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This First Edition is a signed 11″ by 8.5″ Hi-Res Color Print on Matte Paper with firm backboard in an opaque sleeve and comes with a copy of the current print issue.
Can be hung as-is or easily removed from sleeve and framed.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit 16 Blocks Public Works Fund in support of our downtown mural project.
“Draper Block” is an Iconic Image capturing a moment in time in Downtown Blacksburg History, and will be remembered as one of the few benefits of the nationwide and local quarantine and Social Distancing. The time after the quarantine was lifted and the tents and closed-to-cars street remained, leading to the further improvements beginning this Spring will make Draper into more of a public park than street. The piece is the first in a series of Rita’s renditions of Cafe and Coffee Culture, as well as a look into local Skateboarding Culture.
This composition aims to capture naturally occurring events and activities on Draper Pedestrian Block.
I used mixed media including conte crayons, washes of sanguine, and India ink with brush drawing.
The perspective is distorted to include more than the natural eye can see. The street sides are warped to showcase what one might experience on a casual stroll along the eclectic shops, cafes, along with the music from the piano under the tents.
Sketching, drawing and photographing in the streets on random days and nights provided inspiration for content. Bicyclists, skateboarders, musicians, students, public yoga practitioners… a great intermingling of people.
All sandwiched between Coffeeholic’s and Bollos with public tables and benches, this block is our representation of Cafe Culture.
Café culture is a historic and worldwide tradition based in and around coffee shops which have always been a gathering place for those interested in intellectual discussion and engaging conversation which is fertile ground for artistic and creative exercise.
I see Draper Block as interactive; a place of incubation, inspiration, and collaboration.
Rita Brame Creative Director
My journey as a Creative Director began as Editor for my high school yearbook at Radford High School. I graduated from Radford University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Painting, Cumme Laude.
I received a Master’s of Fine Arts from Winthrop University in Sculpture and was recipient of Winthrop Woman of Excellence Award.
I am a professional artist and work in many mediums, from oil paintings to graphic design to murals.
Stella Rose, the piano in the center under the tents, is the outdoor piano we upcycled from a Church in town that needed a home. Rita recently added detail and color.