Cool and cloudy with showers through Saturday, but improvement on Sunday
Philanthropist W. Baxter Perkinson Jr., who built a successful dental practice spread across the region and became a passionate arts advocate, is pledging $1 million to St. Michael’s Episcopal School in Richmond for a new assembly hall.
The donation by Perkinson, 77, and his wife, Elaine, marks the biggest contribution to the One. Together. capital campaign. The school, which has about 400 students, relocated from Bon Air to the W.E. and Dale Harman Singleton Campus.
The Hubbard Hall building, which houses lower school grades, was built in 2017. The second phase includes the 10,960-square-foot assembly hall set for completion this month.
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Head of School Robert E. Gregg III said the school has a long history of performance art and that having sufficient space for that large-stage capacity was necessary.
“This gives us additional classrooms, studio space for both fine arts and music instruction, and it gives us appropriate concert hall acoustics in the performance space,” Gregg said. “It is also a space for us to gather the full community, which we’ve not been able to do since we were back on the Bon Air campus.”
Perkinson was born in Petersburg and raised in Powhatan County alongside his twin brother. His mother and father moved the family to a rural area, where the twins milked the family’s cows every morning and night. It was pretty bleak, he said.
“I mean, I was poor and hated it,” Perkinson said. “And I had huge ambitions.”
At age 12, the family moved to Richmond, where Perkinson had the opportunity to go to the dentist for the first time. Using the money he had earned running a paper route, he was able to go to the dental school at Virginia Commonwealth University, then known as the Medical College of Virginia.
Once a week, he caught the bus and went downtown, where the teachers and students worked on his teeth.
“I just was infatuated,” Perkinson said. “I decided then I was going to be a dentist.”
After finishing dental school at age 25, Perkinson opened W. Baxter Perkinson Jr. D.D.S. While going on to expand the practice into Virginia Family Dentistry — with 15 locations and over 500 employees — Perkinson was introduced to the arts by his wife, who asked him to take a watercolor painting class with her.
“Since then, I’ve painted thousands of paintings,” he said.
Instead of selling his works, he either donates or contributes the paintings to auctions to raise money for different causes, he said.
Richmond Police are conducting a death investigation after city staff discovered a body on the grounds of a waste management collection station.
St. Michael’s Senior Development Officer Mary King Coleman said Perkinson had taught art classes, contributed to auctions and given his paintings to retiring teachers over the years.
Virginia Commonwealth University, he said, gets many of his paintings and donations. The Perkinson Building was opened in 2009 as an addition to the VCU School of Dentistry. In the new VCU Adult Outpatient Pavilion, a little over half of the 1,000 art pieces decorating the halls were donated by Perkinson.
The Baxter Perkinson Center for Art and Education, which opened in Chester in 2019, was also founded and dedicated to transforming and enriching the community through art. He also donated $1 million to Trinity Episcopal School in Richmond, which houses the Perkinson Arts Center.
“My wife and I ... we said if we ever had more money than we needed, then it would always be gifted to something about education because we both benefited so much by becoming educated,” Perkinson said. “My life was fulfilled completely because of education.”
Two of Perkinson’s grandchildren attend St. Michael’s, and two others graduated from there, he said. He said the gift, given on behalf of him and his wife of 57 years, gives them as much satisfaction as the community and goals they’re giving it to.
“His gift will help us realize that [assembly hall] goal,” Coleman said. “It’s an amazing gift for St. Michael’s School.”
Today, Perkinson does art demonstrations out of his house. With more time on his hands during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he began working with acrylic paint. When people leave from his demos, they leave with the confidence that they can do it, too, he said.
“I’m just glad that I had a chance to find it [art] rather than live my whole life without it,” he said.
PHOTOS: Shockoe Slip through the years

At the annual holiday blessing of the animals in Shockoe Slip, "Daisy" the chimpanzee came face-to-face with 8-week-old "Marley," a chocolate labrador. Daisy was a bit unsure of herself, so she hid behind the legs of her owner, Bea Shepperson, of Old Coach, Virginia. Daisy, 2 years old, came from the St. Louis Primate Center.

"Sadie" (left) and "Rudy" (about to accept a doggie treat) were among the animals present at the annual holiday animal blessing in Shockoe Slip, next to the horse fountain. Saying the blessing (at microphone) is Dr. Karen Lacy, of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ.

Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip, Blessing of the animals ceremony. The Strawberry Hill Hitch and the mounted police from Richmond and representatives from Henrico and Virginia Beach.

Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip, Blesing the animals ceremony.

Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip, Blessing of the animals ceremony.

Harriet (1, left) and Buddy (8, right- both are females) listen to music from a children's choir, and sniff a photographer's camera during the annual blessing of the animals in Shockoe Slip on 12/8/2000

Anne Palangi, of Richmond, brought a picture of her husky Jake to Friday's annual Blessing of the Animals at the Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip. Here, Palangi visits with horses from the Richmond Police Department before the blessing.

Wiggy (left), a three-year-old Norwich Terrier, visits with Icelandic Sheepdogs Thorri (right), 9, and Angel (in back), 2, at Friday's annual Blessing of the Animals at the Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip. "I don't miss an opportunity to have him blessed," said Dewey Chester, Wiggy's owner.

Dogs socialize after the annual Blessing of the Animals at the Shockoe Slip fountain.

Rev. Karen Thompson (right) performs the Blessing of the Animals at the Shockoe Slip fountain as Sue Mullins (left), President of the Friends of the Richmond Mounted Squad, holds the microphone.

Kathy Ashworth brought apples and carrots to feed the police horses.before the annual Blessing of the Animals at the Shockoe Slip fountain.

The Friends of the Richmond Mounted squad held their annual Blessing of the Animals at the Shockoe Slip Fountain today. At right is Roadrunner, a mount ridden by Richmond Mounted Police Officer Jeff Napier.

Aniza Damon brought her cat, Luna, to The Friends of the Richmond Mounted squad annual Blessing of the Animals at the Shockoe Slip Fountain.

Richmond Mounted Squad members (left to right) Rob Lehr on Nuke, Jeff Napier on Roadrunner and Rich Fecht on Rio were among those attending The Friends of the Richmond Mounted squad annual Blessing of the Animals at the Shockoe Slip Fountain today.

Ordained minister Karen Lacy (center, red sweater) gave the benediction during the The Friends of the Richmond Mounted squad annual Blessing of the Animals at the Shockoe Slip Fountain today.

Richmond police mounted patrolmen Jeff Napier, riding Dick Tracy, and Eric Bardon (right), riding "Roadrunner" let their horses take a drink prior to the blessing of the animals held at the Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip.

Frank Fazzio brought his dog, Iris, (an animal rescued last March from the Glouscester/ Matthews Humane Society) to the blessing of the animals held at the Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip.

This April 1950 image shows the horse fountain on Shockoe Lane, the small stretch at 13th and East Cary streets that is now referred to as Shockoe Slip. The marble fountain, donated by an anonymous Baltimore woman in 1909 in memory of a Confederate cavalry captain buried in Hollywood Cemetery, still sits in front of The Martin Agency. The inscription: “In Memory of One Who Loved Animals.”

Mom's Siam photographed for Dining Out Tuesday, August 26, 2014.

Rain falls over Shockoe Slip during lunch time Monday, November 17, 2014.

Rain falls over Shockoe Slip Monday, November 17, 2014.

A room in the Residence Inn in Shockoe Slip on East Cary Street has a view of Main Street Station. The hotel and the adjacent Courtyard Marriott opened for business Monday afternoon, December 8, 2014. The First Freedom Center, on the first floor of the Residence Inn, will open in mid-January.

The First Freedom Center is across East Cary Street from Sine' Irish Pub. The center, on the first floor of the Residence Inn, will open in mid-January. The Courtyard Marriott and Residence Inn in Shockoe Slip on East Cary Street opened for business Monday afternoon, December 8, 2014.

The Courtyard Marriott (left) and Residence Inn (right) in Shockoe Slip on East Cary Street opened for business Monday afternoon, December 8, 2014. The First Freedom Center, on the first floor of the Residence Inn, will open in mid-January.

People and their pets gathered during the annual Blessing of the Animals sponsored by the Friends of the Mounted Squad of the Richmond Police Department. The event is held at the Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip.

Linda Gettings, L, of Richmond holds her 2-year-old granddaughter Elysia Taylor as she gets a loving nuzzle from Scooter, a member of the Richmond Mounted Unit during the Blessing of the Animals. Sponsored by the Friends of the Mounted Squad of the Richmond Police Department, the annual event is held at the Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip.

The Rev. Karen Thompson speaks during the annual Blessing of the Animals sponsored by the Friends of the Mounted Squad of the Richmond Police Department. The event is held at the Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip.

Views of the downtown Courtyard/Residence Inn. 8/9/2016: The Residence Inn by Marriott in Shockoe Slip is owned by Richmond-based Apple Hospitality REIT Inc.

Shockoe Slip, Cary and 13th St.

Merchants and tenants of Shockoe Slip welcomed The Martin Agency to the neighborhood Thursday, May 8, with a party around the fountain outside the new building that houses the agency.

Donna Wiggins,L, looks on as fellow worker Jill Rife, takes a bite of food during a welcome to the neighborhood party thrown by merchants and tenants of Shockoe Slip for The Martin Agency (background). Both are employees of Alex Brown & Sons.

Bill Daniels, who will receive one of ACORN's top honors for his work as the unofficial mayor of Shockoe Slip and his efforts to preserve and maintain the Slip's historic ambience, and in particular, the area's cobblestone streets, kneels on the cobblestones of E. Cary St. in Richmond, VA, Monday, Oct. 4, 2004

Bill Daniels, who will receive one of ACORN's top honors for his work as the unofficial mayor of Shockoe Slip and his efforts to preserve and maintain the Slip's historic ambience, and in particular, the area's cobblestone streets, stands near the intersection of 13th & E. Cary St. in Richmond, VA, Monday, Oct. 4, 2004

Bill Daniels, right, who will receive one of ACORN's top honors for his work as the unofficial mayor of Shockoe Slip and his efforts to preserve and maintain the Slip's historic ambience, and in particular, the area's cobblestone streets, talks with Richbrau owner Michael Byrne, left, near the intersection of 13th & E. Cary St. in Richmond, VA, Monday, Oct. 4, 2004

Horses' heads on the Shockoe Slip fountain near the intersection of 13th & E. Cary St. in Richmond, VA, Monday, Oct. 4, 2004, where the cobblestones are being preserved.

L-R, Kelly Justice, new owner of Fountain Bookstore, with previous owners Jim and Boo Smythe in the Shockoe Slip store Wed. Feb 13,2008.

Paul Trible (left) and Paul Watson have started a high end shirt company based in Shockoe Slip called "Ledbury."

Mike Gray, Mark Hickman and Andrew Ryan (left to right), created RichmondHomeBuzz, a company established to help people market their real estate. (for some reason we shot the photo in Shockoe Slip)

Cudahy's Gallery in Shockoe Slip photographed Monday, August 4, 2003.

Veterans race through Shockoe Slip over cobblestones in the Tour de Richmond, 4-29-1990

Richmond restauranteur Tom Leppert stands in front of his Sam Miller's restaurant in Shockoe Slip.

Sam Miller's, 1210 E. Cary St.

John Felico (RIGHT), president of Dominic's of New York, and Gaspare Dimaria (LEFT) are busy getting the new Dominic's of New York Taste of Little Italy restaurant at 1316 E. Cary St. in Shockoe Slip ready for opening.

(Left to Right) Andy Barnett and Wilson Dowdy drive toy cars at the first Ukrop's Richmond Race Fest on 5/12/05 in Shockoe Slip.

InLight Richmond will take place in Scott's Addition this year.

Terry Van Peppen, as tin woman, fixes the mustache on her son Donte Fontenelli, 9, as the munchkin mayor, whiles (from left in back) her husband Anton Van Peppen, as Dorothy, and her stepsons Martinus, as the scarecrow, and Dustin Van Peppen, as the coroner, stand in the background at Saturday's Halloween festival in Shockoe Slip. According to Van Peppen, the Wizard of Oz themed costumes that he, his wife and their six children and stepchildren wore originated with Bela, the family dog, who bears a striking resemblance to Toto. Van Peppen then had to step up and dress as Dorothy when his daughter and stepdaughter couldn't decide who would play the part. Van Peppen's costume was complete with ruby red shoes, which his wife made for him.

Inspired by a trip to Paris they took last Fall, Ken Van Riper, as Leonardo da Vinci, and Dave Burchfield, as the Mona Lisa, dressed up for Saturday's Halloween festival in Shockoe Slip. Here, Sandi Snedeker, of Leisure Times funnel cake and lemonade stand, admires the costumes.

Bubba Carter, as the magician, gives Ashleigh Humphries, 4, a view from up high at Saturday's Halloween festival in Shockoe Slip.

Rick Campbell is The Catch of the Day at the 23rd annual Great Pumpkin Party in Shockoe Slip . October 31,1999

The 23rd annual Great Pumpkin Party in Shockoe Slip . October 31,1999

Alissa Babaev checks out Mark Davis , the ' scarecrow with a crow on his arm' , at the 23rd annual Great Pumpkin Party in Shockoe Slip . October 31,1999

Pete Olson as the Empire State Building , King Kong and Fay Wray at the 23rd annual Great Pumpkin Party in Shockoe Slip . October 31,1999

Hula girls Chris Daylor (left) and Pam Loehr bare their assets at the 23rd annual Great Pumpkin Party in Shockoe Slip . October 31,1999

In October 1978, a group of mad hatters danced in Shockoe Slip during the Great Pumpkin Party. The Halloween-themed festival drew about 10,000 people, many of them in costume to participate in contests for cash prizes.

In October 1979, a couple dressed as apes made their way through Shockoe Slip in Richmond during the Great Pumpkin Party. The event included live music, costume contests, an art show and a pumpkin pie bake-off.

Brian Satterfield, manager at The Hard Shell, in Shockoe Slip, seats (from left) Marci Harrison, Danielle Sands and Eric Wampler (not seen) on Friday, July 6, 2007.

Norwood Thompson Clary draws a curious glance from two-year-old Sage Elder at the corner of 12th Street and Cary Street Sunday afternoon. Clary bought the outfit for the annual Great Pumpkin Harvest festival in Shockoe Slip, but the event had been cancelled when Clary arrived. Although disappointed, Clary strolled Cary Street for a while.

(L-R) Carol Webb, of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., dances with her daughter Heidi Pankoff, of Richmond, as The Crawdaddies play in the background at the Shockoe Slip fountain during the Harley Owners Group street party Saturday, August 28, 2004.

Carol Webb (right foreground), of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., dances with her daughter Heidi Pankoff (middle in foreground), of Richmond, as The Crawdaddies play in the background at the Shockoe Slip fountain during the Harley Owners Group street party Saturday, August 28, 2004.

Richmond Police Mounted Patrol officer Jeffrey Napier offers 'Bo' some water at the horse fountain in Shockoe Slip, in the hot afternoon of September 16, 1998. The two were just about to start their shift. Napier has been on the mounted patrol for two years. Bo has been on the force for 14 years.

Samantha Gerstbrein leads a yoga class on SURFSET indoor surfboards at Shockoe Slip Yoga downtown. If you feel like you need to include an ID on the woman whose back is to the camera, it is Dr. Mythri Jegathesan.

On June 10, 1907, this monument and cross commemorating the 300th anniversary of Captain John Smith's May, 1607 journey up the James to Richmond was dedicated. Smith and his crew had to stop because of the rapids near this spot. A gift from the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquties, it now sits in Shockoe Slip, at 14th and Dock Streets.

Varina High School student Chantelle Britton models the 'Shockoe Slip' for the participants at a job fair sponsored by Henrico County Schools thursday, April 2, 1998 at Dory Park in Eastern Henrico. The job fair was for 77 college grads the County is trying to persuade to work for the system.

A federal agent removes a box of evidence from the office of Justin French in Richmond, VA Thursday, August 5, 2010. Federal agents raided French's Shockoe Slip offices early this morning.

Frances Kahn store manager Lou Hurst, left, helps customer Sylvia Farmer in the new Shockoe Slip store. At right, customer Debbie Wreden checks out the sale items, March 17, 1998.

City patrolman Sean Hammett helps store manager, Dyana Steely, hang Christmas lights outside 'Glass Reunions' in Shockoe Slip. He (jokingly) said it is part of 'community policing,' and the Slip is on his beat.

Jacob Stanley created a fluorescent light display, “Spanning Systems (A Partial Rewire),” at the Martin Agency in Shockoe Slip as part of InLight 2010 .

The GRTC Lunch Time Express makes its way along Cary Street, in Shockoe Slip.

Richmond Tours takes a ride through historic Shockoe Slip on one of its regular runs.

Bean Stringfellow and Jeff Beck with autographed baseballs from each of their clients. Photographed at their business offices at PRO-Formance in Shockoe Slip in Richmond.

Whitney Dennis, 5, gawks at 'Trailer Park Barbie,' just before the start of the costume contest at the 24th annual Great Pumpkin Party in Shockoe Slip. Whitney was dressed as Dorothy from 'The Wizard of Oz.' The Barbie outfit--worn by Chris Wade--won Wade the peoples' choice award and $1000.

Amy Powrozmik delights in Rick Campbell's makeup application for his costume as 'Piggy Back Drag Queen' during the 24th annual Great Pumpkin Party in Shockoe Slip. Powrozmik dressed up as a can of Slim Jim snacks. At left is Chris Wade as 'Tralier Park Barbie.

Pomegranate in Carytown Thursday, April 17, 2014.

Chef Kevin LaCivita, owner of the former Pomegranate restaurant in Shockoe Slip, has opened a Pomegranate in Carytown Thursday, April 17, 2014.

Chef Kevin LaCivita, owner of the former Pomegranate restaurant in Shockoe Slip, has opened a Pomegranate in Carytown Thursday, April 17, 2014.

Rowland George of NDEC with a high-speed laser that bridges a IT connection between the Martin Agency's Shockoe Slip offices and an office in the James Center in Richmond VA Thurs. June 26, 2014.

People wait to get into The Lucky Buddha nightclub in Shockoe Slip in Richmond, Va., on Friday, July 15, 2011. Richmond police have announced increased efforts to maintain security at nightspots across the city.

Robert Sarvis, Libertarian candidante for governor, thanked supporters who turned out at the The Tobacco Company Restaurant & Club, Tuesday, 11/5/2013. Most didn't think he would win, but were hoping for 10 percent of the vote.

Bean (left) checks out Thor, who is new to the Richmond Mounted Police. They met after the Richmond Blessing of the Animals at the Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip Friday, December 14, 2012.

Richmond Police Officer Amanda Acuff watches as her horse Beau gets Penley's attention after the Richmond's Blessing of the Animals at the Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip Friday, December 14, 2012. The basset hound is owned by Dawn Lehmann on right.

Bean (left) checks out Thor, who is new to the Richmond Mounted Police. They met after the Richmond Blessing of the Animals at the Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip Friday, December 14, 2012. Bean is a Canine Companion dog in training.

Rev. Karen Thompson, of Thompson's Border Collies, blesses the animals during Richmond's annual Blessing of the Animals at the Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip Friday, December 14, 2012.

Kelly Justice, R, owner of Fountain Bookstore in Shockoe Slip talks with customer Melissa Laughon, L, while Amanda Nelson rings up her purchases.

Kelly Justice, L, owner of Fountain Bookstore in Shockoe Slip talks with customers Gayle Turner, C, and the Rev. Ben Campbell.

Kelly Justice, L, owner of Fountain Bookstore in Shockoe Slip talks with customer Melissa Laughon, R, thursday, 12/22.

Razors in Shockoe Slip.

Stephanie and Dan Gallagher of Charlotte, NC walk with their son Reilly (7, center with lightsaber) along Cary St. in Shockoe Slip. Dan Gallagher is a city planner in Charlotte, and says the lure of the downtown as a home should be appealing to empty-nesters. He and his wife decided to stop and visit Richmond for a day and night at the end of their recent vacation after Stephanie found an affordable room at the Omni on Priceline.com. Photo 7/8/07. The Gallaghers were especially interested in the prospests of the Canal Walk.

Visitors from Arlington, from left, Flora Fialloa, Sharon Wine and Sharon Shockley, get off the Lunch Time Express outside the Tobacco Company in Richmond, VA's Shockoe Slip Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005.

Rudy Valente in his new furniture store, RV Cole, located in Shockoe Slip at 1217 E. Cary St. in Richmond. The store features both contemporary and Shaker-style furniture.

The BES Studios crew, seen on site in Shockoe Slip doing a commercial for the Virginia Lottery, works with customers around the state.

The old Cudahy's Gallery building in Shockoe Slip is for sale/lease on East Cary St.

Toys in the window of the Toymaker of Williamsburg store in Shockoe Slip watch potential customers pass by on East Cary St.

Grass Roots sales associate Jaci Gills adjusts a jewelry case in the Shockoe Slip store. The store is closing.

Bernice Stafford-Turner sells flowers and balloons outside of the Siegel Center as people exit after attending the Matoaca High School graduation ceremony on Wednesday, June 11, 2008. Stafford-Turner said she has been selling flowers in Richmond on and off for the past 25 years and that her stand's usual location is outside of the Tobacco Company restaurant, in Shockoe Slip.

Bob McNulty, general manager of Sine Irish Pub & Restaurant in Shockoe Slip, talks to a reporter about the smoking ban issue Friday, March 30, 2007.

Interior of the TapHouse Grill in Shockoe Slip. This pine bottle was hand-lathed on site during construction of the restaurant.

Interior of the TapHouse Grill in Shockoe Slip.

An antique safe is used for wine storage at the TapHouse Grill in Shockoe Slip. On top of the safe is a stock pot from the White Star Lines (owners of the Titanic).

Interior of the TapHouse Grill in Shockoe Slip.

Owner, Sarah Gunn, has moved Toymaker of Williamsburg from Shockoe Slip to Cary Court Shopping Center on Cary Street.

Renee Matthews of Washington, D.C. (left) and John Harper of Upper Marlboro, MD try riding Segway vehicles in an alley near Shockoe Slip with ten other winners of the 40 Years of Travel Passions Sweepstakes which gave away 40 free trips in 40 weeks to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the "Virginia is for Lovers" slogan.

A real "Segway bender" occurred during a training session on how to drive a Segway in an alley near Shockoe Slip. Winners of the 40 Years of Travel Passions Sweepstakes came to Richmond to tool around on the Segways (from Segway of Richmond). The Virginia tourism program celebrates the 40th anniversary of the "Virginia is for Lovers" slogan. From left: Samara Montgomery of Upper Marlboro, Md; Jim Newell of Washington, D.C.; Sara Smith of Washington, D.C.; and John Harper of Upper Marlboro, Md.

Cosntruction continues at the Vistas on the James construction site at the Turning Basin in Shockoe Slip, Richmond. Here, work is done on the second level of a six-level parking deck.

Europa, a restaurant, 1409 E. Cary St.

Shockoe Slip

Joseph E. Burrough III (Chesterfield) Artist will have work on display and for sale at the Arts on the Lawn at Bellgrade art show in Chesterfield Oct. 19 and Oct. 20. "BOARDING AT THE PACKET OFFICE." A SCENE OF SHOCKOE SLIP IN THE 1850S

Life imitates art in this instance as 2-year-old Jack Garrett of Chesterfield dresses as namesake 'Jack in the Box' as he makes his way through the crowds at the 20th Great Pumpkin Harvest Festival in Shockoe Slip Sunday 11/3/96.

Gary Hooper, Tim Miller, Tom Leppert and Felix Garcia chat outside Richbrau Brewery in Shockoe Slip Friday. Hooper and Garcia are co-owners of the cycling team that bears the name of the popular microbrewery owned by Leppert. Miller is a rider for the team

Lori Vaught, manager of the Virginia Company, a store specializing in Virginia-made products, holds a catalog inside the Shockoe Slip store.