Join Dr. John Henry Rice, co-curator of Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment, and Sue “Vani” Agee, Yoga Teacher, RN, and Co-Founder, PeaceLoveRVA.com, for a discussion of three works in VMFA’s permanent collection and an exploration of a theme in the special exhibition: the varying forms assumed by Tibetan Buddhism’s goddesses.

Explore assemblages and collages in the special exhibition, Cosmologies from the Tree of Life: Art from the African American South, and discover the artists inspiration for their work.

This class examines how landscape has influenced meaning and aesthetics in African American art of the South, and how place influences aesthetics and the “mapping” of expressive work as part of an African diasporic tradition in the Americas. This one-session class will include a tour with the instructor of the special exhibition Cosmologies from the Tree of Life: Art from the African American South.

To celebrate meditation month in May and the opening of Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment, VMFA is inviting Richmond residents to participate in citywide events to promote mindfulness and generosity. From now through Aug., Virginians will have the opportunity to participate in events such as yoga and meditation at the museum, scavenger hunts in Richmond’s parks and gardens and a mandala sand painting ceremony with The Mystical Arts of Tibet, featuring Tibetan Monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery. These activities will encourage participants to power down and unplug before joining a voyage into the visionary art of Tibetan Buddhism featured in Awaken, on view through Aug. 18.

In addition to scheduled programs, VMFA will host surprise events around the city as a way to promote random acts of kindness. If you see VMFA in the community, tag #AwakenVMFA for a chance to win tickets to the exhibition. Additionally, if VMFA staff sees you practicing mindfulness or good deeds, you might be rewarded with free tickets to the exhibition. Keep up the good work, Richmond! We can’t wait to see you around town!

“Awaken” Juice at North End Juice Co.
Saturday, Apr. 27– Sunday, Aug. 18
718 N. Cleveland St., Richmond, VA

Try a fresh-pressed juice to “Awaken” your senses! Flavors such as orange, grapefruit, pineapple, turmeric and cayenne are combined to create a delicious treat to start your day.

Peace Love RVA
Saturday, May 4, 10:00 am–4:00 pm
$15, Maymont
1000 Spottswood Rd., Richmond, VA

Peace Love RVA is a festival for yoga enthusiasts and newcomers, whether local or visiting from out of town. The festival includes a full day of yoga, vegetarian and vegan food and offerings from local artisans while surrounded by Maymont’s scenic Japanese and Italian Gardens. Visit the VMFA tent for a free portrait by Richmond-based artist Jennifer Paxton Parker.

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, May 18, 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Virginia Capital Trail, Dorey Park, Bryan Park, Forest Hill Park, Buttermilk Trail, North Bank Trail, Deep Run Park, Three Lakes Park, Maymont and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

To honor the Buddha’s enlightenment while sitting under a tree, VMFA will have prizes hidden along popular trails and parks in and around the Richmond area to encourage everyone to enjoy the amazing natural environments that the Greater Richmond area offers. Prizes include VMFA memberships, gift cards, exhibition tickets and more. Visitors are responsible for entrance fees to parks and trails when required.

Mindful Mornings at VMFA
Friday, June 7, 8:15–9:00 am (advance tickets required)
Free, VMFA Cochrane Atrium
200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond, VA

Mindful Mornings is a monthly interactive speaker series for do-gooders who want to create a “more well” world. For one hour on the first Friday of every month, Mindful Mornings chapter founders across the country connect the people with the hearts and souls to change the world with the content and community they need to make it happen. Visit facebook.com/mindfulmorningsrva for more details and ticket information.

Gentle Movement and Awakening with Project Yoga Richmond in Awaken Exhibition
Friday, June 21, 9:00–10:00 am (advance tickets required)
Pay what you can, meet at entrance to Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment at VMFA
200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond, VA

Project Yoga Richmond will teach a gentle chair yoga class within the Awaken exhibition using special instruments and music to inspire deeper meditation. Tickets must be reserved at projectyogarichmond.org. In addition to this class, Project Yoga Richmond hosts yoga classes, Saturday Salutations, in the VMFA E. Claiborne and Lora Robins Sculpture Garden on Saturdays at 9:00 am.

Silent Reading Party in Awaken Exhibition
Saturday, July 20, 5:30–7:00 pm (advance tickets required)
Meet at entrance to Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment at VMFA
200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond, VA

BYOBook for an after-hours reading opportunity inside the Awaken exhibition. Unwind, unplug and read for an hour in silence, while still in company of others. Tickets are released the week before the event. Follow ,@silentreadingpartyrva on Instagram to sign up. No tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event.

Join Director of Education, Celeste Fetta, for a tour that highlights three works of art in the permanent collection that connect to the special exhibition, Edward Hopper and the American Hotel.

Celebrate the work of talented local artists at the opening reception for the Studio School exhibition, The Alchemy of Pots & Prints # 14

Join Dr. Colleen Yarger, Curatorial Assistant for European Art and the Mellon Collections, Interim Head of the Department for European Art and exhibition co-curator, and VMFA Paper Conservation Technicians, Heather Emerson and Heather Godlewski as they discuss the collaborative efforts to create, conserve and prepare a large-scale works on paper exhibition.

Girls For A Change presents the 2019 annual showcase which celebrates and presents projects developed by this year’s Girl Action Teams with a focus on social justice, challenges in the girls’ communities, and designing and implementing creative solutions. The event will be emceed by Coach Nickey, who has been working with the middle and high school girls throughout the year, and features special guest, Douriean Fletcher, jewelry designer for the Oscar-winning film, Black Panther. Ms. Fletcher will be sharing her story through a conversation led by members of the Girl Action Teams and audience Q & A.

Following the showcase, the VMFA lobby will be open for participants to meet with our girls, ask questions about their projects, and learn how they can help.

This program is a partnership with the Girls For a Change and VMFA. For more information about the Girls For a Change visit their website

VMFA will host contemporary artist Tsherin Sherpa for a week of artist demonstrations and discussions. Join the artist to observe his practice and discuss his artistic technique. Three of Sherpa’s work are featured in the special exhibition, Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment.

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Photo courtesy of the artist

Artist Demonstrations with Tsherin Sherpa
Tue, May 14 | 11 am–1 pm & 2–4 pm
Thu, May 16 | 2–4 pm & 5–7 pm
Fri, May 17 | 11 am–1 pm & 2–4 pm
Entrance to the special exhibition Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment
Meet the artist outside the entrance to the special exhibition to observe and discuss the process of traditional thangka painting and how Sherpa has expanded on that skill to create his contemporary works.
Please note, tickets are required to enter the special exhibition.

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Conversation: Thangka Paintings
Artist in conversation with Dr. John Henry Rice, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Curator of South Asian and Islamic Art
Wed, May 15 | 11 am–noon
Free, no tickets required
Meet at Visitor Services

Join the artist and curator of the exhibition for a discussion of the thangka paintings in VMFA’s permanent collection.

Sat, Sept. 14, 2019
11 am–3 pm
Free. No tickets or reservations required.

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Performances

Miramar with Rosette String Quartet
Leslie Cheek Theater, Level L
Enjoy the rhythmic bolero music of Miramar, started by members of the salsa band Bio Ritmo, Rei Alvarez and Marlysse Simmons and bossa nova vocalist Laura Ann Singh. The slow to medium tempo style is shared by all Spanish-speaking countries of the Americas, and incorporates lyrics revolving around the good fortune and tragedies of life.

The Latin Ballet of Virginia’s, Legend of Amancay
Leslie Cheek Theater, Level L
Experience the Latin Ballet of Virginia as they bring to life the Legend of the Amancay through a beautiful and powerful dance presentation.

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Demonstrations & Workshops

Storytelling & Puppet Making with the Sacred Heart Center of Richmond
Marble Hall, Level 2
Have you ever wondered why flamingos are pink? Join the Sacred Heart Center to discover the fantastic story “Las Medias de los Flamencos.” Craft your own puppets in this bilingual storytelling activity.

Play! Test out Your Soccer Skills with Richmond Conexiones
Sculpture Garden
Join local soccer coaches and players from Richmond Conexiones in the Sculpture Garden to play soccer and test your skills! Also, stop by to meet the Richmond Kickers team mascot, Kickeroo.

Celebrate & Learn with the Virginia Hispanic Chamber & Virginia Hispanic Foundation
Marble Hall, Level 2
Join representatives from the Virginia Hispanic Chamber & Virginia Hispanic Foundation to learn more about their Piñata Guinness World Record, as well as available resources and upcoming programs, initiatives, and projects!

Dance Workshops and Presentations with Richmond Tango Performers
Atrium, Level 1
Join dancers from local studio, Salsa Guy Richmond, to watch Tango demonstrations and learn the steps yourself!

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Art Activities

Create a Hanging Mobile with Clouds and Raindrops Representing the Water Cycle
Conference Room 1, Level L

Make a Dimensional Torn Paper Collage Based on the Majestic Landscapes and Famous Glaciers of Patagonia
WestRock Art Education Center, Studio 1, Level 1

Work with 1708 Gallery to Decorate a Lantern Inspired by Patagonia’s Magellanic Penguin
Marble Hall, Level 2

Create a Wooden Figure Wearing a Colorful Poncho Inspired by Textiles of the Mapuche People
Sculpture Garden

Decorate a Shirt in the Style of a Soccer Jersey
Sculpture Garden

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Community Activities

Selfie Station
Atrium, Level 1
Grab a prop and take a selfie! #VMFAFamilyDay

Community Voting Survey & Prize Table
Atrium, Level 1
Stop by to vote for your favorite art activity of the day and receive a fun prize to take home.

Reading Time
Margaret R and Robert M. Freeman Library, Level 1
Explore VMFA’s Library while reading a book.

Community Tapestry with the James River Association
Conference Room 1, Level L
Work with community members and James River Association educators to create a large-scale tapestry inspired by the water, animals, and beautiful Patagonian landscapes. Join us at the Closing Celebration, taking place at 2:45, to see the finished work on display!

Cave of Hands Community Painting with Studio Two Three
WestRock Art Education Center, Studio 2, Level 1
Work with community partner Studio Two Three and add your hand to a project inspired by the Cave of Hands, a 10,000-year-old rock painting in Argentina. Studio Two Three provides Richmond access to art through studio space, creative classes for all levels, event space, a mobile print truck, and a unique gift shop.

Gallery Hunt & Audio Tours
Start Space, WestRock Art Education Center, Level 1
Pick up a gallery map in our new Start Space and explore our VMFA Galleries and Teaching Gallery.

Film Showing
WestRock Art Education Center, Early Childhood Classroom, Level 1
Stop by our Early Childhood Classroom to sit back and watch a family-friendly film about Patagonia.

Play & Construct
Marble Hall, Level 2
Explore and play with instruments in the Marble Hall.

Sculpture Garden Food Vendors: The Happy Empanada and King of Pops
Sculpture Garden & Grove Avenue (weather permitting)
Join us in VMFA’s Sculpture Garden to pick up a tasty treat from local food vendors: King of Pops and The Happy Empanada!

Play & Relax!
Sculpture Garden
Pick up a hula-hoop or relax on a picnic blanket in our Sculpture Garden.

Visit the VMFA Art Galleries
Museum-Wide
Explore VMFA’s galleries!

VMFA’s Best Café
Atrium, Level 1
Stop by VMFA’s Best Café to pick up a delicious dish!

Closing Celebration
Atrium & Sculpture Garden (weather permitting)
Join us to close out the Patagonia Family Day celebration!

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Generously Sponsored by:

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SAVE THE DATE!

Join us for our upcoming Family Day event listed below.