Dr. Colleen Yarger, exhibition co-curator of Hollar’s Encyclopedic Eye: Prints from the Frank Raysor Collection, will discuss the art and life of Wenceslaus Hollar.

Join Richard Woodward for a closer look at three works in VMFA’s collection of African Art.

Hollar turned to the natural world for inspiration, finding beauty in creepy, crawly bugs! All supplies will be provided for this pop-up art activity where you will make your own bug.

Dressing Zulu celebrates the installation of elaborate beaded outfits for a Zulu man and woman in the museum’s African art gallery. This panel discussion explores the collaborative processes of acquiring, conserving, and exhibiting beaded attire. Hlengiwe Dube, noted Zulu beadwork artist and historian from Durban, South Africa, will offer an insider’s view and interpretation of the Zulu designs and techniques. Joining Dube will be Henry John Drewal, Evjue-Bascom Professor of Art History, University of Wisconsin-Madison, who will speak about beadwork of the Yoruba people (Nigeria and Republic of Benin). The different approaches taken by Zulu and Yoruba artists will reveal the boundless expressive potential of beading. Kate Gabrielli, Andrew W. Mellon Conservation Fellow in African Art, VMFA, will address technical analysis and conservation of the Zulu beaded outfits, and the conversation will be moderated by Richard Woodward, VMFA Curator of African Art.

Support for this educational program is provided in part by

Book Signing | 7:45 – 8:30pm
Conference Center Suites | Free, no tickets required

The newly renovated Robinson House has a multilayered story that resonates with the history of Virginia. This talk explores its land inhabitants, including native peoples, English colonists, an antebellum family, and the enslaved individuals who labored for them; as well as its uses as Confederate veterans’ home, a science research institute, and a center for studio art. VMFA celebrates its new chapter as a regional tourism center. Dr. Elizabeth O’Leary, Guest Curator and former VMFA Associate Curator of American Art, will be available following the talk to sign copies of her newest book, “Across Time: The History of the Grounds of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts”, available for purchase in the VMFA Shop. The book signing is free with no tickets required.

This program is presented in partnership with the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Please visit the VMHC’s website for information about Dr. Elizabeth O’Leary’s upcoming talk on February 28.

Co-curators, Dr. Jeff Durham, Associate Curator of Himalayan Art, Asian Art Museum, and Dr. John Henry Rice, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Curator of South Asian and Islamic Art of the special exhibition will discuss highlights of its Tibetan Buddhist art and the collaborative journey they undertook in creating the story it tells.

Join Mary Holland, the Thomas C. Gordon, Jr. Director of the Studio School for an exploration of three masks in the permanent collection. This program is inspired by the special exhibition, Congo Masks: Masterpieces from Central Africa.

Dr. Manuel Jordán, a specialist on the Chokwe-Lunda cluster of peoples, will discuss masking traditions from the Democratic Republic of Congo. This lecture is inspired by the special exhibition Congo Masks: Masterpieces from Central Africa.

In 1914, famed photographer Edward S. Curtis recorded the traditional way of life and ceremonies of the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, by making one of the first feature-length motion pictures. In the Land of the Headhunters is a story of love and revenge that showcases magnificent war canoes, totem poles, rituals, costumes, and dances.
Award-winning filmmaker Anne Makepeace and noted Mohawk artist Shelley Niro will have a conversation regarding Curtis’ film and other related Native American topics. Ms. Niro will screen a short film of her works.

A Panel Discussion will follow: Native and non-Native producers and directors of award-winning films will discuss the Curtis film as well as the challenges faced by independent filmmakers.
This event co-sponsored by VMFA and the Pocahontas Reframed Storytellers Film Festival being held at the Byrd Theatre on November 15-18. pocahontasreframed.com

Content Advisory: The James River Short Films Competition may include films with strong adult subject matter.

In the vast and culturally diverse Congolese region of Central Africa, masks function as performance objects in rituals, ceremonies, worship, and entertainment. Masks represent the artisans and performers who brought them to life, as well as varied communities, belief systems, and natural resources.

Be inspired and create a mask that reminds you of your community while listening to Congolese music. Learn more about the vast region and its many masking traditions by visiting VMFA’s exhibition Congo Masks: Masterpieces from Central Africa, on view through February 24.

See the dates below!

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Saturday, Nov. 24, 12–2 pm
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N Union St., Alexandria

Sunday, Nov. 25, 2–4 pm
with Culture4Mykids
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
2408-2410 Ownby Ln., Richmond

Wednesday, Nov 28, 5:30-7 pm
Northside Richmond Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond
3601 Branch Avenue, Richmond

Saturday, Dec 1, 12-2 pm
with Afro Beta Drummers
Stony Point Fashion Park
9200 Stony Point Pkwy, Richmond

Saturday, Dec 1, 6-8 pm
Afrikana Film Festival
Grace Street Theatre
601 W Broad Street, Richmond

Saturday, Dec 8, 12-2 pm
with Culture4Mykids
Williamsburg Premium Outlets
5715 Richmond Road, Williamsburg

Saturday, Dec 15, 12-2 pm
Byrd Theater
2908 W Cary Street, Richmond

Tuesday, Dec 18, 6-8 pm
Libbie Mill Henrico County Public Library
2100 Libbie Lake E St, Richmond

Saturday, Dec 29, 2-4 pm
Elegba Folklore Society 2018 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival
Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School
1000 Mosby St, Richmond

Saturday, Jan 5, 11 am–1 pm
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond

Tuesday, Jan 8, 11 am–12 pm
Short Pump Town Center, Kid Club
11800 W Broad St., Richmond

Friday, Jan 11, 6–8 pm
Robinson Theater and Community Arts Center
2903 Q St, Richmond

Saturday, Jan 12, 1–3 pm
Meadowdale Library
4301 Meadowdale Blvd, Richmond

Wednesday, Jan 16, 6–8 pm | University of Richmond Basketball Game
The Robins Center
365 College Rd, Richmond

Friday, Jan 25, 6–8 pm | Mask Making & Wine Tasting
Urban Hang Suite
304 E. Broad St, Richmond

Saturday, Jan 26, 12–3 pm
Dance Showcase
Henrico High School
302 Azalea Avenue, Richmond

Sunday, Feb 3, 1–4pm
Open Studio Sunday with Hamilton Glass
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
200 N. Boulevard, Richmond

Saturday, Feb 16, 6–8 pm | University of Richmond Basketball Game
The Robins Center
365 College Rd, Richmond