Norfolk is among the great cities that use public art to inspire, educate, beautify and give character to public places. In the 2006 budget, 1% of new capital projects over $500,000 was set aside to acquisition artwork. The Norfolk Arts Commission was established and, together with city staff, developed policies for the development of artwork. Through the public art process, we celebrate historic events and provide opportunities to facilitate our community values of inclusion, civic pride, cultural diversity and appreciation of the creative spirit. A specific amount of CIP funds is now designated for public art instead of applying the 1% formula. Norfolk Arts Manager Karen Rudd has proudly administrated the process to develop over 100 projects over the course of 20yrs. that enliven our Norfolk neighborhoods and create a unique image and sense of place for Norfolk citizens. We’ve highlighted 20 projects here. Be sure to watch for them in your travels. Find all of our projects here!
In 2009 at Town Point Park on Waterside Drive we dedicated our 1st project Waterwork, by Stephen Farley. Waterwork, is comprised of 24 large-scale photographic murals on glazed ceramic tiles. Scenes of work and life on the Norfolk waterfront, selected from the archives of the Slover Sargeant Memorial Collection are depicted to remind visitors of the rich history and continuing work traditions of the Norfolk waterfront. On July 2, 2009 Mayor Paul Fraim and Public Art Commission Chair Steve Wright spoke at the dedication.
In 2010 we installed Enchanted Garden by Garth Edwards at Coleman Place Elementary School on Palmyra St.
Garth Edwards created “Enchanted Garden”, an aluminum mural of whimsical animals and natural forms for the side of Coleman Place Elementary School. A gateway of fanciful animals greets pedestrians at the Rush Street entrance to the school grounds. The work is elementary age appropriate and conveys the spirit of the school as well as stimulates personal and friendly conversation.
In 2010 we installed All Things Within All Things by Matthew Gray Palmer at the Virginia Zoo.
Matthew Gray Palmer of Friday Harbor, Washington, created “All Things Within All Things” in 2010. He playfully illustrates our interconnection with each other by incorporating one of the largest terrestrial mammals, an elephant with one of the most delicate wind-bound insects, the butterfly. The sculpture is fabricated in aluminum and measures approximately 16’ long, 7’ wide, with a 10’ shoulder height. An elegant linear armature that loosely follows the organic volume of the elephant has been welded and forged to provide structural stability. Spanning the spaces of the armature are over 6,000 butterfly silhouettes plasma-arc cut from sheets in thicknesses ranging from 1/8”–3/16” then hand forged and shaped to complete the surface of the elephant. A large (18” wingspan) golden butterfly with elephant wings is cast in aluminum and gilded with 24k gold and rests on the elephant’s spout.
In 2012 we worked with Anne Bousquet and David Johnson to create a temporary project they called The Ped Ex Project.
This temporary interactive project appeared at various locations throughout the city during special events and at random moments thorughout the year on 40 different days. The artists produced 20 signs with inventive slogans. Pedestrians were encouraged to select a sign and carry it through the crosswalk to a bin across the street. The signs’ messages were upbeat, humorous, thoughtful and expressed pride in the city.
In 2012 we installed Open Up The Doors by Pete Beeman at the HRT 18th St.Facility.
The sculpture consists of 4 pairs of “doors” mounted vertically with pivots on a previously existing rigid clock tower frame. A machine with a motor connected to a long vertical shaft running between and behind the doors is mounted to the frame. The motor drives the shaft with a roller chain drive and toothed sprockets. Powered by a solar panel on the back of the tower, each set of “doors” slowly open and close like bus doors, not in unison, but in sequence. Each pair is off-set from the adjacent pair, creating a rhythmic movement, up and down the wall. When one door pair is closed, the one below it is slightly open, the next one down half way open, and the bottom one almost completely open. The panels are etched with a map of the region with main large roads shown in copper.
In 2012 we installed Skate Trees and Leaf Benches by Chris Fennell at Northside Skate Park.
Chris worked with students from Virginia Wesleyan to paint donated skateboard decks that he used to create ”Skate Trees” that provide shade at the park. The community was invited to a paint the deck party and Chris bolted their painted decks onto sweeping steel tubes to create benches that resemble giant leaves. Eventually the boards warped and have since been replace with metal.
In 2013 at MacArthur Square we installed MetalMatisse by Electroland.
Metalmatisse is an interactive, stainless-steel, light and sound sculpture designed to complement the formal European landscape of MacArthur Square. The goal was to activate the central downtown square with art, interactivity, light and sound. Visitors can activate lights and sounds in 14 locations by standing in view of an aimed sensor inside of each flower. A vase and bouquet are loosely adapted from paintings of flowers by French artist Henri Matisse with a distinctly modern statement of scale and exuberance. Periodically the entire sculpture comes to life in an orchestrated chorus of light.
In 2015 in the NEON District on Granby St., we installed Cementiscope by Glassatorium
The goal of this project was to symbolize creativity and energy and connect with the community in a fun, lively interactive way. A cement drum encases a fully functioning kaleidoscope, one of the oldest science toys over 200 years old. As the kaleidoscope turns, colorful glass appeared to tumble via reflective mirrors but only the glass within close proximity to the mirrors is reflected allowing viewers to see Norfolk in a whole new way. As viewers rotate the drum via a manual crank, colorful shape combinations are enhanced by integrated LED lights.
In 2016 we commissioned Clayton Singleton to work with Teens With a Purpose to create Garden of Dreams on E. Olney Rd.
Garden of Dreams consists of 3 double sided aluminum murals that serve as wayfinding to signal passerby’s that nearby is a safe place to gather where creativity flows, and all are welcome. The Norfolk Arts and Teens With a Purpose partnership created a platform that empowered young people to use their voice, creativity, reflection and actions to affect personal growth, transform lives and impact communities.
Clayton hopes viewers will “reflect the inherent strength within each of us and be inspired to develop self-abilities.”
In 2016 at the Norfolk Botanical Garden on Azalea Garden Rd., we dedicated Intertwine by Ilana Spector and Mark Grieve.
Intertwine is a 20′ tall stainless steel sculpture comprised of three entwined common garden forms arranged in a contemporary, joyous composition. A familiar common tool shape ties together the many themes of Norfolk Botanical Garden – the seasons, botany, community, pruning, planting and a connection to the land, history, and men and women of the WPA. Organic forms connect in an illogical order harmonizing the garden site creating a conceptual intersection related to the man-made & natural rhythms of the garden. The dedication event occurred May 19, 2016, prior to the 8th Annual Garden Heritage Celebration at the WPA Memorial honoring 220 African-American women & men who planted the Garden more than 75 years ago through the Works Progress Administration.
In 2017 on the Fountain Park Garage on Bank St., we installed
Fathoms of Freedom celebrates 100 years, Naval Station Norfolk. Local artist Christopher Kozak worked as lead artist over the summer with 5 students to create the nearly 40’ tall mural. Columbia, the female personification of the United States and liberty appears holding the North Star with the Little Dipper just above. The stars are backlit with LED’s at night. Sailors, ships, submarines and Navy symbols collaged at her feet pay tribute to the naval and seafaring history of Norfolk, VA.
In 2017 we installed Ascension to a Higher State of Being by Ayokunle Odeleye.
The 30 ft. stainless steel sculpture signals a gateway, transition and connector to downtown. 4 separate concrete sculptures house metal plates with text selected by the community. The project celebrates the rich history and reflects the diversity of the cultural heritage of Church Street welcoming everyone to a place of inclusion.
In 2018 we hired lead artist Cassandra Akers to create Good Fortune Garage. with students of the Emerging Leaders program. Together they stenciled 617 fortunes on each parking space in the Freemason Street Garage. Each parking space representing positive messages to bring awareness to the Norfolk Pagoda. The light-rail and summer projects gave us the opportunity to teach local artists to manage a budget, a team of assistants and conquer installation issues.
In 2018 at the Ocean View Elementary School, we installed Birds of Every Feather by Mark Archambault.
The public art school committee selected Asheville Stone Mason Mark Archambault of Hammerhead Stoneworks to complete 5 projects for 5 new schools in Norfolk, Virginia. This additional mosaic was commissioned by the public art program to replace an aged Robert Wyland mural and the only one that appears on the exterior and can be seen by all. “Birds of Every Feather” depicts an old oak tree that once stood in front of the school. Birds represent the beauty of the natural world and diversity. Marc chose birds commonly seen in Norfolk such as blue jays, mourning doves and some that you may rarely see like kestrels and whip-poor-wills.
In 2021 on Norview Ave. near the entrance to the Norfolk International Airport, we installed Navigator by Don Kennell.
The Public Art Planning Committee selected Don Kennell to design and create artwork that “signals Norfolk as a friendly and welcoming city. The site-specific artwork was to creatively stimulate thought and conversation, be relevant to Norfolk, and create a sense of arrival, originality and momentarily relieve the stresses of air travel.”
“Navigator”, a monumental 24ft. tall, 44 ft. wide blue heron created from decommissioned aircraft with structural elements of steel and handblown glass eyes arrived June 3, on two semi-trucks. The sculpture celebrates the miracle of flight and Norfolk, Virginia – a place blue herons call home. Don states, “People coming and going at the airport get inside aluminum birds every day. “Navigator” serves as an open-armed welcome and a good luck farewell to those travelers and everyone coming and going. We are all on a journey somewhere including the herons and wildlife that call Hampton Roads home.”
In 2021 we installed Chryshellis by Eileen Gay at Ocean View Beach Park. This was our 2nd public art private partnership match project. Enjoy this WAVY interview with the artist.
Through a private partnership match, the OV Coastal VA Plein Air Public Art planning committee selected Eileen Gay to create a mosaic sculpture that represents the authentic, salty integrity of OV. The artwork directly engages visitors, instilling passion and excitement and highlights Ocean View’s uniqueness, natural beauty and great beaches. The 8ft sculpture with a curved oyster shell-like exterior encases an interior porcelain and glass tile sunrise mosaic. It is contemporary, forward-thinking and embodies the meaning and history of the area. Surprise elements include stones inscribed with inspiring words chosen by the public art planning committee. Eileen also incorporated a Geocoin.
In 2021 we installed Release the Kracken by local artist Larry Bage.
The Elizabeth River Trail Chelsea Public Art committee selected Norfolk artist Bage to create an artwork that speaks to the progressive, creative vibe of Chelsea to serve as a gateway, or point of transition between the trail and the neighborhood. The 10ft. legendary cephalopod-like sea monster sculpture is constructed of a recycled buoy with bowling balls for eyes. A school of fish created of stainless steel encircles the sculpture. Bikes and other commonly seen items along the recreational trail appear as captured prey.
In 2023 we installed End of Massive Resistance by Shane Albritton on W. Charlotte St.
Shane Albritton , Norman Lee / 04.27.2023 / Sculpture
The City of Norfolk commissioned Texas based public artist team, RE-site, Shane Albritton and Norman Lee, to create “End of Massive Resistance”, to honor the voices of those who struggled for justice, freedom and human dignity during this time. An 8’ tall x 57’ long wall with a graded transformation of brick to glass explores the concept of breaking down the barrier of a school building wall and the beginning of an end to segregated education. A historic photographic timeline of events and text includes “Seventeen Ways” a poem local Norfolk, VA poet and former Poet Laureate of Virginia, Tim Seibles collaborated with surviving members of ‘The Norfolk 17’ to write. Opaque bricks near the end of the wall, gesture towards the ongoing work of creating equitable schools. Enjoy this WAVY Article.
In 2024 we installed Family Vespa Riders by Gillie and Marc in Ocean View.
Creating some of the world’s most innovative public sculptures, the work of Gillie and Marc spreads messages of love, equality, and conservation around the world. Their highly coveted sculptures and paintings can be seen in art galleries and public sites in over 250 cities. The artists are best known for their beloved characters, Rabbitwoman and Dogman, who tell the autobiographical tale of two opposites coming together to become best friends and soul mates. As unlikely animal kingdom companions, the Rabbit and the Dog stand for diversity and acceptance through love.
In 2026 we installed Moon Gate by Jim Gallucci at Fire-Rescue Station 11.
Gallucci was challenged to create inspiring, engaging, forward-thinking art that makes a strong statement and lives up to the quality of the building design. It is hoped that the artwork stimulates thought and serves as an example of creativity, adventure, and is embraced by a younger generation and tells the story of this safe, resilient neighborhood. The project is large enough to be seen by vehicular traffic but can also enjoyed by pedestrians both during the day and at night.
A collection of Articles and Interviews from the past:
2008
Quotes from the article:
“When you’re successful, public art builds civic pride in a very, very positive way,” said Robert Wojtowicz, an Old Dominion University art history professor and a member of the city’s Public Art Commission.
“It’s what you travel to see – arts and culture,” Karen Rudd said. “It’s why people want to go to Paris and Italy. It’s the spirit of the city.
“Through artists, Norfolk can help understand who it is,” she said.
The city’s setting as a historic port town presents ample inspiration, she said, as does “the water, and how the water meets the land, and how air turns to water on the skin.”
2015: Enjoy an Art Crawl with Karen Rudd
2013 Interactive-Public Art For Everyone featuring the Norfolk Public Art Program
2014: 13 News now finds Norfolk, VA is the top spender when it comes to public art.
Tips from the Experts with Norfolk Arts
Quotes from the article:
“An artist should make good artwork, first and foremost,” said Karen Rudd, longtime head of the City of Norfolk’s public art program.
That quality needs to come through in the portfolio images shared.
Norfolk’s manager of cultural affairs discusses her job
Karen Rudd and Arts Manager Debra Burrell talk art
Karen Rudd and artist Dee Dee Morrison talk about her project for the Elizabeth River Trail at the Larchmont Library.
Where we were at 10years:
67 new public art projects
79 artists employed (49) local
698 Billion dollars added to the economy through production of arts and culture
300,000 opportunities for people to see public art in Norfolk every day
174 Norfolk citizens who directly helped select public art
375 Approximate number of municipalities with pubic art programs
55,000,000 Average number of viewers who experience public art firsthand every day for free (approx. 1,000 times the audience experience art galleries, museums and theatres combined)
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