How leftover Canopy Tents and a Street Closure from Covid Social Distancing Measures during the time of quarantine led to the artist’s drawing, which became the cover of the Rebirth of 16 Blocks Magazine, and now printed outdoors and large-sized as the first installment Blacksburg Public Arts Committee’s destination project.
This composition aims to capture naturally occurring events and activities on Draper Pedestrian Block.
I used mixed media including conte crayons, washes of sanguine, and India ink with brush drawing.
The perspective is distorted to include more than the natural eye can see. The street sides are warped to showcase what one might experience on a casual stroll along the eclectic shops, cafes, along with the music from the piano under the tents.Sketching, drawing and photographing in the streets on random days and nights provided inspiration for content. Bicyclists, skateboarders, musicians, students, public yoga practitioners… a great intermingling of people.
All sandwiched between Coffeeholic’s and Bollos with public tables and benches, this block is our representation of Cafe Culture.
Café culture is a historic and worldwide tradition based in and around coffee shops which have always been a gathering place for those interested in intellectual discussion and engaging conversation which is fertile ground for artistic and creative exercise.
I see Draper Block as interactive; a place of incubation, inspiration, and collaboration.
Here’s the announcement from the Town of Blacksburg Public Arts Committee.
104 N Main St, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Rita Brame Creative Director
My journey as a Creative Director began as Editor for my high school yearbook at Radford High School. I graduated from Radford University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Painting, Cumme Laude.
I received a Master’s of Fine Arts from Winthrop University in Sculpture and was recipient of Winthrop Woman of Excellence Award.
I am a professional artist and work in many mediums, from oil paintings to graphic design to murals.
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