A painted pumpkin here. A handmade quilt there. A camera capturing the changing landscape. Music drifting through a neighborhood gathering.
Lately, creativity has been showing up in all sorts of places at Chickahominy Falls.
It makes sense in a community where residents have the time, and plenty of encouragement, to follow the interests they’ve carried with them for years or discover entirely new ones. This fall, those interests have filled workshops and gathering spaces, made their way to a Richmond gallery and brought neighbors together over everything from quilting to wreath-making.
And on October 3, much of that creativity will come together for the Chickahominy Falls Art Guild Walk.
Mark Your Calendar for the Chickahominy Falls Art Guild Walk
On October 3, the creativity of Chickahominy Falls residents will take center stage during the Chickahominy Falls Art Guild Walk.
Thirteen resident artists will share work spanning an impressive range of media, including drawing, painting, photography, textile art, jewelry, fused glass, stained glass, ceramics and graphic design.
Come hungry, too. Con Salsa food truck will be onsite from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., making it easy to turn an afternoon of art into a leisurely lunch and a chance to spend some time with neighbors.
But while the Art Guild Walk gives residents a wonderful reason to gather, the story behind it may be even better.
Creativity Has Found a Home Here
The Chickahominy Falls Art Guild gives people a place to explore an interest, share something they know or perhaps try something entirely new.
Recently, Art Guild members joined members of the Chickahominy Falls Quilt Club for a presentation on quilting as an art form with Richmond-based fiber artist and quilter Karen Middleton. The community’s Paint & Play gatherings have put a seasonal spin on creativity, with residents painting pumpkins and gourds. Over at the Crafters Club, a recent project had everyone learning to create double-poof mesh wreaths.
And the creativity happening here reaches well beyond the neighborhood. Work from Chickahominy Falls Art Guild members is on exhibit at Richmond’s Crossroads Art Center during September and October.
Not bad for a neighborhood club.
Artists, Musicians, Photographers and Neighbors
Of course, not every creative pursuit requires a paintbrush.
Resident photographers have a way of capturing the moments that make life here memorable from the farm in a particular season, wildlife along the trails, neighbors gathered for an event. Resident musicians bring their own talents to community gatherings.
That’s part of what makes the arts at Chickahominy Falls so interesting. Creativity here isn’t confined to a studio or scheduled for one afternoon. It has become another way residents connect with one another.
One person knows how to quilt. Another has an eye for photography. Someone else makes jewelry, paints or plays music. Put them together, give them the time to pursue what interests them, and something wonderful tends to happen: hobbies become friendships, talents are shared and new interests have room to grow.
More Time for What Inspires You
Perhaps that’s one of the most appealing things about 55+ living at Chickahominy Falls.
This chapter of life can come with a little more freedom to return to the things you’ve always loved, or finally explore the things you’ve always wondered about.
At Chickahominy Falls, Virginia’s first and only 55+ agrihood, that philosophy extends throughout the community. Life here is rooted in Woodside Farms and the natural beauty of the land, but it’s also shaped by the people who call it home and everything they bring with them.
Artists. Gardeners. Musicians. Makers. Photographers. Cooks. Lifelong learners.
You don’t have to arrive with a particular talent. Curiosity will do just fine.
And if you’re curious about the creative life taking shape here, the Chickahominy Falls Art Guild Walk on October 3 is a lovely place to start.
Discover 55+ living at Chickahominy Falls in Hanover County, Virginia, and see what life looks like when there’s more time for the things that inspire you.
What is Chickahominy Falls?
Chickahominy Falls is a 55+ agrihood in Hanover County, Virginia, near Richmond. Built around Woodside Farms, the community brings together low-maintenance living, fresh food, nature, wellness and an active social life in a setting designed for adults 55 and better.
What kinds of clubs and activities are available at Chickahominy Falls?
Residents can choose from a wide variety of clubs, classes, social gatherings and shared interests. Creative opportunities include the Chickahominy Falls Art Guild, Quilt Club and Crafters Club, along with activities such as painting, photography, music and seasonal workshops. There are also opportunities centered around fitness, the outdoors, food, gardening and lifelong learning.
What is the Chickahominy Falls Art Guild Walk?
The Chickahominy Falls Art Guild Walk is an opportunity to discover the talents of artists within the community. This year’s October 3 event will feature 13 resident artists working in media ranging from painting and photography to textiles, jewelry, ceramics, fused and stained glass, drawing and graphic design.
Do I need to be an artist to enjoy the creative community at Chickahominy Falls?
Not at all. One of the pleasures of life at Chickahominy Falls is having the freedom to return to an old interest or try something you’ve never done before. Whether you come with years of experience or simply a little curiosity, there are plenty of ways to learn, participate and enjoy the talents of your neighbors.