicious meal without the hassle. We’re here for you, RVA,” says Village Green RVA.

If you don’t need a hand but want to lend one, the organization welcomes your support! Whether it’s helping to prepare meals or donating funds, your generosity can make a huge difference for those affected by the winter storm.

Your time — whether it’s an hour or several — will go a long way in ensuring that no one in our community goes without a meal. To volunteer or donate, visit the volunteer page or give financially using the link in bio .

Thank you for your kindness and willingness to help! ❄️

01/08/2025

Our Richmond community continues to rise with compassion and generosity, standing together as the city works to restore water production and distribution.

Stay tuned to our stories throughout the week for updates on resources, water distribution centers, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to offer (and receive) support. Listing a few of the many organizations and community leaders who are stepping in, speaking out, and showing up, below.

In the midst of it all, may we each catch a few glimmers— small moments of wonder and hope that remind us of our collective strength.

RVA Community Fridges

Village Green RVA

Southside ReLeaf
farms

Birth in Color RVA
Richmond SPCA

American Red Cross Virginia Region
Tim Barry
City of Richmond, VA Government
Dr. Danny Avula
The Salvation Army Central Virginia
Richmond City Public Schools
Kenda Sutton EL
Circle Thrift & Art Space

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Local art for the holidays! 🎨 Give the most Richmond gift out there: a fine art print by some of the River City’s most celebrated artists, featuring hidden outdoor spaces—destinations not found on maps or along well-worn paths. 🖼 We’ve again teamed up with @trueplacesrva to continue the tradition of showcasing works by artists like Ed Trask, Austin Miles, Steve Hedberg, Laura Goodman, and Melissa Burgess. 🎁 Each locally made 14”x18” print is ready to frame and available for immediate purchase—making it the perfect gift for local art lovers and anyone who loves exploring Richmond beyond the boundaries of a traditional map. 🎥 Need inspiration? Watch local legend @edtrask share what True Places is all about: getting outside, pushing further, exploring deeper, reflecting, and learning along the way. We filmed Ed talking about his original piece, celebrating @sharpsislandrva, way back when this initiative first launched and his words still embody what this local art series is all about today. 🎉 Shop here: www.trueplacesrva.com And here: www.gridsupplyco.com #rvaart #rvaartist #rvaartists #jamesriver #richmondva #rva #rvagifts #rvagiftguide #richmondgrid #trueplacesrva

We just experienced the media preview of “Blooms of Light” at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, created by artist-in-residence, Kyle Epps (@kylemepps). This augmented reality art captures the essence of growth and transformation, with each digital bloom revealing nature’s hidden beauty. Epps also designed the “Secret Garden Legacy Adventure,” a geocache experience that guides you through the garden’s rich history. Our recap reel doesn’t do it justice…this is best experienced in person! While the weather is beautiful, plan a date night, a family outing, or a solo adventure at @lewisginter and experience Kyle Epps’ brilliant artistry in action. ✨

Holy River at HeartFest 2024

HeartFest 2024: Richmond’s Annual Free Wellness Festival hosted by @heartfulnessrva is today, from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm! This mindfulness festival offers a day of free health and wellness activities for the entire community. We stopped by just in time to hear @holyrivermusic (video clip here); they created a magical environment where people danced, rested, and took a collective exhale. ✨Comment below and share how you’ve been caring for yourselves and others this weekend! 🫶

Welcome to a new week, Richmond. ✨ . . . Captured by @cwclarke_photos.

Every year, the city lights up over shared experiences at the Richmond Greek Festival. From baklava and moussaka, to dancing and music, the @richmondgreekfestival is an irreplaceable celebration of cuisine, community, and culture! While the 46th annual festival is now wrapped up, the mini-Greek festival will be back at @st_constantine_helen this fall. 🇬🇷 Learn more via @richmondgreekfestival.

Richmond Fashion Week 2024 is just around the corner!! We are less than one week away from the 16th annual @rvafashionweek - not to be missed.✨ Check out the deets: ⬇️ 4/22: Opening Show/ Accessory Designer Showcase 4/23: Emerging Designer Show 4/24: Wellness Wednesday 4/25: Liznel Solo Show 4/26: Creative Suite 4/27: Awards Gala 4/28: Spring Finale Show Save a seat for you and your friends too 😉 📲 Link in @rvafashionweek’s bio 🎟️ #RVA #RVAFW #RichmondVA #fashionweek

Hidden Gem Highlight 💎 // The Eileen (@eileenrva) is a locally owned and operated modern boutique hotel in the heart of Church Hill. We were invited to visit their space over the weekend, and to pop into a few choice bars and restaurants in the area! Our hosts, Emily & David spoiled us with espresso martinis and treats from @subrosabakery at @eileenrva, old fashioneds at @metzgerrva, margaritas & tacos at @kahlostaqueriarva, and gave us VIP treatment at the ever popular @emeraldloungerva. We’ll do a deeper dive into the history and heart of The Eileen in the weeks to come, but for now, give them a “follow” (@eileenrva) to learn more, and to immerse yourself in the authentic local charm of Richmond! #EileenRVA #RichmondGrid #ChurchHillLiving #airbnb #vrbo #TheEileen #boutiquehotel #supportlocal #locallyowned #supportlocal

If you haven’t heard, @shyndigzdessert has moved!! New space, same great desserts and so much more. - The Shyndigz Market is a brand new expanded space directly across from the original Market location on West Cary! - If you’re in the market for last minute holiday finds, sweet treats, or time spent together, be sure to check out the new Market Space.

🎁 HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS! 🛶 A few years back, we had an opportunity to team up with True Places (@trueplacesrva), an experiential art initiative designed to inspire the exploration and celebration of our most authentic outdoor places in Richmond. The result – the first in a series of fine art prints that honor places in the great outdoors that speak to our community’s ability to push further, explore deeper, reflect, and to learn along the way. 🖼️ These special prints are now on sale for the holidays, making for the perfect gift for the Richmonder who loves local art and the great outdoors! Check out one of our first featured artists in the True Places series, the talented Ed Trask (@edtrask) as he shares why he selected Sharp’s Island as the inspiration for his True Places piece! ➡️ Shop all of the 14”x18” posters in the #trueplacesrva series in our Grid shop at gridsupplyco.com or at trueplacesrva.com. #rvaholidays #rvagifts #rvaart #rvalove #rvaartist #downtownrichmond #richmondva #jamesriver #visitrichmond #richmondgrid #hereweekly

As Richmond gathers this season, the gift of giving and supporting local just got easier! @studiotwothree has filled their new space with a winter market showcasing RVAs own local goods, artisans, and creatives. This inclusive space houses art, trinkets, and gifts for all. - Be sure to stop by up until December 24th from 11-5 daily at 105 west 15th street in Manchester! - #rva #richmondvaart #rvaartist #rvaart #richmondgrid

Richmond Folk Festival // A Day Three highlight…violinist Eric Stanley (@estan247) performing on the @rvafolkfest Family Stage. 🎻 The music speaks for itself. ✨ Learn more about Eric Stanley at richmondgrid.com. #rvafolkfest #ericstanley #violin #music #jaminc #stayinspired

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