May 8, 2025
RMTA ANNOUNCES COLLEGE STUDENT WINNERS OF TOLL BOOTH BEAUTIFICATION CONTEST
Designs to be Installed Fall 2025
RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority (RMTA) is pleased to announce the winners of its Toll Booth Beautification Contest: Aaliyah Thompson, a Virginia State University student anticipated to graduate in Spring 2026, and Jolie Rice, a Virginia Commonwealth University student also expected to graduate in Spring 2026.
Art students from colleges and universities across the Richmond region were invited to submit original artwork aimed at transforming RMTA toll booths into vibrant symbols of community pride. The contest was announced in September 2024. After receiving a range of creative and compelling entries, RMTA selected Thompson’s and Rice’s designs for their visual impact, cultural storytelling, and ability to connect with commuters in motion.
Their artwork will be installed on toll booths along the Powhite Parkway and the Downtown Expressway. In recognition of their winning submissions, each student also received a $2,000 scholarship to support their academic pursuits.
“We were deeply impressed by the creativity and passion that Aaliyah and Jolie brought to this initiative,” said Joi Dean, chief executive officer of RMTA. “Public art has the power to reflect who we are and where we are going. Aaliyah and Jolie did an amazing job capturing the culture and history of Richmond through their artistry.”
Thompson’s design, inspired by the James River and the area’s Native American heritage, will wrap the toll booths on the Powhite Parkway. Rice’s design, which highlights Richmond’s landmarks and symbols, will enhance the toll booths along the Downtown Expressway. Both installations are set to debut in fall 2025, offering drivers a fresh and inspiring visual experience on their daily commutes.
“My goal with this design was to provide a visual story that celebrates the rich cultural background of Powhite and Richmond,” said Thompson. “I hope it sparks curiosity and educates viewers about the Native history of this area, giving them a moment of reflection and connection to the place they call home.”
“As a VCUarts student, this project allowed me to combine my design skills with my love for Richmond’s history and culture,” said Rice. “My goal was to create something that reflects both the pride and diversity of this city while transforming a functional space into something meaningful.”
The Toll Booth Beautification Contest is part of RMTA’s broader commitment to community engagement and improving the driver experience through thoughtful, innovative initiatives. To follow the installation process and other RMTA updates, connect with us on social media using the links below.
RMTA is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1966 to build and operate a regional toll expressway system that includes Powhite Parkway, Downtown Expressway and Boulevard Bridge.
Media Contact:
Whitney White
Strategic Communications Manager
Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority
D: 804.523.3325
C:804.807.4686
E: whitney.white@rmtaonline.org
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