Get Your Hustle Up, Get This Art Out
Theres definitely common traits that come forth when asked to describe someone who decides to work in creative arts: free-willed, independent, inspired. But if you had to ask about creative entrepreneurs in Hampton Roads, specifically those who have decided to open cultural brick-and-mortar locations, you’ll likely get a whole set of additional traits. Resilient, resourceful, even the word refusing comes to mind. You have to understand we come from a market that is currently trying to establish itself. In addition to factors such as lack of diverse economies, outdated government practices and alarming rates of violence, Tidewater has an infrastructure problem.
We have seen the failed attempts of quasi public-private developments such as Norfolk’s Waterside Regeneration strategy from the 80’s throughout the 2000’s. Maybe not failed in the sense that downtown has revitalized, but how many local artists are included within programming and events?
Our local scene literally has a need for BUILDINGS that are able AND ALLOWED to house creative arts activity. Norfolk city has an established business practice of denying permit applications to businesses that plan to “lease, let, or use the establishment or any portions by any third party to stage an event for profit. No outside promoter shall be permitted to use, operate, rent, or host any event on the premises”. Now this is just a single example of what we face when speaking of uplifting artists careers and the creative professionals alongside them.
But there is hope in store. A few good individuals have been putting in work and campaigning hard to provide physical space. Lets take a quick minute to highlight three owners and establishments we feel are at the forefront of pushing creative arts in Hampton Roads.
Community
Utopia Feni
Location: 1314 Kempsville Rd Virginia Beach
Owner: Raeesah Islam
Community is the word that strikes me when I think of Utopia Feni. The story of this movement speaks to the transient nature of defining what community is; whether family, friend or stranger. Owner Raeesah Islam started this non-profit / lifestyle brand in 2015 with an outward goal of supporting both local artists while “spreading arts to more under privileged areas of the world”. See most of us might think of Utopia Feni as just tied to Hampton Roads but there is a deeper meaning here. As a first generation American, Raeesah’s family ties go back to Nizkunjara village in Feni, Bangladesh, a place she describes as “impoverished with dirt roads and metal wells for drinking water”. This same village is where Raeesah was inspired to create the Utopia Feni Arts Program in 2017, which “seeks to influence social change and individuality in the village” through “creative arts outlets for untapped creatives”.
Having attended both the Governors School for Arts in Norfolk and the London College of Fashion in the UK, Raeesah has honed her creative skillset and tastes into a movement that serves both us and others. This is a powerful statement. She also serves as a commissioner for the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission, which speaks to her desire to step forward and become a voice for creatives and their activities. So community; finding your passion and figuring ways to bring people together. Some will step forth as leaders in this right, which I think we all can agree Raeesah has done.
So next time you are out Virginia Beach and are looking for something to do….check out Utopia Feni. Super diverse crowd, you never know what you will find. And if you are a creative, especially within the areas of visual, performing or experiential, hit Raeesah up. Warm personality and always willing to see what ideas can be brought to light.
Inspiration
Art House Noir
Location: 601 Dinwiddie St, Portsmouth
Owner: Ashley Rae McNeil
Art House Noir. Community was a word that resonates with the thought of this place, but inspiration seems more fitting. See the interesting part is that Art House Noir is that source of inspiration you never knew you needed. The type that comes about only through those serendipitous moments; a friend saying “lets go here” or that random find on IG. But forreal…..IF YOU KNOW…..YOU KNOW…..
Owner and artist Ashley Rae Mcneil has been making some serious noise on the Portsmouth side for more than just creative arts. One of the interesting anecdotes about this discussion is understanding there is a new movement within the arts, hospitality and entertainment markets. Within recent years we have seen the rise of quasi commercial-residential spaces, usually stylized as “private members clubs”. Examples of these populate various sections of the globe from Soho Houses in Turkey, Miami or Hong Kong, to The Core social club in NYC / Milan or The Hurlingham Club in London.
Now i’m sure a debate can be had but Art House Noir is the first space I can remember really bringing this vibe to the 757. The social circles who may identify as the “creatives” of the local scene really have had marginalized options when it comes to nightlife activities. I say this in a sense that most night options for the art and creative scene take form in events such as festivals, concerts, gallery showings, etc. So when you have someone like Ashley who is willing to go through all the hardships and roadblocks of establishing a physical space where all such activities can be held, consistently on a regular basis, in the same place…..now you have to tip your hat. But this is a place where so much more is happening. Ashley and the team are super active in the community. From their “Huey Sundays” series offering necessities such as free clothing and breakfast, their efforts providing COVID resources during the pandemic, to their curation of the street Art Market for creatives to sell works within the greater Portsmouth City Farmers Market. Like literally they are pushing boundaries for the cause over on Dinwiddie; Ashley can tell you about the time the team had a refrigerator outside of the space providing free food to the homeless and less fortunate, regrettably shut down by the city soon after.
So I think the important thing to learn with this story is at some point you JUST HAVE TO GO FOR IT. Like if you aren’t getting out some art or some product; if you aren’t producing whatever it is you claim to be or “are”…….then what are we talking about? A lot of the setbacks and interference are just static; noise that’s designed to distract you from your real purpose. The attitudes and opinions of others cant stray you from the path. Not everyone’s meant for the journey. But if you really stick to your script and focus on crafting that…you’ll find a tribe that will embrace and support you. Because that’s what Ashley has done in my opinion. The kids over at Art House know who they are, they’re unapologetic and I love that. Its the reason you can walk in on anything from a charity brunch or elegant art showing to erotic paint nights, spoken word or full on party’s. Definitely a MUST stop by whenever you have a free evening in Portsmouth.
Elevation
Contemporary Arts Network
Location: 9601 Warwick Blvd, Newport News
Owner: Asa Jackson
This last one took a minute to conceive. Honestly I’ve only been to Contemporary Arts Network twice. And the moving part is that this portion is really more about symbolism; someone becoming a representation or vessel for others to visualize pathways. Asa Jackson is a visual artist and curator from Newport News. These are two of the more humble titles this man may claim, amongst others are President of the Contemporary Arts Network Non-Profit Foundation or commissioner for Virginia State Commission for the Arts. While the CAN itself has an outward mission of "empowering artists, patrons and the community” through “integrated education programs, collection building, publications and exhibitions”, Asa has transcended this mission and his various titles. That’s why elevation is the word I have to pen when speaking of Asa and the Contemporary Arts Network.
I’m just going to give it to you straight up. Fair warning this is definitely a bias opinion. I’m a black male in America. If you read my prior article “I Guess We Can Start Here” you know I lost my mother at 2 and never knew my father. Rarely had anyone tell me not that “it was okay to dream” but moreso that it was “okay to dream” how I wanted to. One of the silent killers for my demographic is representation. Coming up I rarely was able to hands-on SEE individuals who I wanted to grow up and be like. I mean of course there’s merit to be found in your average doctor, lawyer, even shipyard worker. But that was never MY version of cool.
See we always wanted to redefine what it meant to be accepted in society and the “workplace”. Cubicle offices with your stereotypical hierachy of caucasian-male management wasn’t meant for us. We always wanted to dress in OUR style, speak in OUR dialect and work with others who shared the same culture and preferences. But coming from the neighborhoods and spots we were raised in…I promise you it was way too easy to find a local hustler or drug dealer for game. The lost leading the lost.
But if you understand the position Asa is in, what he is able to pull off and the journey he has taken to get there; you realize there is hope for the lost and overlooked. Not that sense of hope that comes from large-organizational fundraisers or girl-scout cookie drives. But that REAL sense of “there are people out here who identify, reflect and can get to these youth”. The type of person who runs with an aura around them, as testified by myself and a few close friends who identify Asa as a mentor in the creative arts game. To the youth and creative professionals who are chasing dreams you have to understand this means everything. Its difficult to advance or thrive in situations where you feel ostracized, marginalized and misunderstood.
My recommendations for visting the Contemporary Arts Network may differ slightly. DEFINITELY check out their calendar for the host of events they have, from artist exhibitions, performances and others. But I really am calling out to all the creatives who really want to bolster and professionally advance their career. Out of the years I’ve been in the entertainment / creative market in the 757, Asa has presented the most solid game plan that speaks towards sustainability and feasibility. Thats why this section is called elevation as well, because CAN is a place that really speaks to creatives who are at a certain point in their career. Like I stated before, you definitely should drop by for everything else the organization has going on. But when you see their moves such as alliances with city arts initiatives or their development of DAO-style creative professional networking platforms, you’ll understand why I say this space is where growth and development are seriously being pushed.
So thats it….for now. I threw you a couple gems, introduced you to a few faces that are really making things shake out here. The next step is for you to hop off this device and go pull up in real life. Might catch me there. But if not you will def meet some great people and discover something new along the way.
~ Ill Philz
