Back in April, thousands gathered for one weekend in the proposed Arts District (now official!) during an event called Better Block to imagine what that run down neighborhood might be like. Throughout the weekend, all you kept hearing about was this creative space called Alchemy NFK. It was the central hub for Better Block and it is in the process of becoming the central hub of the Arts District. I caught up with Careyann Weinberg, who founded Alchemy NFK along with Charles Rasputin, and Sarah and Clint Dalton, to learn more about it.
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| Alchemy NFK at 806 Granby St.
CC image courtesy of Rico Marcelo
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What is the vision of Alchemy NKF?
CW: Alchemy NFK is a Virginia Benefit Corporation. Our specific public benefit is to "foster a creative community." But, if you want to get deep into it, our goal is to see the creative culture of Norfolk thrive. We want to be a place that artists of all genres practice and perform their work along other like-minded individuals and groups. We want to bring together all races, ages, financial backgrounds, etc. and celebrate creativity within our community. We aim to have a space where a painter, a punk band, a dancer, an opera singer and a screen printer can feed off each other's energy and teach each other new tricks daily.
How did you come up with the name?
CW: One of our founders was holding back when we were trying to come up with a name... scared there'd be push back or it wasn't quite right. The second "Alchemy" was said, everyone knew it was perfect. We want to take what seems like nothing and turn it into something special for all. We take what we have and make magic... whatever that is to each person. I think it's more about believing in it all than anything. The NFK represents our city. Charlie's been floating that branding around within the city for awhile now and it's starting to stick. Richmond has RVA... we're NFK.
What services will be provided?
CW: We're an artist studio and gallery space. You'll be able to become an Alchemy NFK member (like you would a gym) which will give you access to the equipment and resources within our walls... screen print press, production studio, open studio space, etc. You'll also be surrounded by some of NFK's most inspiring and creative minds We'd also like to showcase pop-up shops that we believe in with a creative spin. Additionally, we'll have space for small businesses, bands and artists to hide out and work, also providing lockers and private spaces to lock up your belongings, or provide a more private atmosphere. Eventually, Alchemy would like to hold events showcasing the things we believe in... but that's later down the line.
Why did you settle on this location?
CW: It was already being looked at by our founders due to the location within the Arts District, the size, and the fantastic owners of the space. Quality Furniture moved out less than two weeks before better block and we were lucky enough to score the space for that. We made sure to take those few days to show NFK a taste of what's to come from Alchemy NFK and there's not a better spot within the city I can think of for what we're doing.
What is your vision for the arts district?
CW: A non-stop hustle of people who make you want to get out of bed each day, who make your jaw drop when you step into their business or stumble across their work. Music everywhere, art everywhere, people everywhere, everyone working together for a common good to make the city a little more unique, less predictable and ever evolving. We want to see original ideas for public art and storefronts, cafes, flowers shops, printers, ad agencies, bike shops, tattoo parlors, etc... all working together to pass each other business, hold each other up, and make each other work harder. (Funny that so many of these establishments are there now. Come out here NFK. We'll start showing you what you want.)
How can people reach you?
CW: The best way to find out more is to visit our Facebook page. You can also get more info or become a part of Alchemy NFK by emailing us. We receive an insane number of interested parties a day. We'll eventually get to you. You are not forgotten.
Alchemy NFK is located at 806 Granby St. in the heart of the Arts District. Special thanks to Joe Hamm for use of this great video and Rico Marcelo for use of the his photos. See more works by Rico at his website at http://ricomarcelo.com or his Facebook Page.
CW: Alchemy NFK is a Virginia Benefit Corporation. Our specific public benefit is to "foster a creative community." But, if you want to get deep into it, our goal is to see the creative culture of Norfolk thrive. We want to be a place that artists of all genres practice and perform their work along other like-minded individuals and groups. We want to bring together all races, ages, financial backgrounds, etc. and celebrate creativity within our community. We aim to have a space where a painter, a punk band, a dancer, an opera singer and a screen printer can feed off each other's energy and teach each other new tricks daily.
How did you come up with the name?
CW: One of our founders was holding back when we were trying to come up with a name... scared there'd be push back or it wasn't quite right. The second "Alchemy" was said, everyone knew it was perfect. We want to take what seems like nothing and turn it into something special for all. We take what we have and make magic... whatever that is to each person. I think it's more about believing in it all than anything. The NFK represents our city. Charlie's been floating that branding around within the city for awhile now and it's starting to stick. Richmond has RVA... we're NFK.
What services will be provided?
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| CC image courtesy of Rebekah Williams |
CW: We're an artist studio and gallery space. You'll be able to become an Alchemy NFK member (like you would a gym) which will give you access to the equipment and resources within our walls... screen print press, production studio, open studio space, etc. You'll also be surrounded by some of NFK's most inspiring and creative minds We'd also like to showcase pop-up shops that we believe in with a creative spin. Additionally, we'll have space for small businesses, bands and artists to hide out and work, also providing lockers and private spaces to lock up your belongings, or provide a more private atmosphere. Eventually, Alchemy would like to hold events showcasing the things we believe in... but that's later down the line.
Why did you settle on this location?
CW: It was already being looked at by our founders due to the location within the Arts District, the size, and the fantastic owners of the space. Quality Furniture moved out less than two weeks before better block and we were lucky enough to score the space for that. We made sure to take those few days to show NFK a taste of what's to come from Alchemy NFK and there's not a better spot within the city I can think of for what we're doing.
What is your vision for the arts district?
 |
| CC image courtesy of Rico Marcelo |
CW: A non-stop hustle of people who make you want to get out of bed each day, who make your jaw drop when you step into their business or stumble across their work. Music everywhere, art everywhere, people everywhere, everyone working together for a common good to make the city a little more unique, less predictable and ever evolving. We want to see original ideas for public art and storefronts, cafes, flowers shops, printers, ad agencies, bike shops, tattoo parlors, etc... all working together to pass each other business, hold each other up, and make each other work harder. (Funny that so many of these establishments are there now. Come out here NFK. We'll start showing you what you want.)
CW: The best way to find out more is to visit our Facebook page. You can also get more info or become a part of Alchemy NFK by emailing us. We receive an insane number of interested parties a day. We'll eventually get to you. You are not forgotten.
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