Search Results for: WHRO Public Media

WIL SWINK IS AN ARTIST WHO CONTEMPLATES A CHALLENGING PART OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE—GRIEF. SHAPED BY THE LOSS OF HIS PARENTS, HE CREATES ARTWORK THAT SPEAKS TO HIS FAMILY HISTORY.

Virginia Beach artist, Igor Acord, is a legendary sign painter & pinstriper.

J-Rod & Kristen turn laughs, culture, and real-life chaos into a viral podcast.

Films That Move brings unique art to Virginia’s Eastern Shore and now aims to expand worldwide.

Dave Chance finds beauty in fleeting, unstaged moments.

Author Lamar Giles turned a childhood love of reading into a career writing mystery and fantasy.

Chesapeake native Patrice Covington can light up any stage be it Broadway or television.

Allegra DuChaine brings her brand of story-driven pop rock to Hampton Roads.

Local storytellers share heartfelt, funny stories about home and belonging.

Eric Taylor’s faith-filled violin journey has taken him from church to world stages.

Walker Babington builds bold folk sculptures using storm-scarred materials

The Muscarelle starts a new chapter with more space, bold art, and community connection.

A graduate of Old Dominion University, Shaina Cruea’s love of contemporary dance and her fluid strength and grace has made her a world renowned Pole Dance Champion.

Michael DiBari captures the calm amidst the chaos of demolition derbies.

An Illinois native, who spent his career in the Navy before retiring in Norfolk, VA, Gus Gusentine seeks to create compelling images of our daily human experience.

ARTIST NADD HARVIN RETURNS TO THEIR HOMETOWN OF NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA, FOR A NEW RESIDENCY THAT RESULTS IN AN EXHIBITION SHOWCASING THEIR IMPRESSIVE MURAL WORK.

ARTIST MIA GUILE IS FASCINATED BY THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COLOR AND FORM. THROUGH HER ABSTRACT PAINTING, SHE CREATES ENVIRONMENTS WHERE EMOTIONS TAKE SHAPE AND THE INTERNAL SELF EMERGES.

A NATIVE OF NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, STEVE PRINCE IS A MIXED MEDIA ARTIST WHOSE HOMETOWN IMPACTS HIS WORK. WITH HIS LINOLEUM CUT PRINTS, HE REFLECTS ON WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BLACK IN AMERICA, AND SHARES STORIES OF THE PAST AND HOPES FOR THE FUTURE.

WE HEAD TO VIRGINIA TO VISIT A JUKE JOINT LIKE NO OTHER CALLED THE “DO DROP INN.” FROM ITS FOUNDING DURING THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT TO TODAY, IT’S BEEN A SAFE PLACE FOR THE COMMUNITY TO GATHER, AND A CULTURAL LANDMARK WHERE MUSIC THRIVES.

A riveting immersive show honoring Rosie the Riveter and the women who built history.

Porchella is a grassroots community music festival that brings neighbors and local musicians together—literally on porches—throughout Norfolk, Virginia.

Pneuhaus creates inflatable, air-powered art blending architecture, engineering, and design.

Chrysler’s Perry Glass Studio brings molten magic to life through art, history, and education.

RECOGNIZING THE POWER OF PUBLIC ART IN SOCIETY, CLYDE SANTANA HAS BEEN PAINTING MURALS SINCE THE 1970S AND SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN.

ARIANNAH CHAOCHANG IS A VIRGINIA-BASED CERAMICIST AND THE TALENT BEHIND CHAO STUDIO. SINCE DISCOVERING CLAY DURING THE PANDEMIC, SHE’S USED IT AS A WAY TO EXPRESS HER CREATIVITY, REVEAL HER AUTHENTIC SELF, AND HEAL.

TWO-TIME TONY AWARD WINNER AND POWERHOUSE PERFORMER ADRIENNE WARREN HAS CEMENTED HER PLACE IN THE SPOTLIGHT. WE TAKE A LOOK BACK AND TRAVEL TO HER HOME STATE OF VIRGINIA TO HEAR MORE ABOUT ALL THE INCREDIBLE WORK SHE’S DONE.

Norfolk Street Choir empowers the unhoused through music, unity, and public performance.

Ceramic artist David Crane hand-builds pieces inspired by ocean life and global themes.

Mariam Riggs’ art documents climate change impacts on a fragile ecosystem and her life.

WRITER KWAME ALEXANDER HAS HAD MUCH SUCCESS. HE’S A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR. HE’S AN EMMY AWARD-WINNING PRODUCER. AND HE’S AUTHORED DOZENS OF BOOKS. WE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS LIFE AND WORK.

A welcoming, all-volunteer community theater where anyone can discover their creative spark.

A joyful visit with outsider artist Mama Girl, blending art, spirit, and soulful storytelling.

Kim Keene’s bright spirit lives on through art, friendship, and the legacy of Paint Pink.

From Radio City to TikTok, Allegra Pi Duval uses dance to inspire, heal, and empower.

Grammy-winning artist Aoife O’Donovan blends folk, classical, and Americana music.

Lewis McGehee, a Tidewater music legend, has shaped lives with his soulful songs and guitar mastery.

Allen Hudson is a Portsmouth musician, Acoustic Carnival founder, and passionate community advocate.

Discover Danny O’s journey from Navy artist to surf culture icon and Virginia Beach legend.

The VSO Fellows program empowers Black musicians, reshaping the orchestra’s future.

WE TAKE A TRIP TO VIRGINIA TO MEET THE SINGER QUEEN ESTHER MARROW. DISCOVERED BY DUKE ELLINGTON AT 22 YEARS OLD, MARROW HAS HAD AN ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER THAT HAS TAKEN HER ACROSS THE GLOBE.

Tim and April Receveur’s Supernova Ska Festival brings global ska to Fort Monroe yearly.

Artists unite yearly to create diverse prints, celebrating collaboration and creativity.

Rowena Federico Finn’s art bridges the gap between her Filipino heritage and American upbringing.

GROWING UP IN A MUSICAL HOUSEHOLD, STERLING ELLIOTT BEGAN PLAYING CELLO AT THE AGE OF THREE. SINCE THEN, HE HAS GROWN TO BECOME AN AWARD-WINNING MUSICIAN.

WYNTON MARSALIS IS A TRUMPETER, BANDLEADER, AND COMPOSER. WANTING TO ENCOURAGE THE NEXT GENERATION OF MUSICIANS, HE ALONG WITH JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER AND VIRGINIA ARTS FESTIVAL DEVELOPED A PROGRAM THAT MENTORS HBCU JAZZ STUDENTS.

WE MEET THE TEAM BEHIND “GREENBEATS,” A WHRO-PRODUCED SERIES OF ANIMATED SHORTS THAT SPREAD ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS THROUGH MUSIC.

WE TRAVEL TO NORFOLK, VIRGINIA TO MEET ELBERT WATSON, A FORMER PRINCIPAL DANCER FOR THE ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER. TODAY, ONE WILL FIND HIM SHARING HIS LOVE OF DANCE WITH OTHERS.

This Virginia Beach native explores the balance between abstract and representation.

Chesapeake artist Pamela Hill is a self-taught painter.

Modern retro quartet Lucky 757 would make the founding pioneers of early rockabilly proud.

Inspired by nature, Nan MacMillan uses it as a poetic tool in her songs.

Discover Suffolk native Ryan Speedo Green and his salvation through opera music.

Former drummer for Flock of Seagulls, this Virginia Beach musician continues to make music

Painter, Jean Benvenuto, of Portsmouth, creates expressive acrylic figurative paintings.

This 11 year-old performer from Chesapeake is currently playing the lead role in "Annie."

Luthier and owner of Worth Guitars, talks about making guitars saved his life.

Heather Beardsley uses various media to make art reflecting her well travelled world view.

Miya Lin brings environmentally themed art to Virginia MOCA with A Study of Water.

SINCE 2018, SHARK CITY DRUM AND DANCE CORPS HAS BEEN UPLIFTING THE COMMUNITY BY ALLOWING STUDENTS TO GAIN COURAGE AND FLOURISH AS ARTISTS.

WE TRAVEL TO VIRGINIA TO MEET K’BANA BLAQ—A CREATIVE IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD. FROM MUSIC TO THEATER TO FASHION, BLAQ LOOKS TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER AND SPREAD LOVE AND JOY.

RANDY D. WILLIAMS LOVES WATCHES. SO MUCH SO, HE FOUNDED HIS OWN WATCH COMPANY “TALLEY AND TWINE.” MADE OF THE FINEST RAW MATERIALS, EACH TIME PIECE CREATED IS A WORK OF ART THAT LEAVES BUYERS COMING BACK FOR MORE.

DENISE WALL’S DANCE ENERGY IS AN AWARD-WINNING STUDIO IN VIRGINIA THAT HAS TURNED OUT A SERIES OF EXTRAORDINARY STUDENTS EXCELLING IN THE FIELD OF DANCE. TWO OF THOSE STUDENTS ARE JOHN CHAPPELL AND CADEN HUNTER WHO WERE ACCEPTED INTO THE PRESTIGIOUS JUILLIARD SCHOOL FOR DANCE.

WE MEET GRAMMY-AWARD WINNING OPERATIC BARITONE WILL LIVERMAN. A CAREER THAT HAS CARRIED HIM ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD, HIS MUSICAL JOURNEY BEGAN AT THE GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS IN NORFOLK, VIRGINIA.

Symphonicity Orchestra merges tradition and innovation, inspiring joy through music.

A baker-artist bridges tradition and creativity, blending Filipino culture with fine art.

Danny Doughty uses art to honor resilience, transforming personal struggles into beauty.

A leather artisan blends art and function, crafting timeless pieces while inspiring a family legacy.

Dancing is a cultural journey, prayer, and community connection for these Native American women.

An armless artist paints scenes that inspire and connect, using resilience and creativity.

An Asian-American artist explores lost heritage, identity, and empathy through music and film.

Filipino-American artist Ronaldo Cruz crafts tissue gowns, honoring family and celebrating life.

The Norfolk Street Choir unites voices impacted by homelessness, creating harmony and hope.

A look into Mark’s journey as a photographer, capturing stories, people, and life's raw moments.

Artist Maggie Bush captures strength and empowerment in women through painting and photography.

AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, SINGER-SONGWRITER ROBERTA LEA DECIDED TO MAKE HER DREAM A REALITY AND PURSUE MUSIC FULL TIME. SINCE THEN, THIS RISING COUNTRY STAR FROM NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED FOR HER TALENT.

FIVE-TIME GRAMMY WINNER VICTOR WOOTEN IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE BEST BASSISTS IN THE WORLD. WE TRAVEL TO VIRGINIA TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HIS ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER AND THE AMAZING JOURNEY THAT’S MADE HIM WHO HE IS TODAY.

Justin Kauflin has traveled the world, playing jazz with musical greats and performing in front of thousands on a regular basis. But he continues to call Virginia Beach his home, engaging with the community with performances, education and yes even supporting public media! This week’s 757 featured artist may be a world renowned star, but he remains a shining light right here in Hampton Roads.

A once prominent collection of sculptures depicting most of our American presidents now sits in eerie decay on a Williamsburg farm, and is the subject of photography nirvana for the artists who are lucky enough to capture these deteriorating likenesses of our former leaders.

Kate has been practicing some form of art most of her life. Each piece of her work becomes a mix of invention, personal experience and memories. Now, combining flower farming and floral design with her artwork, she has created a very special spot for others to enjoy in a multitude of ways.

Brian Kreydatus’ painting and printmaking work deal with the figure and questions regarding the human condition. The search for life’s meaning, desire for gratification, and the omnipresent knowledge of our own mortality are all themes in his work.

Richard Stravitz decided to retire early in 1990 to pursue his lifelong love of art and sculpting. Stravitz is widely-recognized for his distinctive ability to sculpt emotion. Each of his pieces remain true to their subject, with muscle and sinew realistically wrought, magically revealed; the soul of the subject emerges.

Pam Ponce is a former pediatrician whose lifelong love for art and the environment combine in her photography. In this exhibit Ponce explores the shifting movement and changes in light of the barrier islands of Virginia's Eastern Shore. This body of work was displayed at the Portsmouth Arts and Cultural Center and connects to the local environment in Hampton Roads

Will Smith is a Virginia Beach photographer who works to document his community, finding subjects that others might not see or think about. By shining a light on challenging but important topics, Will brings attention to important issues that otherwise would not get the attention they deserve.

Xavier Darryl Lewis is a unique and original voice in the Hampton Roads contemporary art scene. A a painter, using bold colors and dynamic graphics applied to a variety of unexpected surfaces, or as a rocking musician, he always leans into his punk rock roots.

The Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughters has a new building in Norfolk, dedicated to mental health services. Known as the Children's Pavilion, the new facility was conceived thoughtfully, with design elements and carefully curated art to compliment and aid in their mission to provide comfort, inspiration and healing to all who enter its doors.

American designer and sculptor Maya Lin, known for designing the Vietnam War Memorial on the mall in Washington D.C. as well as other large-scale environmental works, showcases her environmental work and the Chesapeake Bay in Maya Lin: A Study of Water at Virginia MOCA.

Maurice Spector is an Eastern Shore sculptor and painter who draws his inspiration from nature and the early morning dreams that run through his subconscious. The result is original art that is genuine, from the heart, and as unique as the creator.

WE TAKE A TRIP TO WINDSOR, VIRGINIA, TO MEET PHOTOGRAPHER TOM SIEGMUND. IN ADDITION TO BUILDING WORLDS THROUGH HIS IMAGE-MAKING, HE ALSO TEACHES STUDENTS AT THE VISUAL ARTS CENTER AT TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

FOR ARTIST AND MUSICIAN RAMBLIN’ RANDY BATTAGLIA, CREATIVE EXPRESSION PROVIDES SOLACE. LIVING OUT OF A VAN, HE TRAVELS PLACE TO PLACE, FINDING OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE HIS CRAFT.

ARTIST KRISTIN SKEES WORKS IN A VARIETY OF MEDIA. COMBINING EXPERIMENTAL FIBERS WITH PHOTOGRAPHY, SHE APPROACHES ART IN AN IMAGINATIVE, QUIRKY WAY THAT HAS LED TO HER WORK BEING SHOWN IN MULTIPLE COLLECTIONS.

IN DOWNTOWN NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, THE FIRM “WORK PROGRAM ARCHITECTS” PARTNERED WITH CREATIVE AGENCIES TO TRANSFORM THREE HISTORIC BUILDINGS INTO A PEOPLE-FOCUSED, FIVE-STORY OFFICE CAMPUS.

CHEF ANTONIO CARUANA IS THE OWNER OF “LUCE,” A RESTAURANT THAT SERVES ITALIAN FOOD WITH A TWIST. WE TRAVEL TO NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, TO HEAR FROM THE CHEF AND EXPERIENCE SOME OF HIS COOKING.

JOSH WEINSTEIN IS THE CREATOR OF NORFOLK TOUR COMPANY. FOR OVER TEN YEARS, A SERIES OF SPIRITED WALKING TOURS HAVE BEEN OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC, INVITING PEOPLE TO EXPERIENCE THE ARTS, CULTURE, AND HISTORY OF NORFOLK, VIRGINIA.

BASED IN VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA, DARREN LEUNG IS A MARTIAL ARTIST. HAVING LEARNED HIS SKILLS FROM HIS FATHER, HE HAS GONE ON TO BECOME A TRAINER, ACTOR, AND TECHNICAL ADVISOR.

INVENTED IN THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY, THE THEREMIN IS AN ELECTRONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT THAT PRODUCES A FASCINATING, ONE-OF-A-KIND-SOUND... AND IT IS ONE OF THE MANY INSTRUMENTS THAT MUSICIAN CAROLINE SCRUGGS PLAYS.

A NAVY SAILOR WITH A LOVE FOR ART, BRODRICK ANTOINE CREATES PORTRAIT MURALS IN THE HAMPTON ROADS AREA OF VIRGINIA. WE LEARN MORE ABOUT SOME OF HIS STRIKING WORKS.

WE TAKE A TRIP TO NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, TO EXPERIENCE AN IMMERSIVE STAGING OF SHAKESPEARE’S “ROMEO AND JULIET.” HEARING FROM THE SHOW’S LEADS, WE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PRODUCTION.

Nastassja Swift is a multi-disciplinary artist and Virginia native. Her solo exhibit, Canaan: when I read your letter, I feel your voice, opened this past summer in Hampton. The exhibit featured installations and collaborative performance that intimately displayed the exchange between her and her brother, who is currently incarcerated.

COMBINING REGGAE, HIP-HOP, AND R AND B, ARTIST GREG GUTTY HAS CREATED A SOUND THAT IS VERY MUCH HIS OWN. WITH HIS MUSIC, HE HOPES TO UPLIFT AND INSPIRE.

FOR POTTER AND EDUCATOR STEPHEN MARDER, CLAY IS HIS PREFERRED MEDIUM. HAVING WORKED WITH IT FOR YEARS, HE CONTINUES TO DISCOVER NEW WAYS OF APPROACHING IT AND SHARES THAT KNOWLEDGE WITH STUDENTS AT HIS LOCAL STUDIO.

BORN IN HAMPTON, VIRGINIA, DATHAN KANE IS A CONTEMPORARY ARTIST WHO PAINTS IN BLACK AND WHITE. WITH JUST TWO COLORS, HE RENDERS BOLD COMPOSITIONS FEATURING ABSTRACT SHAPES THAT REPRESENT WHAT HE IS GOING THROUGH IN LIFE.

IN NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, DESIGNER AND ARTIST MATTHEW MCGUINNESS TEAMED UP WITH STUDENTS FROM THE GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS TO CREATE A MURAL THAT EXPLORES WHAT LUNCHTIME MEANS IN THE CITY.

Not for the Weak Records is a Virginia based hardcore punk record label.

WE LEARN ABOUT THE LIFE AND ART OF ELDER ANDERSON JOHNSON. A PREACHER, MUSICIAN, AND VISUAL ARTIST, HIS WORK HAS FOUND A PERMANENT HOME AT THE DOWNING-GROSS CULTURAL ARTS CENTER IN NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA.

FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, ARTIST, LUTHIER, AND SPIRITUAL PHILOSOPHER FREEMAN VINES HAS BEEN BUILDING GUITARS OUT OF FOUND MATERIALS. WE VISIT VIRGINIA TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE HAND-CARVED INSTRUMENTS AND THE TRUTHS THEY CARRY.

WE TAKE A TRIP TO VIRGINIA TO MEET KENNY JONES. FOR A CONTEST, HE DESIGNED A VIRGINIA BEACH-THEMED NIKE SNEAKER. HIS DESIGN WON, AND THE CUSTOM SHOES WENT INTO PRODUCTION AND SOLD OUT IN MINUTES.

WITH HER CAMERA, PHOTOGRAPHER MEGAN WYNNE EXPLORES THE MATERNAL EXPERIENCE AND THE POWERFUL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MOTHER AND CHILD.

GORDON CAMPBELL IS AN AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHER. FROM ABOVE, HE CAPTURES THE IMPRESSIVE LANDSCAPES OF THE EASTERN SHORE WITH HIS CAMERA.

ARTIST TITUS KAPHAR EXAMINES HISTORY AND REPRESENTATION. IN HIS WORK, HE CLOSES THE DISTANCE BETWEEN PAST AND PRESENT, REVEALING HISTORY’S IMPACT ON THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD.