RICHMOND, VA— Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) in partnership with the Virginia Office of the Attorney General will unveil a community mural to surround the Gilpin Court farm/garden. The unveiling of the mural, painted on the fence surrounding the Community Farm/Garden, will take place Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 5 p.m. at the Calhoun Family Investment Center, 436 Calhoun Street, Richmond VA 23220.
Thue mural uses bright and colorful imagery to convey a message of health, wellness and hope. Gilpin Court’s farm/garden, a legacy of longtime Gilpin resident Lilly Estes, provides access to fresh vegetables and fruit to the Gilpin community, which sits in a food desert. Ms. Estes, a former restaurateur, worked tirelessly during her life for justice, equity and inclusion for Gilpin residents. She was instrumental in the development of the Gilpin Farm as well as the highway marker of Charles Gilpin for whom the community is named.
The community-based grant for crime prevention programs from Virginia’s Office of the Attorney General provided the resources for the mural. Other partners in the effort are the non-profit organizations of Kinfolk, a multi-dimensional outreach program for Richmond’s public housing communities; The Archangels, a volunteer group who serve and care for those in need and the New Life Community Outreach Center.
“We are excited about all that this mural represents. It’s important that art within our communities is reflective of the community. This mural embodies the core values of the legacy of Ms. Lillie Estes – that of growth, economic development, relationships, community and love,” said Ralph Stuckey, RRHA’s Vice President of Resident Services.
The purpose of the mural is two-fold. It serves to highlight the garden itself as a resource for the community as well as underscore the connection between the importance of eating organic fruits and vegetables and overall health and wellness.
For more information about this and other RRHA programs and services, visit our website at RRHA.com, or social media platforms: Facebook , Instagram, X or Linkedin pages. For general RRHA inquiries, please contact our Customer Information Center at (804) 780-4200 or toll free at 1-833-750-7742 (RRHA).