VCU news

In the past couple of weeks, freestanding doors have been popping up all over Richmond. At first glance they may appear to lead nowhere, but for the Virginia Commonwealth University community they could lead to free indoor cycling sessions.

The creators of Find Art Doors, a public art installation and quest, issued a special challenge to the VCU community: During the UCI bike races Sept. 19-27, wear VCU gear or colors, find the doors, take selfies with the doors and post to Instagram. Whoever posts the most Ram-centric selfies with the doors will win a five-class package for Boho Cycle Studio in the Museum District.

The art doors bring awareness of the missions of Virginia Supportive Housing and Art on Wheels. Professional and amateur artists, including several VCU alumni and students, participated.

The Richmond Flying Squirrels asked sculpture major Lindsay Parnell, daughter of Todd Parnell, the team’s COO, to design the door at The Diamond.

It provides a great opportunity for people to explore Richmond by going to each venue or organization that has a door on display.

“I was super-stoked about the mission of the project,” she said. “I also liked the idea of my work being exhibited outside of the ballpark since I practically grew up in that setting. Virginia Supportive Housing and Art on Wheels are both amazing organizations in our community so it was a no-brainer to want to be a part of this. I also think it provides a great opportunity for people to explore Richmond by going to each venue or organization that has a door on display. The doors are now installed at museums, parks, historic sites and other landmarks around Richmond.”

Parnell’s door is a simple illustration of a pitcher surrounded by abstract designs in Squirrels-themed colors. Some have referred to it as “the door to the majors,” which she calls a fair assessment.

“I have constantly been inspired by the work ethic that surrounds minor league baseball,” Parnell said. “From the franchise side of it, I have watched my dad, who is the hardest worker I've ever met, and, from the player and coaching staff standpoint, I have many FUncles — Fake Uncles — that I've grown up around and looked up to my entire life. This piece is sort of an homage to them.”

Alumnus and Robertson School of Media and Culture professor Bizhan Khodabandeh’s door can be found in Monroe Park. It features a silhouette of a cowboy holding a paintbrush with zigzag patterning in the back. The idea was to design a template that would be simple, but fun for the volunteers to paint, he said.

Find Art Doors runs through Oct. 11. While the VCU contest ends Sept. 27, the university community can keep finding doors along with the general public for a shot at other prizes such as brunch at The Jefferson, dining at the Tobacco Company and a night at a Richmond Marriott Hotel.

The doors will be auctioned Oct. 24.

For more information and to vote for the best door, visit www.findartdoorsrva.org.

 

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