May 31, 2025
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month: Thapasya School of Dance
Under the leadership of Guru Sudha Krishnamurthy, the Thapasya School of Dance shares the #homehistory of Southern India with Virginians. Dancers of all ages perform Bharatanatyam — an ancient classical dance form that combines expressive storytelling with technical footwork and intricate movements.
Featured at the Governor and First Lady’s event celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, dancers showcased an elegant representation of India’s rich artistic heritage. A very special thank you to Sudha and the young women of Thapasya for sharing your beautiful traditions with us!
May 22, 2025
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month: “Weathered” by Grace Caldwell
Originally from Seoul, South Korea, Grace Caldwell spent her early years as the daughter of missionaries. In 2008, she moved to the United States to attend Lynchburg’s Liberty University and has been making #homehistory with art of serenity and natural landscapes.
On display at the Executive Mansion in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Grace’s painting “Weathered” pays homage to the quiet presence of a timeworn Virginia barn. The First Lady and Governor were honored to meet Grace and her husband at the recent AAPI reception.
May 16, 2025
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month: “State Theater” by Rajendra KC
Observed in May, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebrates our Commonwealth’s diverse ethnic and social tapestry. The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion includes contributions from the AAPI community – like “State Theater” from Rajendra KC who is making #homehistory through his artistry.
Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, Rajendra spent 35 years in the capital city before moving to Falls Church, Virginia where he educates the next generation of artists teaching painting classes at Falls Church Art, Inc.
May 14, 2025
Honoring 418 Years of the Virginia National Guard: “Citizen Soldier” by Jessica Mullins
Today we celebrate 418 years of unwavering service by the Virginia National Guard, a legacy of courage that spans throughout #homehistory from the American Revolution to missions across the globe today and reminds us that defending freedom starts right here in our communities.
To honor this milestone, Jessica Mullins’ powerful drawing “Citizen Soldier” is on display at the Executive Mansion, capturing the heart of what makes the Guard so extraordinary: everyday citizens who stand ready to serve at a moment’s notice.
Heartfelt gratitude to the heroes among us and to the families and communities who stand behind them.
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May 7, 2025
Historic Garden Week in the Commonwealth
As the only statewide, house and garden tour in the country, the Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week has long been woven into the #homehistory of the Executive Mansion. Many of this year’s arrangements were harvested exclusively from Capitol Square — a delight for the hundreds who joined us for Historic Garden Day. Special thanks to the Brunswick Garden Club, Tony Griffin, Strawberry Fields RVA, and our many friends for bringing elegance and artistry to every corner of the home!
Click here to view the Instagram reel highlighting the day.
April 28, 2025
Recognizing James Monroe Day
Today, we celebrate James Monroe Day by honoring one of Virginia’s most influential leaders.
A veteran of the American Revolution and a key figure in shaping early U.S. diplomacy, Monroe served as the 12th and 16th Governor of Virginia before becoming our nation’s 5th President. Though he never lived in the Executive Mansion (completed in 1813) Monroe helped lay the foundation for its creation by signing legislation for its construction.
His portrait and a punch bowl used in the White House during his presidency are proudly displayed in the Old Governor’s Office at Virginia’s Executive Mansion, reminding us how Monroe’s leadership helped shape #homehistory and America’s place in the world.
April 23, 2025
Honoring Barbara Johns Day with the Work of Stanley Bleifeld
On this day in #homehistory, a 16-year-old Barbara Johns courageously lead her classmates at Robert Russa Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia in a protest that catalyzed a movement and legal case that would reach the Supreme Court as part of Brown v. Board of Education.
The First Lady was honored to meet Joan Johns Cobbs, Barbara Johns’ sister, at this year’s celebration of Women’s History Month. Johns’ legacy of strength and bravery is highlighted in the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion with Stanley Bleifeld’s preliminary sketch for Johns’ monument in the Virginia Rights Memorial on Capitol Square.
April 17, 2025
“One if by Land, Two if by Sea”
The Executive Mansion is proud to join #twolightsfortomorrow , a nationwide call to action commemorating the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s ride and the spirit of freedom that shaped our nation.
Tomorrow night, lanterns will shine in our windows alongside homes and landmarks across Virginia, honoring the #homehistory of courage, collaboration, and service that lit the way in 1775 and still inspires us today.
Join us in this powerful tribute by placing two lights in your window on April 18-19! #VA250
April 13, 2025
Happy Birthday, TJ!
Happy Birthday, Thomas Jefferson! Born in 1743 in Albemarle County, his contributions to our nation’s #homehistory left a legacy.
As author of the Declaration of Independence and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, Jefferson championed democracy and natural rights. He served as Virginia’s second governor, the nation’s third president, and designed the Virginia State Capitol, the University of Virginia, and even proposed a design for the Executive Mansion.
His portrait (on loan from The Library of Virginia) hangs in the Old Governor’s Office and is a key piece of the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion.
April 8, 2025
UVA Basketball History is #homehistory
On this day six years ago, The University of Virginia (UVA) men’s basketball team defeated Texas Tech for the first NCAA Tournament Championship win in the school’s #homehistory.
On display at the Executive Mansion as part of the Art Experience, Lincoln Frederick Perry’s “In the Garden” highlights the beauty of UVA’s grounds. Most known for his 29-panel mural in Old Cabell Hall, “The Student’s Progress,” Perry spent his time as a visiting artist in Charlottesville exploring the complex relationships between professors and students.
Congratulations to VCU Rams’ former Head Coach Ryan Odom on new beginnings with UVA Mens’ Basketball and for leading the VCU Rams in a successful season with an A10 Conference Championship win and NCAA Tournament bid!
Click here to learn more about Perry and the dozens of Virginia artists featured in the Art Experience.
March 20, 2025
Celebrating Women’s History Month: “Belle Island Stroll” by Dolores Williams-Bumbrey
On this first day of spring, we highlight Dolores Williams Bumbrey’s serene depiction of Richmond’s Belle Isle. Visual artist and former CIA employee, Bumbrey is inspired by the tranquility of nature and makes #homehistory as the first, Black female artist from Fredericksburg to have her work displayed at the Executive Mansion.
Click here to read Dolores’ Sisterhood Spotlight and click here for more information about the Art Experience!
March 19, 2025
Celebrating Women’s History Month: “Sunday Drives” by Sally Nelson
Lynchburg, Virginia native Sally Nelson’s “Sunday Drives” captures the breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a geographical feat that long predates #homehistory. Evoking a nostalgia that resonates with nearly all Virginians, these mountains are the backdrop of many a memory and remind us of the marvels of the Commonwealth’s natural landscape.
Click here to learn more about the Art Experience, view the exhibition virtually, or plan your visit.
March 13, 2025
Spotlighting “Hope” this Women’s History Month
This Women’s History Month, The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion spotlights “Hope,” a collaborative painting made by 14 women in Chesterfield County Jail’s Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) program and Tri-Hope Life Ministries.
On display throughout March, “Hope” blends paint colors and perspectives that communicate humanity and feeling. As part of the First Lady’s focus on recovery and second chances, the artwork inspires healing and hope.
Click here to learn more about the women making #homehistory in the Art Experience.
March 2, 2025
Women in Construction Week: Anna Mullins’ Photograph of Whitney Brown
The Governor has proclaimed this week as Women in Construction Week, acknowledging the contributions of the Commonwealth’s female contractors, architects, engineers, building surveyors, and trades people.
Featured in The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion, Anna Mullins’ photograph of Whitney Brown, a dry-stone wall builder from Southwest Virginia working as a festival engineer at the Richmond Folk Festival, is a beautiful reminder of the diverse ways women impact our Commonwealth, paving the way for young women and girls to follow their passions and make #homehistory of their own.
March 1, 2025
The Women of the Art Experience
A first-of-its kind exhibit at Virginia’s Executive Mansion, The Art Experience features 70+ works made by, of, and for Virginians, & over 40% of these works were created by WOMEN! Join us this Women’s History Month as we highlight some of the creative and inspiring women who are making #homehistory through their artistry, defining Virginia as a destination for art lovers.
February 28, 2025
The Powerful Harmonies of The Hampton University Concert Choir
This February The First Lady, Governor Glenn Youngkin and nearly 200 guests at a reception commemorating Black History Month were welcomed with powerful harmonies that celebrated the legacy, resilience, and brilliance of Black history.
The Hampton University Concert Choir delivered an unforgettable performance, reminding us of the rich #homehistory of our Commonwealth’s HBCUs. Thank you to Hampton University’s Concert Choir and Director Omar Dickenson for sharing your talents with us! Click here to listen to a snippet of the moving performance.
February 22, 2025
Happy Birthday, George Washington!
On this day nearly 300 years ago a #homehistory pioneer was born at Popes Creek, Westmoreland County, Virginia. From surveying Virginia’s lands to setting the precedent for democracy, George Washington’s leadership and vision continue to inspire.
The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion pays homage to our nation’s first president with artwork in the dining room, including a portrait of Washington and a painting of his home, Mount Vernon—both on loan from the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.
February 21, 202
Celebrating Black History Month: The Art of Ralph Thomas
Home to five historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Ralph Thomas’ painting “HBCU High Steppin’” beautifully reflects our Commonwealth’s rich #homehistory and bright future. On display at the Executive Mansion through The Art Experience, Thomas’ work captures the vibrant energy of HBCU marching band dancers from North Carolina Central University and Norfolk State University.
An accomplished oil painter with a folk-art style, Ralph Thomas celebrates the rich tapestry of Black experiences. With roots in Durham’s South Side and after a distinguished Navy career, Thomas settled in Norfolk, Virginia, where his passion for art grew as he sought to address the underrepresentation of African Americans in the art world.
February 14, 2025
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Valentine’s Day! In the heart of Central Appalachia, where music and tradition intertwine to make #homehistory, Clara and Ralph take the dance floor at Lays Hardware Center for the Arts in Coeburn, Virginia.
Captured by photographer Anna Mullins near Valentine’s Day 2024, their synchronized steps tell a tale of love as old as time. On display at the Executive Mansion as part of The Art Experience, this photograph reminds us that love, much like music, is best when shared.
February 11, 2025
Celebrating Black History Month: The Art of Stanley Rayfield
Making #homehistory as the first African American artist to paint a gubernatorial portrait in Virginia, Stanley Rayfield’s contributions to the artistic culture of the Executive Mansion and the Commonwealth are boundless.
Alongside “Faith Without Works Is Dead” (featured in the Art Experience’s “Celebrating the Commonwealth” exhibit), “The Kingdom Movement” and “Church Hat No. 31” will be on display through February, honoring the cultural legacy and impact of Black Americans.
February 4, 2025
Celebrating Black History Month: The Photographs of Louis Hyme Freeman Jr.
This Black History Month, The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion proudly highlights the work of Louis Hyme Freeman Jr. Freelance photographer Louis Hyme Freeman Jr. (1914–1982) documented the life and spirit of his community in Richmond’s Jackson Ward, celebrated through #homehistory as the “Black Wall Street of America” and “The Harlem of the South.” His work spans a wide range of subjects, from weddings and church events to celebrations like the 1958 senior prom at Maggie L. Walker High School captured in this image. To view Freeman’s other works, click here.
