What’s Booming RVA: Art That Nurtures Nature

By Annie Tobey | July 17th, 2025

Boomer’s top picks for the week ahead


Mountain laurels blooming along the Blue Ridge. By Dan Mouer. For What's Booming: Art that nurtures nature

Four art exhibition openings, including a special collection from Appalachian Voices. Plus 100+ Duke’s & tomato specials, an exhibition on Asian Americans in RVA, a mini-bluegrass festival, and entertaining storytellers. “What’s Booming RVA: Art That Nurtures Nature.”


Exhibitions and Opening: “Environment at Risk” + 3 Others

Paintings, drawings, collage, sculpture, photography and fiber art from over 35 contemporary regional artists. Art inspired by the natural world, highlighting the impacts from environmental threats to local communities and ecosystems. Exhibition through Sept. 14. Three other exhibitions also opening that evening: “Vibrant Visions,” blending electric color and exciting subjects; “A Moment in Time,” preserving memories with photography; and the Virginia Glass Guild Membership Exhibit of works of glass art. PHOTO CAPTION, TOP: Blue Ridge Mountain Laurel by Dan Mouer.

FREE. July 17, 6 to 8 p.m., at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen. 

AppVoices.org 
ArtsGlenAllen.com 

“Generations: Stories of Asian Americans in Richmond” Opening Celebration

Richmond’s Asian American communities are one of the region’s most quickly growing populations. In partnership with the Asian American Society of Central Virginia and the 1882 Foundation, “Generations” shares stories of personal experience and cultural identity: how people found their way here and how they are now an integral part of our local community. July 17 to May 25, 2026. Celebrate the opening of a exhibition with cultural performances, kids’ crafts, food trucks, and museum admission.

FREE. July 20, noon to 4 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.

TheValentine.org – event and exhibition

Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer

More than 100 Richmond restaurants and markets have created special tomato and mayonnaise dishes. Browse the restaurants with their specials on the website and try to decide where to go. Get ’em while they’re hot!

July 17 to 27 at venues around the Richmond region.

HotTomatoSummer.com 

Pocahontas Premieres: Mini Bluegrass Festival

Regional musicians include Josh Grigsby and County Line, Tara Mills Band, Hickory Ridge Bluegrass Band, and Hammaville.

July 19, 6 to 10 p.m., at Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield.

DCR.Virginia.gov

Andy Offutt Irwin and Friends – A Full Evening of Storytelling

One of the most sought-after performing storytellers in the United States, with a silly putty voice, hilarious heart-filled stories, and amazing mouth noises – mischievous schoolboy, the Marx Brothers, and Southern balladeer. Joined by storytellers Darci Tucker and Gayle Turner.

July 23, 7 p.m., at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.

ArtsGlenAllen.com 

Check websites for more details, including prices and registration requirements.


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