Artwork at The Loop
- Artist: Multiple Artists
- Material Used: Various Materials
- Location: Rudee Loop
According to Wikipedia, “Placemaking is a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design, and management of public spaces. Placemaking capitalizes on a local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential to create public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness, and well-being.” Placemaking gives the potential for art in the community to act as an economic anchor. When we work to redevelop places, we invest in design to enhance the experience, but it can also create jobs for people in the neighborhood.
Examples of successful placemaking are all around us. For example, the heart of the Rudee Loop was transformed from an unsightly slab, from a hotel that no longer exists, to a community space that features landscaping in grassy areas perfect for picnics, access for food trucks, a multi-purpose game court and four public art installations, which you can learn more about below.
Images are in the order of their descriptions below.
“Seashore Cathedral” by Giuseppe Percivati aka Pepe Gaka, is a series of murals that utilize a geometric style, giving the impression of stained glass. Each column features detailed vignettes that represent different aspects of the area that make Virginia Beach unique. We are proud to announce that Americans for the Arts Public Art Network (PAN) Year in Review recognized “Seashore Cathedral” as one of the 50 most compelling public artworks from across the country and beyond. Check out this video highlighting "Seashore Cathedral!"
“Tides of Change” by Lynda Andrews-Barry is a community-driven, eco-conscious installation that transforms plastic waste into an ocean-inspired sculpture. The installation celebrates marine conservation, inspires awareness of our shared environment, engages the community in sustainability and creativity, and acts as a call to action for marine ecosystem protection.
“Prismatic Play” by Aimee Bruce is a whimsical mural depicting crowds of octopuses enjoying beach activities. Aimee Bruce is the artist behind Princess Anne Recreation Center’s new mural, and the colorful stairway mural at Mount Trashmore, “Helping Hands,” all awarded through an online public vote. Check out this video highlighting the installation of "Prismatic Play!"
The Loop is also home to an interactive, multi-sport court, located at the heart of the area! The court is set up for basketball, street hockey, tennis, hopscotch, and shuffleboard, so make sure to bring your friends and family out to the loop and play to your heart's content.
