5.4

THE GREEN ISSUE | VOLUME 5 ISSUE 4

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APRIL 2013 5.04 EDITOR IN CHIEF Emily Eason MANAGING EDITOR Andy Tran COPY EDITOR William Lineberry FASHION EDITOR Isabella Althoff WEB EDITOR Cort Olsen

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Spring is creeping up on our lives slowly and there are many new changes occurring around Richmond and VCU to celebrate the up-coming warmer months. This issue is dedicated to the students and people of this urban beauty who are trying to give back and make this city more eco-friendly.

This “Green” movement is going to have a huge impact on our lives and our issue is here to give all the juicy details on how to help out and develop your very green thumb. It covers everything from VCU community engagement, revamped backpacks and even new innovations being created within the city. There are also pieces dedicated to our growing house show community and how some students devoted so much time to keep everyone dancing and having fun. Of course, don’t forget to check out our featured musicians, We Call This Courage and featured artist, Jacob Eveland.

On a more personal note, this is officially my last issue as INK’s executive editor and it has been an awesome ride to create this for all of you. Thank you so much for your support, your enthusiasm and ,as always, your immense interest in INK. We couldn’t have done this without our students and fans all across the city. I have learned a lot from this experience and hope everyone else has been enjoying this magazine as much as I have. Keep your eyes out for the upcoming issue that will be out in the fall!

DESIGNERS Ying Jun Cheng Sagal Hassan Miranda Leung Samantha Wittwer CONTRIBUTING STAFF Ella Pizoli, Danica Garner, Brandon Singletary, Alex Mitchell, Daniel Potes, Rachel Kiscaden, Anna Schervalcova, Cort Olsen, Pamela Gomez, Brittney Barbour, Audrey Mooney, Emily Eason, Jacob Eveland, Amanda Hitchcock, Jasmine Pendergrass COVER BY Anna Schervalcova ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Mike Rodriguez David Mistler

EMILY EASON

Executive Editor

TABLE OF CONTENTS CAMPUS LIFE

MCV Goes Green What Haute to Wear: Eco Fasion Make It Real Campaign on a Quest for Distinction

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES

This Must be the Place: Richmond’s House Show Community The Richmond Riverfront Plan Quickness RVA Open Source Space Flight Diversity’s Gift

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Something Scary and Political Nessar Backpacks Terrarium: Building a Micro World of Wonder Featured Artist: Jacob Eveland Featured Musicians: We Call This Courage

Reviews

Urban Farmhouse Book Review Chihuly Review

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IINK MAGAZINE and the STUDENT MEDIA CENTER OFFICES 817 W. Broad St. P.O. Box 842010 Richmond, Va. 23284 Phone: (804) 828-1058 Ink magazine is a student publication, published quarterly with the support of the Student Media Center To advertise with Ink, please contact our Advertising representatives at inkmagazineads@vcustudentmedia.com Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the VCU Student Media Center.

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by VCU Student Media Center, All rights reserved.

Printed locally

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CAMPUS LIFE

MCV GOES GREEN MCV Green Affairs is taking a step forward by teaching the Richmond community about their “Go Green Movement.” Faculty members and students from both academic and medical campuses are taking the initiative to participate in this movement. The principal objective is to educate the community on how vital recycling can be, as well as to provide the community with the resources to peruse VCU’s goal of gaining more participation concerning the “Go Green Movement.” The Spring Planting with Union Hill Garden Project and the VCU Community Garden has been organized to achieve the goals stated.

On February 23 and March 2, a group of Richmond community members, students, faculty and Union Hill residents came together to plant a garden in order to influence and inspire other community member to take part in the movement.

The garden was planted in two different locations.

The garden at 871 N. 22nd St. is currently filled with various types of trees, which include: apricots, apple, fig, peach, plum and pear trees. They have also planted 15 vivacious blueberry bushes.

These gardens are open to the public with hope to grow as the plants do. Union Hill Garden Project has been in session for three years now and has not stopped thriving. Everyone is welcome to participate in the project, so grab your shovel and gloves and be prepared to dig in.

The Union Hill Garden Project will not stop advocating for this very important issue in our community, and there is no reason for the people of Richmond to rest either. This issue is growing everyday—much like the gardens that have been planted. It is extremely vital for the people of Richmond to fight back. This is our home and we

should do everything in our power to protect the environment we live in.

The VCU Community Garden is now open for applications! Don’t let living in the city keep you from growing a little bit of home in your own backyard. This is the perfect place to grow your own fresh vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruits and much more. Plots range from small, medium and large. They can be purchased and rented for one semester or for an entire year. Prices range from $20 to $55. Donations and volunteers are always welcomed, please contact if interested: vcucommunitygarden@gmail.com.

BY ELLA PIZOLI PHOTOS BY AUDREY MOONEY

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WHAT HAUTE TO WEAR: ECO-FASHION According to the Soil Association, ecofashion is all clothing, fabrics and accessories that have been manufactured in an environmentally conscious way. The manufacturing of clothing has its greatest impact on the environment during the fabric production process. The use of pesticides when producing natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, affects the environment by causing damage to the ecosystem. Using chemicals to create synthetic fibers or treat natural fibers causes the emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

You can do your part to save the world through fashion. Support eco-fashion brands and shop at thrift or second hand stores to create new looks, while eliminating waste. Need inspiration on how to turn one man’s trash into a treasure? Come out to “Dress for Success Central Virginia’s What Haute to Wear Fashion Show” on May 16 at the Firehouse Theatre. For more information about the event, contact Jess Stevenson at jess.d.stevenson@gmail.com.

BY DANICA GARNER

Keep working out at the gyms you love all summer long.

CLASS OF 2013 You may use VCU Rec Sports facilities through August 31, 2013.

ALUMNI MEMBERSHIPS Available at a very reasonable cost.

Special discount for members of the VCU or MCV Alumni Association.

We offer a full roster of summer activities: Outdoor Adventure Program trips and rentals, Intramural Sports, Free Group Exercise Classes, Aquatics programs and more.

Cary Street Gym 804.827.1100 MCV Campus Recreation & Aquatic Center 804.828.6100 2

804.827.1100

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As part of the VCU “Make It Real” campaign on our Quest for Distinction, becoming a national model for community engagement and regional impact is a high priority. Under VCU Division of Community Engagement, many programs and service learning opportunities are available to students looking to make an impact in the community. Established in 2006, the division was created after the university realized that community engagement was an important idea.

“We strive to improve the human condition and support the public good at home and abroad,” Catherine Howard, vice provost for community engagement, said.

Innovative programs such as Carver Promise and the Mary and Frances Youth Center, provide mentoring, life skills and exposure to opportuni-

ties for self-improvement. “Carver Promise has helped hundreds of kids matriculate through middle and high school ready to graduate and go on to college or the work force,” Casey Rodgers, Carver Promise coordinator and VCU alumni, said. “Without the program they may not have known what they needed to do so.”

VCU has successfully executed events that bring community partners together for a common good. “Paint the Town Green” has been an event held under the Carver partnership, which brings people together to clean up the neighborhoods of Jackson Ward, the Fan, Oregon Hill, Randolph and Carver. In the Management 319 (Organization Behavior), students take on roles in the planning the execution of the entire event. “The service learning aspect makes them accountable on a daily basis,” Rodgers said.

Partnering with Central Food Bank, The Caring to Act program holds a food drive to in hopes of reaching the goal of raising over 50,000 pounds of food. Held from April 22-26, students and faculty are given the opportunity donate cans or volunteer time at the Food Bank location.

“It’s the university’s goal that once you leave here, students will know what it means to be engaged global citizens,” Howard said. With the opportunities that exist within the Office of Community Engagement, students are able to make this goal a reality.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRANDON SINGLETARY

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Is Richmond’s music scene growing up, or am I just now reaching an age old enough to notice it? I haven’t exactly been out of the loop and have been going to shows since my dad took me to see the Go-Go’s in sixth grade. Over the years, I’ve seen some real legends like Elvis Costello, Lou Reed and Neil Young. I’ve seen more than a handful of local acts perform across the city as well, but only just now has the house show scene started to come in to my radar, and I’m honestly shocked by its maturity.

VCU seems to be a huge part of the equation.

Suddenly, every year, there’s a whole new audience (and potentially, new participants) for the DIY (Do It Yourself) scene with the influx of new students. Those graduating from VCU leave a hole in the community that causes some to work on filling the void with their house, their bands and their friends.

Aaron Mauck holds house shows and new, unplugged “coffeehouses” at his house, “Cruickshanks Manor.” I went to the Cruickshanks Manor the other night, and was surprised by what I found. Performance artists ranged from classical piano (eliciting an encouraging call from the audience – “That’s my favorite nocturne!”), a drippy and crooning Nancy Sinatra-esque female act on ukulele, appearances made by both the jaw harp and the accordion and an acoustic cover of a Say Anything song which I could, embarrassingly, follow along with. It was diverse, and Aaron speaks of more to come from his house: “Anyone can hit us up and be like, ‘hey, I want to do stand-up,’ or ‘I want to do poetry.’ We’ve had slam poetry and I think people have talked about doing monologues and scenes.”

Aaron Throckmorton of “Babe Cave” house speaks of more maturity in the scene. “At Johnny Cave, [Aaron’s first house] it was all on me and it was my first time running shows. I had a different philosophy going into it. I was more like, ‘This place sucks anyway, let’s tear it up!’ But at Babe Cave we’re trying to keep it, like, nice, I guess.

People are into the music and not about getting f***ed up, ‘cause they’re trying to support local music, so that’s what [Babe Cave’s] focuses are.”

Avoiding flat out “partying” seems to be a theme throughout this growing community. Several of the people dedicated to the scene have done their research: “When you get busted, what happens is [the house owner] get[s] a charge for every single underage drinking charge, and those pile up to being a serving alcohol to minors charge and that’s what kills houses! If you’re having a

party and there are 100 people there and half of them are underage you’ll get multiple thousands of dollars in fines. So, that’s what kills house show venues,” states an anonymous source.

Aaron, of Cruickshanks Manor, reports a similar lean: “Just with our band the Banduras it starts off as like ‘Oh, there’s a show…let me go party,’ and then it’s like, ‘You know what, I’m actually kind of really excited to see them play again, that was kind of fun,’ and so you start to see people recognize the songs, and that’s such a weird thing because you kind of created that from nothing. That really came from actually nothing.

And so, you see that on a different scale with the actual houses…you start to see different houses have different personalities, different flavors, and that’s just unreal. I think we’re starting something here that’s like, ‘hey, we want people to be respectful, and conscientious, and aware, and fun, and open, and down to get weird.’”

The RVA show community isn’t just about creating a great environment for the audience; it’s also about the community of musicians. “Getting known among house show venues, it just makes it easier, it makes you more visible,” says a source who collects CDs and tapes from the bands that play at their house and gives them to other touring bands who pass through; so that the music can be distributed across the country and brought to a larger audience.

“Something that people spent a lot of time creating and working toward, it could be looked over in any other context. But people are respectful. They want to listen, they want to be a part of it, and that’s really sweet,” says Aaron of his experience at Cruickshanks Manor.

Musician, and occasional show runner, Joey DeMarco, just moved here from Pennsylvania “where you can play [three hours]; where you’re the background music in a bar and get paid like, $300 to do it. But here [Richmond] I’ve played like 15 shows since I moved here and not a single penny. But it doesn’t really matter. We’ve got spirit, damnit!”

You may have been unaware of this community - or maybe you weren’t, and I’m just late - but it’s kind of amazing that you could be unaware.

All of this goes on behind closed doors, on private property, for friends and friends of friends.

People care. They’re not just out to get trashed (it’s unreal and it defies the biggest college stereotype), people come to enjoy friends and music. But most importantly, “People dance,” says a source, “people don’t dance at venues very much.” Well, I know I definitely danced at that Go-Go’s concert.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALEXANDRA MITCHELL

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THE RICHMOND RIVERFRONT PLAN The James River has always been a central part of Richmond’s culture and youth, providing an escape into nature from the hectic city life. For years, the James has been underfunded and left to time, causing high pollution levels and a kind of general dirtiness. With an 830-acre project area, the Richmond Riverfront Plan offers to halt this negative build up and to reinvigorate both Richmond and the James River with both beauty and cultural power. Working as a foundation for the World Road Cycling Championships (Worlds), the Richmond Riverfront Plan will transform the already wonderful James River into a beautifully designed “great, wet Central Park.” With this awesome tourist attraction coming to fruition just in time for Worlds, which is the second biggest bike race other than the Tour de France, there is no telling how much good this renovation will do for the city of Richmond.

Instead of just taking all the good land around the James River and developing it into expensive high rise apartments, the City of Richmond is using a combination of green spaces, better foot paths and general infrastructural developments to harness the Richmond’s most powerful “green” resource and create a nature filled center to our “hip” city. As a huge fan of both Richmond and the James River, I am very excited to see what effects these wonderful changes will have on our great river city. From a city not known for its environmental standards, this game-changing plan will have almost exclusively positive impacts on our city life and especially our river life.

BY DANIEL POTES

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QUICKNESS RVA

If you are a country bumpkin like me, then the concept of bike delivery may be an intriguing one. One business that provides this service to Richmond is Quickness RVA, a bike delivery service located around the VCU area. The way it works is simply place an order at any of the restaurants that work with Quickness and a cute boy

on a bike shows up with your order.

Quickness RVA started in June 2010 with delivery service for Strange Matter. Some other great spots they work with are Lamplighter Roasting Company, Cous Cous, Alamo BBQ and Fresca on Addison. The full list of restaurants, along with menus for each, can be viewed on their website.

Quickness RVA is owned and operated by New York native Frank Bucalo, who was thrilled to answer a few questions for us.

Who is behind the company?

The company is owned solely by me; however, I have had the strong support of two of my riders that have been with Quickness from the beginning. Also, my friend Mike Gogniat, who is the brains behind the logo, has been a huge help with design work from the get-go.

What are your future goals for the company?

We would like to expand beyond the area we currently service and start doing more than food.

For example, we keep getting asked to deliver for Video Fan. We’d love to deliver for a local grocery store like Ellwood Thompson or the new food coop that will be opening up. We would also like to help out small local businesses like PJ Pets, which now have to compete with a PetSmart on the next block. We’d also like to help out local business owners with running specific errands around town so that they can focus on their own stuff.

For example, bank runs, post office runs, ran out of tomatoes in the middle of lunch at your restaurant, etc.

What is your mission statement?

To provide affordable and sustainable delivery options to the Richmond community.

How many people do you have working for you?

Currently, Quickness RVA has seven highlyskilled contractors. Some have only been with us a few months, others a few years. Three others and I work full-time and the rest are part-time.

Do you have a main place you operate around?

We have a space in the Fan that we run things out of. It’s rented from a community print shop on Main Street called Studio 23. We have been renting space from them for about two years already and they are great! Always something going on there and we are constantly meeting creative and inspiring people there.

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BY RACHEL KISCADEN PHOTOS BY ANNA SCHERBAKCOVA

What gave you the idea for this company?

The idea stemmed from me feeling under the weather and wanting to get some food delivered.

As much as I love both pizza and Chinese food, it’s not what I wanted at that particular time and I questioned as to why I couldn’t get something from one of the many awesome Richmond restaurants, at which I enjoyed. So that got the gears rolling and then from there I just started approaching the local restaurants that I love!

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Y PL P Y A DA O T

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richmondstudenthousing.com APRIL 2013 INK Vol 5.4_ML 2.indd 9

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CONTEMPORARY ISSUES

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I don’t know a single person, of any age, that hasn’t at some point or another dreamt of going to space, or being an astronaut. However, to date only about 600 people have ever been in space and almost exclusively those that went had government funding and a powerful space program behind them. Well, times have changed, people everywhere are starting a worldwide trend of privately run space programs and open source space technology. With the dawning of 3-D printing and other revolutionizing manufacturing techniques, we are getting closer and closer to private sector open source space tourism.

One of the first groups to start their own privately run space program, Copenhagen Suborbitals has a simple yet difficult mission, “We decided just to begin and to make this endeavor an open source and non-profit project.” By using donations and sponsors, Copenhagen Suborbitals has funded several dummy spaceflights and are working hard on their goal for sub orbital passenger spaceflights. If they succeed, the very idea of space will be greatly altered and a new frontier will be opened.

Another important group in the growth of Open Source space hardware is the Mach30 Foundation for Space Development. This pioneering group has been struggling in the past years to share their technological advancements with the public. The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) regulates the distribution of spaceflight technologies in the United States and makes it illegal to share with the public. By keeping with the strict regulations of ITAR, Mach30 has continued its mission to “hasten the advancement of humanity into a spacefaring civilization.” With these and other groups all over the world working hard to power open source space programs, we have a bright space filled future to look ahead to!

BY DANIEL POTES GRAPHICS COURTESY OF BO TORNVIG

DESIGN: JHIGOODIDEA.COM

WWW.FRIDAYCHEERS.TUMBLR.COM 10

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DIVERSITY’S GIFT Anyone that has ever been to Richmond, even passed through the city on I- 95, cannot say that they have not seen the rainbow colored building just outside the Diamond, with the words “Gay Community Center of Richmond.” To outsiders, this building looks completely silly, but the natives of Richmond, we know this building as Diversity Thrift. Diversity is considered to be one of the highest rated thrift stores in the city and also holds one of the most popular games of bingo every Tuesday and Thursday. Diversity stands out from the other thrift stores in Richmond with their immense contributions to the gay community. Last year, Diversity donated $15,000 to multiple nonprofit organizations across the city such as Richmond Organization for Sexual Minority Youth (ROSMY), Equality Virginia, The Fan Free Clinic and The Richmond Triangle Players, as well as many other nonprofit organizations.

Diversity was started by the Richmond Gay Community Foundation to help generate revenue to eventually give back to the community. Initially, the money would be given to organizations that applied for the money and was given based on a need basis. Eventually, the program became deor

funct and needed to be reorganized. Today, the money that is generated ,by both the thrift store as well as through the bingo games, is distributed to multiple nonprofit organizations that are actively helping people and in need of donations.

Of the two parts of Diversity, the bingo hall is what brings in the most revenue. The city of Richmond has even dubbed Diversity as, “the best run game in the commonwealth.” Of the people who run the games only two are paid for their services. Everyone else is either a volunteer or working off community service hours for the city. The two people paid are those who handle the money and call the numbers. These people are paid because they are the only ones who come in contact with the winnings, and it discourages the possibility of theft.

Anyone who is familiar with architecture knows that the thrift shop and the bingo hall do not take up all the space with the building that Diversity is run out of. Between the two, there are many vacant offices that are currently being used as storage for the thrift shop; however, any nonprofit organization that needs a place to run their business is allowed to use the offices. Since APRIL 2013

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Diversity has been at this location, over 6,000 organizations have used these offices to help the community in some sort of way.

Of all the thrift stores in Richmond, Diversity is considered to be number one and it rightfully should be. Gay rights have been a critical issue in politics for many years and if complete equality is to ever be achieved, these organizations must continue to be funded. These nonprofits benefit those who suffer from HIV and AIDs (both heterosexual and homosexual alike), educate our children on the harmful effects of bullying and help those who have been neglected by their so-called families. To me, Diversity Thrift is a shining example of how far we have come to ensure equality. Their tireless effort to continue to fund these important endeavors in our community should not go unnoticed by anyone in our diverse city, gay and straight alike.

BY CORT OLSEN PHOTOS BY PAMELA GOMEZ

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SOMETHING SCARY AND POLITICAL Dustin Lee is a Richmond-based artist originally from Loudoun County, who works on wood panels. His pop culture references and sharp color contrasts are used to showcase criticism of today’s rampant misuse of media. While his work is serious, Lee states “I want humor to be in my work, even the heavy ones use some sort of pop culture reference, you know, to lighten the mood.”

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NESSAR BACKPACKS Skateboarding and going green have been two of the most popular trends of the 21st century. Today, there are more than 10 million skateboarders in the United States and efforts to make the nation more eco-friendly have extended to the Obama administration. With their label Nessar, Angela Greene and Vanessa Fore are combining both trends with their line of skateboard backpacks made from recycled tractor tires.

“Our yard looks like the junkyard on Sanford and Son,” Greene, who manufactures the bags at her home in Richmond, said. So far, she and her boyfriend, Ken Kobrick, have recycled over 56 tons of tractor inner tubes. The tires undergo a four-step cleaning process that takes a few days to complete and uses environmentally-friendly cleaning products. At first glance, the backpack could be mistaken for leather. The cleaning process makes the rubber feel silky and the stretchedout treads add texture and pattern. The backpack is fashioned after old military packs and features straps across the facing that can support a skateboard. Pretty impressive for two people who don’t come from design backgrounds -- Kobrick is a welder and Greene has spear-headed several projects including a toy and a hair extension process called Micro-Illusions.

Hair is also what got Greene in touch with Fore. After a shoulder injury left her unable to do

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her own hair, a friend directed her to Fore’s salon in Richmond and the two soon became close confidants.

“When she told me what she was doing, I thought it was fascinating,” Fore, who works as a full-time hair stylist, said. “She invited me to jump on the bandwagon.”

It was a match made in heaven with Greene’s creative nature and Fore’s knack for business administration, the two quickly found success. In 2003, a big-time investor in Puerto Rico reached out to them to produce a line of handbags and purses called Passchal. The investor had access to celebrity events and allowed them to showcase on the Today Show, backstage at the Tony Awards and in the Neiman-Marcus rewards catalog.

Customers fell in love with the bags and their recycled materials set them apart from other brands. Things were going exceedingly well, until three years later, when the investor lost funding for Passchal in a divorce suit.

“We became the kids in a nasty divorce constantly being pushed around,” Greene said.

But the end of Passchal only meant new beginnings for the Greene and Fore. Soon after, they found a manufacturer willing to collect the inner tubes at a reasonable price. They changed the name to Nessarr, an abbreviation for “necessary recycling” and Fore’s first name, “Vanessa.”

Greene also made the decision to do backpacks instead of handbags.

“I don’t wear handbags,” Greene said. “I don’t even think I’ve ever bought one. I just don’t like them.”

She and Fore got an idea to market to skateboarders after noticing their growing presence in the downtown Richmond area. The skateboarders were more than just kids doing daring tricks on ramps; they had a distinct look composed of functional pieces strong enough to withstand a little wear and tear.

“That’s why we think these bags are so good for skateboarders,” Fore said. “The material is thick and long lasting. It’s also water resistant, which is good for rainy days... [and] the leather look is very in right now.”

While skateboarding is becoming more popular, it remains a white male-dominated industry. Fore and Greene may not look like typical skateboarders, but they are not letting their race and gender stand in their way.

“All marketing is virtually the same,” Greene said. “Knowing your target market and being able to reach them is crucial to success. As long as you’ve got a good product, that’s all anyone really cares about.”

Currently, Nessar is focused on backpacks and wallets with plans on expanding down the road.

They are scheduled to introduce the backpacks next month on kickstarter.com, a crowd funding website. By next year, Greene and Fore hope that Nessar will be a recognized name in the skateboard industry.

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BUILDING A MICRO-WORLD WONDER TERRA

Living in the heart of a city like Richmond can mean giving up some pieces of nature. Although Richmond offers several pocket parks, community gardens and riverside hikes, sometimes being cramped in a tiny apartment or dorm room can leave you feeling uneasy. Richmond gives you access to overflowing thrift stores, an abundance of native plants and mini sandy beaches along the James. Using all of these locations you can build and maintain your own terrarium within your home. Building a terrarium doesn’t necessarily take a green thumb; all you really need is a little time, resources and love. Terrariums can light up any room and give off a therapeutic effect. For people like me, who require some sort of greenery in their life, terrariums are the perfect way to achieve this.

To get started on your terrarium make sure you have all materials necessary: Glass containers – you can find these anywhere. From thrift stores to craft shops; make sure to consider your plants growth rate when buying your glass.

Plants: Choosing your plant can be vital to the designing of your ecosystem. Be sure to invest in some research of your plants to be able to accommodate their needs.

Rocks and/or pebbles: These help with drainage of water in your terrarium.

Soil: Needed for all terrariums to thrive properly.

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Sand: Used with succulent plants only (cacti especially). Sand can be found along the banks of the James River. Make sure to bring a cup and a container.

Activated Charcoal/Lava Rocks: You can find these at any nearby plant store or Home Depot or Lowes. They are used for drainage and to absorb odor (Not required).

Moss: Moss is also used for drainage and decoration. You can find sheet moss at Home Depot.

TOOLS A measuring cup will help with the soil and sand, a funnel if your container has a small opening and chopsticks if you need to carefully place any accessories. (not required but helpful) Any accessories you wish to add – this is where you can get creative with your terrarium; any fun little trinkets will work.

Once you have all of your materials you are ready to start! Make sure you have an area with plenty of space and be prepared to get your hands dirty.

STEP 1 In your glass fill the bottom with pebbles, an even layer will work STEP 2 Put down the activated charcoal and/ or lava rocks. You don’t need to put too many down; a thin layer will work. (Optional step) STEP 3 Add a layer of moss. The moss will work as a filter for water and help keep the soil from seeping down. (Reminder: If you are working with a succulent plant plan to add sand then

the moss overtop) STEP 3Add soil. The amount you add is up to you. Take in consideration your plant and size of terrarium.

STEP 4 Add the plants or seeds to your terrarium. Make sure to dig a large enough hole for them. Pre-grown plants will usually need a little loosening up; do this by gently dusting off some of the compacted soil.

STEP 5 Once your plant is in place give it the appropriate amount of water.

STEP 6 Add trinkets and decorations to customize your terrarium.

Presto! You have just created your own little micro-world of wonders in your home. The after care is essential for your terrarium to truly thrive and grow. Be sure to water and give enough sunlight as your plants need! Terrariums are more than just an aesthetically pleasing piece to add to your home and habitat. They also help reduce stress, provide clean indoor air, and help with productivity. That being said, if you’re not much of a DIY person get yourself over to Ellwood Thompson’s and support your local terrarium artisan!

STORY AND PHOTOS BY AUDREY MOONEY

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FEATURED ARTIST: JACOB EVELAND Jacob Eveland is a VCU senior whose ability to create collaboration between nature, animals and antiques gives his artwork a very unique and beautiful look.

Jacob was nice enough to answer some questions about his work and what he plans on portraying to the public through art.

What are your inspirations for your art?

For this body of work, my inspiration comes from growing up in Lebanon, Ill. I spent a lot of time in grandma’s attic and my grandparent’s antique shop. My experiences and observations there have had a great impact on my art. I frequently mesh antiquity with modern concepts providing the viewer a glimpse of the past which reaches into the future. Much of my work reflects a strong love for animals and nature. This appreciation was the result of having a home full of pets during my childhood. I lived in the country with fields, gardens, woods and a pond to explore right outside my door. I like to reflect my appreciation for antiques and history, along with a respect and awe of nature in my work. This body of work is a reflection of what brings me comfort and happiness.

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What would you say your creative process entails when making an art piece?

Initially, I dream up a way to express an idea or object that is typical in an atypical light. I find the process of creating something unique to be very therapeutic. It’s an expression of who I am and reflects my perspective on life.

I tend to write up a list of items I want to incorporate in the piece and I then draw small thumbnail sketches next to each word. Then, I do research to get a better understanding of the items I’ve chosen to depict. At this point, I take notes while doing the research. I then enhance the process by drawing larger thumbnail sketches with which to build my composition from. I do my best to make the work flow and be cohesive.

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BY EMILY EASON ARTS + CULTURE

Do you have any big projects coming up?

I’m working on an independent study based on the world of illegal drug smuggling. I interviewed people who have retired from the game, and am in the process of making a series of works based on their stories. I hope to display my finished work in a gallery show this coming fall.

As our society has greatly been impacted by illegal drug use and dealing, I feel this body of work will educate and have impact.

This May I will be visiting to my home town of Lebanon, Ill. for the summer. I will be working on a commission to paint a mural on a two story, turn-of-the-century building in the Lebanon shopping district. The mural will add interest to the centuries old downtown area. It will be a representation of my personal art while reflecting the rich history of the area. I’m really looking forward to the challenge of creating such a large body of work. It is quite an honor to be able to share my passion for art with the locals and tourists in the town I grew up in.

What is your preferred medium?

I prefer ink at this point in time, but I have used brushes and microns. I find drawing with ink to be the most therapeutic and gratifying out of the different mediums I use.

Do you have any message you try to portray through your artwork?

This series of work was created to illustrate a book I’ve written. It’s somewhat autobiographical, depicting memories from my childhood. I want to encourage respect and appreciation for nature while commemorating the past. I’m a firm believer in technology and progress; however, I believe we shouldn’t forget where we came from.

We won’t exist without nature and protecting the environment and common everyday tools and items from the past have led us to where we are today. I just want to reflect the importance of both nature and history and show in an aesthetic way how they intertwine. Of course, I always hope that my works will inspire and entertain.

Any advice for fellow artists?

Use your art as a means of stimulating communication; always be observant and pay minute attention to detail. It will give you a bounty of images to draw from when creating a piece. A lot of people tell me their life has been dull and boring, so they feel they don’t have any dynamic experiences to base their art on. I tell them they just need to look hard enough at their past and find their inspiration and build on it. This process will take them farther than they expect. I suggest young artists get in touch with their imagination and regress to their child-like wonder of life. So much can be gained by revisiting this pristine state of mind. In summary, don’t watch life, live it!

Reflect on what you’ve learned in your art.

BY EMILY EASON

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FEATURED MUSICIAN:

RT OLSEN A GOMEZ

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INK: What brought you guys together?

Ashleigh: Well Drew and I played in a band together before, a few years ago. Like a year ago, we just started jamming around together and then over the summer Drew talked to KJ and Matt and then we all just started playing in a band together.

When did you guys officially become a band A: Well our first show was in December, but we started playing and practicing together in August.

Have you guys traveled outside of Richmond to perform, or is it mainly here?

Drew: No, we haven’t started doing anything like that, we have only played like three shows, so nothing like that yet.

I noticed a lot of your songs focus around Richmond and subjects that natives of the area are familiar with. Is it safe to say that a lot of your inspiration comes from here?

D: I would say a lot of things are really personal to me, like growing up in Richmond, going to school here, graduating here, becoming an adult here and teaching here; it’s a lot of really personal issues, but a lot of it is influenced from here.

I noticed at the acoustic show, you guys were getting a lot of praise from Brian Marquis and Koji. How does that make you feel to be recognized by other musicians who are very well known in the pop punk scene?

A: I mean it feels really awesome, but also kind of a weird feeling too, I guess.

D: It’s definitely super exciting to have influential people praising your music and what you’re writing, but then you find out how normal they really are too.

Does your music have a message you’re trying to get across to your listeners?

D: I think over all one of the things I’ve always focused on is trying not to be negative on stage, but try to be positive. I know personally I don’t like to cuss on stage because we have a variety of

listeners and I don’t want to portray anything that, might be misunderstood. Of course, working with younger people you want to be able to reach them because they need messages and you don’t want to give them a negative message. Overall, I’d say the songs are about growing up and seeing people change and staying convicted to what you believe in; don’t feel like you need to change just because you get older. We talked about this when we first formed, like we’ve loved pop punk since both of us were really young and just because you become an adult you don’t have to stop liking that stuff because you have a life or because you have a full-time job. I guess that’s the messages I’m trying to get across is that you don’t have to stop doing things that you like just because you’re older.

What do you say to people that think pop punk is only for kids or teenagers?

A: I mean I don’t know, all of my friends are in their mid to late twenties and they all still listen to pop punk and go to pop punk shows and all the bands that I love, like New Found Glory are like in their thirties and still playing pop punk.

When you go to their shows there’s a variety of ages, there’s kids in high school and then there’s people who are in their thirties and listen to them.

I suppose there’s always going be that person who has a problem with almost everything.

D: Yeah, I mean this maybe pushing it a little far, but if it’s part of what you like and what you love and who you are, I mean people like applesauce and applesauce is a baby food, (everyone in the room laughs) so if we want to go there, people who eat infant food. If it’s part of who you are and what you love and if you’re sincere about it how can it be wrong. It’s like skateboarding; when someone sees an adult skateboarding people think, “oh what is he doing, skateboarding is for teenagers.” People just want to stigmatize things.

ARTS + CULTURE

If you’re a fan of pop punk, hardcore or metal music, then the name Warped Tour should be like a well-known holiday on your calendar. To get people warmed up for the hotter than hell Warped Tour 2013, Brian Marquis of the band, Therefore I Am, decided to do an acoustic tour across the U.S called “The Acoustic Basement Tour.” On their trip across the United States, one of their stops was right here in our hipster to-the-max city that is Richmond.

As I entered The Camel ,the merchandise booths were already set up and many of the performers were hanging out at the bar prior to their performances like Matt Arsenault of A Loss For Words, and Vinnie Caruana of I Am Avalanche. To open the show, the tour decided to bring on an up-coming Richmond band that has recently become very popular in the scene called We Call This Courage. This pop punk band had a very familiar sound similar to bands like Ra Ra Riot and The Wonder Years, but had home-grown lyrics that everyone that lives in Richmond can relate to. After their performance I could not wait to speak to them, so I ran outside as they were packing up their instruments to ask if they would like to sit down with me and talk.

It pleased me that they were just as eager as I was to do this interview, so we set up a day and sat down with their lead singer Drew Vanlandingham and lead guitarist Ashleigh Lum (while bassist, Matt Caratechea and drummer, KJ Julian were on speaker phone) to talk about who they are and where they plan to go.

BY CORT OLSEN PHOTOS BY PAMELA GOMEZ Matt for the acoustic show you played the cello, was that difficult to transition over from bass?

Matt: Well, it was interesting to switch from playing bass to figuring out the bass parts for cello it took a little bit of work, but it was fun though. I had to get rid of a lot of parts that didn’t work. I had to work with Ashleigh, KJ and Drew to figure out some cool things that would work for cello, but it was definitely fun.

I realize that you guys are really new on the scene but are you guys recording anything or are you guys strictly like writing songs?

M: Yeah, I think we’re planning on recording something this summer; we just have to find a studio and we’re start writing some tracks down. I think we are shooting for like ten tracks.

D: We are going to record a full length album in the summer.

Have any record labels come up to you or have you been searching?

KJ: No, not really, I’ve had a friend come up to me and tell me about a friend of his starting up a record label and they are looking for people to put on it, but I don’t think we are really ready yet. We are still kind of in the early stages. Once we record the first album, I think that will really help our image look a little bit more professional.

Finally for people who have never heard your music and want to learn more about your band where can they go?

M: We have a Facebook page and whenever we record songs we are going to put it on Bandcamp and Purevolume.

KJ: We also have an Instagram where people can see pictures of the shows and also send us their pictures as well and all of the pages are under wecallthiscourage.

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URBAN FARMHOUSE

PHOTO COURTESY OF URBAN FARMHOUSE

It’s not every day that you find wide-open spaces in the middle of a city. However, that’s exactly what the Urban Farmhouse Market and Café is for. Somewhere between the huge windows and the carrot sticks, the city disappears and you find yourself in a quiet comfortable home for writers, thinkers, and coffee drinkers.

Their turkey sandwiches are amazing, in fact all of their sandwiches are. I just order the turkey whenever I go in. But this isn’t the mostlybread fare of Panera, nor is it the sodium-packed Five Guys patty. It is a crisp balance between bread and whatever is in between; with a side of chips and carrot sticks, of course.

The Urban Farmhouse prides itself in its immersion into local culture. The back wall features a variety of Virginia wines and even a variety of locally produced brands. There’s beer too, so don’t worry.

But that’s not the point. For me, it’s not about the food, or the staff, or the wine. It’s something about the space itself that is the Urban Farmhouse. Everything else just seems to be a pleasant addition to an alreadygood thing. If you could picture an urban farmhouse, this would be exactly it.

The building always seems to be flooded with natural light, even in the evening. It sits on the cobblestone streets of downtown Richmond and is surrounded by bookstores, antique shops and roasteries. For some reason, the sirens and shouting of the city seem absent inside of the Farmhouse.

Quaint, relaxing and bright, it is the perfect place for self-induced therapy, or a mini vacation away from the Monroe Park campus.

The place is also filled with writers. In the warmer months of the year (which is the best time to go because they open the window-walls and there’s a nice, lazy breeze that adds to the freshness of everything) the café is crowded with creative and studious individuals, immersed in themselves or in comforting conversation.

The Urban Farmhouse is a place of good food, friendly people and a beautiful atmosphere. After such a long winter in the city, take a trip down town to the wide-open spaces that the Urban Farmhouse offers as a quick getaway from the usual urban congestion. And enjoy the carrot sticks.

BY AMANDA HITCHCOCK

“IF YOU HAVE TO CRY GO OUTSIDE” REVIEW Kelly Cutrone is a cut-throat publicist in the fashion industry and is owner of a fashion public relations company called People’s Revolution, which has starred on MTV’s, “The Hills” and Bravo’s Kell on Earth.

Through her book, “If You Have to Cry Go Outside: And the Other Things Your Mother Never Told You,” she gets personal, spilling the events of her life from being homeless and on drugs, to owning her own business and making history. Her experiences prove that you must be fearless in life and willing to fall and get back up. She aims to inspire young women to be “warriors,” to fight for what they want instead of what someone else told them they should want. She also teaches the importance of “faking it until you make it,” how “bitch” is not a bad word and several other things our parents never mentioned. This is an easy read, a New York Times Best Seller and can be found at any major bookstore for around $12.

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BY BRANDON SINGLETARY PHOTOS BY DANIEL POTES

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CHIHULY AT VMFA EXHIBIT REVIEW

The Virginia Museum of Fine Art recently held an exhibit that showcased the captivating glass art of Dale Chihuly entitled. “Breathe Into Art.” Based out of Seattle, Wash., Chihuly is an internationally renowned artist that in his fivedecade career has molded the glassblowing industry like never before.

After injuring his shoulder, Chihuly began to use his drawing ability to communicate his creations to his students and contributing glass artists.

Turning the technique of glassblowing into a pioneering art form, Chihuly continues to work first hand with his team of innovative glass-blowers to create astonishing works of art. The VMFA installation was just another example of the iconic work of continued artistic expression that exists in the studio glass movement; that in 2012 celebrated its 15th anniversary in America.

Among his works showcased, he derived his inspirations from nature, in his work “Mille Fiori” (a million flowers) his days studying glass in Venice, “Venetians” and the spectacular individual intricate glass pieces combined that make up the “Persian Ceiling.” Taking over the entire lower level of the exhibition space this wonderful collaboration of artists took spectators on an adventure into an aquatic planet full of luminous colors and enchanting textures.

To help promote the collection of Chihuly at VMFA, the Martin Agency offered Iphone users the opportunity to use of the first ever app allowing for the creation of pieces with the simple use of one’s breath. App users can adventure into their own glass blown process by blowing into their phone speakers, expanding one of his signature shapes of adding texture, color and shapes that are unique to you that can be shared on your social networks and with other app users around the world.

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Bikini by H&M ≈ Scallop shorts

by Lush, Need Supply Co. ≈ Cage necklace

by Fort Standard, Need Supply Co.

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under the fantasea Fashion Director Isabella Althoff Photographer Cameron Charles Lewis Model Kathleen Lawrence Hair & Makeup Carly Childers at Blackbird Salon Fashion Assistant Emily Gale Featuring Local Designers Rachel Albright from Academy; etsy.com/shop/academyjewelry Emerald Grippa; emeraldgrippa.com Maggie Davids

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(left) Miss marple jacket by Ganni, Need Supply Co ≈ Bralette by Sparkle & Fade, Urban Outfitters ≈ Geometric rings by Maggie Davids. (right) Zoe hologram oxfords by Miista, Need Supply Co.

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Jeans by Maison Scotch, Eurotrash ≈ Sunglasses, Halcyon ≈ Oxfords by BP, Nordstrom ≈ Twin angle ring by Maggie Davids

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(left) Pyramid studs by Cara, Nordstrom ≈ Geometric rings by Maggie Davids ≈ Vintage chests, The Onyx Sheep at One Kings Lane. (right) Alita top by Ted Baker, Eurotrash ≈ Sunglasses by A.J. Morgan, Nordstrom

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(left) Stevie shirt dress by Cheap Monday, Need Supply Co. ≈ Bikini, Target ≈ Particular necklace by Academy. (right) Bralette by Sparkle & Fade, Urban Outfitters ≈ Ani silk scarf by Emerald Grippa

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