Closing out Summer 2025 with two of my favorite Richmond Art events:

Bling It Out 5 at Iridian Gallery: Friday, August 8 - Friday, August 22

Everyone’s favorite upcycled art exhibition and auction is back. 30+ artists have been tasked with finding items in Diversity Thrift and transforming them into works of art to auction off in support of gallery programming. Opening is August 8 at 7pm and the closing event is August 22 from 6-9pm. Bidding opens on the 8th and ends at 8:30pm on the 22nd. All proceeds benefit Iridian, the only LGBTQ+ gallery in the South.

Monster Drawing Rally 16 at 1708 Gallery: Saturday, August 23

Get ready for 80 artists across four one-hour shifts creating new artworks in front of a live audience. Once an artist completes an artwork, it is hung on the wall for viewing and purchase. Each completed artwork is offered at a set price of $100.

Shift 2: (1:25-2:25) Michael A. Pierce, Jamie Douglas, Jonathan Lee, Luz, P. Muzi Branch, Katie McBride, Harrison Moenich, Michael-Birch Pierce, Tom Condon, Grieg Leach, Mark Pehanich, Dolly Holmes, Franchell Mack Brown, Emily Herr, Kathleen Kennedy, Nico Cathcart, Eric Collins aka Oobust, Mark J. Trezise, Sam Skrimpz, and Garth Fry

Hope to see you out in RVA this month!