In the blur of everyday life, we sometimes miss what happens all around us.
And what about the places we never visit?
John Moeser is a retired professor of urban studies at Virginia Commonwealth University who is now a visiting fellow at the University of Richmond’s Center for Civic Engagement. He posits that our days consist of well-worn paths we trace and re-trace. At VCU, he often asked his students to plot on a map the places they drive — to work, to school, to shop, to go out.
Try it sometime. You might be amazed at the tiny realm of Richmond you truly inhabit. How often do your car’s tires touch different pavement? When’s the last time you went somewhere new?
Every week, Style Weekly’s editorial team tries to help readers better know Richmond through its people. We explore new places and new ideas. Led by Art Director Jeffrey Bland, our photojournalists — Scott Elmquist and Stephen Salpukas — are challenged to help tell those stories visually.
Five months ago, we gave them another challenge: Find the Richmond that some of us never see — either because we never go there or because we give it only a passing glance. They struck out to discover Hidden Richmond.
What they found will be on exhibit through the month of May at Rentz Gallery. Here is an excerpt of the show, which opens May 5. — Jason Roop
Click here to view Hidden Richmond pdf.
