In the quiet corners of Virginia Beach, where the residential sprawl of the present meets the echoes of a colonial past, the community is preparing to anchor its identity in both glass and word. This month, a series of gatherings focused on celebrating the history of Kempsville will transform a local intersection into a living gallery and a neighborhood church into a lecture hall, bridging the gap between the area’s maritime roots and its modern evolution.
The centerpiece of these celebrations is the unveiling of “Harbor of Stories,” a public art installation that eschews the traditional static monument in favor of a collaborative, translucent narrative. Created by the Washington Glass Studio in partnership with the City of Virginia Beach, the sculpture is not merely a professional commission but a community artifact, featuring glass panels crafted by local residents during hands-on workshops.
By integrating the actual touch of the people who live and work in Kempsville, the city is attempting to move public art away from the “plop art” phenomenon—where sculptures are dropped into a space without context—and toward a model of civic ownership. This approach aligns with the broader goals of the Virginia Beach Public Art Program, which seeks to enhance the city’s identity through creative expression and the cultivation of civic pride.
A Maritime Guidepost in Glass
Scheduled for dedication on Saturday, April 18, at 10 a.m., “Harbor of Stories” will be permanently situated at the northeast corner of Witchduck Road and Princess Anne Road. The installation takes the form of a schooner, a nod to the sailing vessels that once defined the region’s economy and connectivity. The choice of a ship is symbolic; the city describes the work as a “symbolic guidepost,” intended to illuminate a path forward while honoring the maritime legacy that shaped the area.
The technical execution of the piece relies on the interplay of light and glass, allowing the sculpture to change appearance throughout the day. This fluidity mirrors the shifting nature of the community itself. For the residents of Historic Kempsville, the installation represents a physical manifestation of their collective memory.
“‘Harbor of Stories’ is a vibrant celebration of the rich history and enduring character of Historic Kempsville,” said Bobbie Gribble, chair of the Historic Kempsville Citizens Advisory Committee. “Through our neighbors’ participation and collaboration with the City and the artist, the sculpture will serve as a landmark and gathering point, representing community, local identity and a sense of unity.”
For those attending the dedication, the city has designated parking in nearby vacant lots located at 5131 Princess Anne Road and 445 Kempshire Lane to accommodate the expected crowd.
Contextualizing the Kempsville Narrative
While the sculpture provides a visual anchor, the city is likewise providing an intellectual one. On Wednesday, April 15, at 4 p.m., the community will gather at Emmanuel Episcopal Church for a talk titled “Defining Kempsville.” The event is designed to provide the historical scaffolding necessary to fully appreciate the “Harbor of Stories” installation.
The lecture will be led by Stephen Mansfield, a professor at Virginia Wesleyan University and a noted local historian. Mansfield is the author of “Princess Anne County and Virginia Beach: A Pictorial History,” a work that meticulously documents the transition of the region from a rural county to a major coastal city. His talk will explore the specific contributions of the Kempsville area and its pivotal role in the broader story of Virginia Beach.
This pairing of a scholarly lecture with a public art unveiling suggests a deliberate effort by Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs to treat local history as a living discipline. By exploring the “why” and “how” of Kempsville’s development before the “what” of the art dedication, the city encourages residents to witness themselves as part of a continuing historical sequence.
Event Schedule and Logistics
Both events are free and open to the public, emphasizing accessibility as a core component of the city’s cultural outreach. The following table outlines the timeline for the celebrations.
| Event | Date & Time | Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defining Kempsville | April 15, 4 p.m. | Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 5181 Singleton Way | Historical lecture and contextual talk |
| Harbor of Stories | April 18, 10 a.m. | NE Corner of Witchduck Rd & Princess Anne Rd | Public art dedication and celebration |
The Role of Public Art in Civic Identity
The “Harbor of Stories” project is part of a larger strategic effort by the Virginia Beach Public Art Program to utilize the city’s physical landscape as a tool for storytelling. Public art, when executed as a collaboration between government agencies and local citizens, often serves as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization and a means of preserving heritage that might otherwise be lost to urban development.
In the case of Kempsville, the use of glass—a medium that is both fragile and enduring—serves as an apt metaphor for the community’s history. The project demonstrates how city-led initiatives can move beyond mere decoration to create “gathering points” that foster a sense of belonging.
For residents seeking more information or those with specific questions regarding the events, the city has directed inquiries to [email protected]. Additional details on the city’s ongoing creative initiatives can be found via the official public art portal at VBPublicArt.org.
The upcoming dedication marks the conclusion of the creation phase for “Harbor of Stories,” but it begins a new chapter for the intersection of Witchduck and Princess Anne Roads. As the sculpture becomes a permanent fixture of the landscape, the next phase of the city’s cultural plan will involve integrating similar community-driven installations across other historic districts in Virginia Beach.
We invite you to share your thoughts on the intersection of public art and local history in the comments below.
