We are all human. We live in the same city. We are all standing in the same sunlight. We are all sheltering from the same rain. We all have a story to tell. We all have secrets. We all want the best for ourselves. We all want the best for our families. More characteristics unify us than divide us. Building Together demonstrates that when diverse populations reach out to understand each other and work together, a stronger more equitable community emerges. These larger-than-life “building blocks” are made up of residents of Richmond representing the diversity that makes us unique. These portraits reflect the racial demographics of Richmond as reported in the 2010 census data.

This installation was a part of 1708 Gallery’s InLight Exhibition at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Viewers were invited to interact with the installation to build and rebuild their community to help mirror our fluctuating society.