Freeman Library Literary Programs

Art, writing, reading, and books have a long and important connection. To investigate and illuminate this connection, VMFA offers a variety of literary programs sponsored by the Freeman Library.

VMFA Book Club

Using books about artists or works of art to pique curiosity and open discussions, VMFA Book Club explores specific works of art currently on view at VMFA as well as the setting and period surrounding the art featured in the book. These groups are limited to 25 participants and feature staff-led museum tours and discussions. NOTE: Reading the book is helpful but not required.

Find out about books previously featured by VMFA Book ClubPDF. Find out about our upcoming Book Club.   

VMFA Book and Author Events

Guest authors and experts talk about works of fiction or nonfiction that correlate with the museum’s collections and exhibitions. Check back to learn more about upcoming Book and Author events.

VMFA Annual Literacy Award

VMFA and the Library of Virginia celebrate the connection between art and literature each October by jointly sponsoring a program held at VMFA during the Library of Virginia’s annual Virginia Literary Festival. In 2011, AUTHORS, ARTISTS AND ART: A Conversation featured a panel discussion moderated by author Katherine Neville. During the 2012 program, Neville announced the creation of The Mary Lynn Kotz Award for Writing about Art. In honor of this new literary award, which will be presented beginning in 2013, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts' curators selected nine masterpieces from the VMFA collection, each of which inspired one of nine award-winning poets to write an original poem, which are collected in Art Meets Literature: An Undying Love Affair.

NEW! The Literature Studio: What Were They Thinking? 

Have you ever wondered what people were reading or hearing as the world’s great art was created? How has art inspired writers over the centuries? How have writers influenced artists? Through gallery tours, talks, and readings, the Literature Studio explores inspirational connections between various types of art. Learn about upcoming poetry and prose Literature Studio events. 

Learn About the Research Library and How to Use it 

Learn proper art research methods from Freeman Library staff and find out about available library resources. Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate classes. Learn more about bringing your high school or college and graduate classes to the library.