Investigate the central role that photography played in effecting change during the Civil Rights Movement in America. Topics of discussion include W.E.B. Du Bois’s Exhibit of the American Negro at the Paris World’s Fair of 1900; James VanDerZee’s expressive documentation of African American life in New York City in the 1920s and 30s; Louis Draper, Beuford Smith, and The Black Photographer’s Annual; and a behind-the-scenes look at related VMFA archives. Presented by Twyla Kitts, VMFA Teacher Programs Educator, and Courtney Tkacz, VMFA Archivist.
Cancellation policy: Fees are nonrefundable except when VMFA cancels the workshop. Classes may not be substituted or switched once registration is complete. Be sure to mark your calendar!
As the United States entered the 20th Century, its changing population experienced the era through many lenses. Industrialization, immigration, and migration gave rise to a diversity of perspectives on American life that was captured in the art of the Progressive Era. Examine perspectives from the past, unpack narrative devices and contextual cues, and discover how art inspires learners to critically consider and connect with different points of view. Presented by Sarah Rasich, VMFA Distance Learning Coordinator.
Cancellation policy: Fees are nonrefundable except when VMFA cancels the workshop. Classes may not be substituted or switched once registration is complete. Be sure to mark your calendar!
Don’t miss this workshop led by Lori Coffey, VMFA’s Early Childhood Education Coordinator! She has developed classes for children from three months of age through the kindergarten level. Learn first-hand how these programs and in-classroom art centered activities enrich the lives of children and families. Discover how explorations of paintings and sculptures can be connected with stories, songs, and movement to deepen each child’s emerging connection with art and the surrounding world. This hands-on art adventure includes a gallery-walk discussion of popular works in the VMFA collection—and tips on navigating the museum with groups of children.
Cancellation policy: Fees are nonrefundable except when VMFA cancels the workshop. Classes may not be substituted or switched once registration is complete. Be sure to mark your calendar!
When you think about African art, are you thinking of hundreds of separate traditions, belief systems, and social structures? Take a step towards understanding how diverse this vast continent is by exploring various works in VMFA’s collection. Ranging from traditional to contemporary, and spanning centuries, African art provides rich narratives that illustrate the complex histories of various nations and cultural groups.
Presented by Karen Getty, VMFA African Art Collection Educator and Docent Program Coordinator.
Cancellation policy: Fees are nonrefundable except when VMFA cancels the workshop. Classes may not be substituted or switched once registration is complete. Be sure to mark your calendar!
Join this conversation about the diverse art created by artists from 35 Native American cultures. Discover how Native American artists relate to the natural world, their community, and the outside world—and how these relationships affect their identity and work. Explore fascinating examples of contemporary works of art, as well as related images from movies and pop culture. This workshop adventure includes a visit to the exhibition Hear My Voice: Native American Art of the Past and Present, on view at VMFA from August 19 through November 26, 2017.
Presented by: Jeffrey Allison, VMFA Manager of Statewide Programs and Exhibitions & Paul Mellon Collection Educator, and Trent Nicholas, VMFA Media Programs Coordinator
Cancellation policy: Fees are nonrefundable except when VMFA cancels the workshop. Classes may not be substituted or switched once registration is complete. Be sure to mark your calendar!
Jan Dobrowolski says she finds “inspiration in the rich textures of elements encountered on a simple walk through an open field or even a city street…the patterns revealed in the inner profile of a rock, the textures of lichen-covered bark, the repeating curves of a wave, pebbles in a shallow stream….and the bubbles in champagne!” Based in Washington DC, and owner of Talulah Design Studio, .Jan has been a full time jeweler for more than 10 years, creating works in fine silver, gold, semi-precious gems and pearls.
Jan would love to assist you in choosing a gorgeous piece of handcrafted jewelry for your gift giving needs this holiday season.
Exclusive VMFA Member discount will be given on all purchases.
The VMFA Shop is proud to announce its second partnership with Cynthia Gale New York! Featuring a graceful new jewelry collection inspired by the elegant world of Art Nouveau within the VMFA Decorative Arts Collection, honoring the facets of the style through the modern interpretation of exquisite artisan-crafted sterling silver and bronze jewelry. The collection is highlighted with mother of pearl and semi-precious stones.
A former model, cultured entrepreneur, and trendsetting designer from the start of her 20-year career, Cynthia Gale has combined her fast-paced, eclectic New York City lifestyle with her enduring love of the serene and tranquil beauty of the Far East to create exquisite sterling silver jewelry. For Cynthia, each piece reflects a personal expression of heritage, culture, time honored history, or a spiritual journey.
Join us for a trunk show featuring Cynthia’s New York Jewelry AND the VMFA Shop’s exclusive new jewelry line inspired by VMFA’s renowned Decorative Arts Collection.
In early 2008, Todd Parsons of Richmond, VA had a vision to expand artistic boundaries by creating laser engraved artwork in the form of jewelry. His fanciful earring designs include animal prints, abstract art, nature, ear candy, couture. just to name a few of his collections.
Join us in the Shop during Family Day at VMFA to meet this talented local artist and discover the beauty and design of his newest collection of earrings, inspired by Native American artistry
Taylor Dean will give a gallery talk about the exhibition Steinlen: Cats. Dr. Mitchell Merling, Paul Mellon Curator and Head of the Department of European Art will introduce the program.
Related program offsite: Sofia Nicolet (University of Richmond, BA, 2018) will give a gallery talk on the Steinlen: Humanity exhibition at the Joel and Lila Harnett Museum of Art at the University of Richmond at 3:30 pm, to be introduced by Richard Waller, Executive Director, University of Richmond Museums. Refreshments accompanied by period music will follow at UR.
Image credit:
Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen French, born Switzerland (1859-1923) Reclining Cat, Head Resting on his Paws (Chat couché allongeé de gauche à droite, tête appuyée contre les pattes), 1902 Soft ground etching, aquatint and drypoint on wove paper Promised Gift of Frank Raysor
Using perplexing juxtapositions and distortions of commonplace objects, the Belgian Surrealist artist René Magritte set out to disturb existing assumptions about rationality and the perception of reality. This lecture will focus on The Seducer, a mysterious and provocative painting in VMFA’s Mellon collection. Completed in 1950, this work highlights Magritte’s efforts to use his paintings to solve increasingly complex intellectual and pictorial problems in the last two decades of his career.