PRA Group Presents Gourmandizing NEON Mural with The Governor’s School for the Arts and NEON District
NORFOLK, Va., Oct. 24, 2022 – PRA Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRAA), a global leader in acquiring and servicing nonperforming loans, is proud to sponsor the newly unveiled Gourmandizing NEON large-scale mural in Norfolk, Virginia’s NEON District.
With a ribbon cutting ceremony held on Friday during the 7th Annual NEON Festival, visual arts faculty and students from The Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) showcased their work with London-based artist Matthew McGuinness to create a public art mural that captures the theme, “A History of Lunchtime in Norfolk.”
Following six weeks of virtual workshops and research, Gourmandizing NEON drew inspiration from several historic staples in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, including ice cream cones from Doumar’s, ham from Smithfield Foods, oysters from Chesapeake Bay, Duke of Norfolk punch and treats from the H.E. Williams Candy Company.
“This project represents a brilliant crossover of the visual and culinary arts. Through the Gourmandizing NEON mural project, McGuinness and GSA students reflected on local cuisine and its connection to culture and shared experiences. PRA Group is honored to have been part of facilitating a hands-on research and art experience for GSA students with an internationally celebrated artist and supporting public art,” said Giovanna Genard, vice president of external affairs and marketing leader for PRA Group.
Since its founding in 1996, PRA Group has contributed millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours to nonprofits worldwide in support of the arts and education, health and human services, youth development, environmental sustainability, civic organizations and financial literacy.
PRA Group’s global headquarters is just minutes away from the location of Gourmandizing NEON on the Olney Road-facing side of Virginia Furniture Company at 745 Granby St. in Norfolk.
The mural is part of a three-piece collection, including a menu developed in collaboration with The CROP Foundation and Commune Norfolk and a zine to summarize the project. Its name comes from the term “gourmandizing,” a new genre of public art designed to evoke empathy through dynamic signage.
About PRA Group
As a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, PRA Group, Inc. returns capital to banks and other creditors to help expand financial services for consumers in the Americas, Europe and Australia. With thousands of employees worldwide, PRA Group companies collaborate with customers to help them resolve their debt. For more information, please visit www.pragroup.com.
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