This workshop explores the integral role that photography played in affecting change during the Civil Rights Movement in America. Topics of discussion include James Van De Zee’s expressive documentation of African American life in New York City in the 1920s and 30s and the VMFA exhibition Gordon Parks: Back to Fort Scott. Activities include a gallery exploration of this exhibition, as well as considerations of The Learning Tree, Park’s semi-autobiographical novel and the film he directed based on the book.

Sponsored by 

A Pre-Event to the Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival,
Nov 17–19, at the Byrd Theater, Carytown

Independent Indigenous Cinema
3:00–5:00 pm

Dylan McLaughlin’s This is a Stereotype (2014; 40 min) and other selected shorts.

This is a Stereotype is an artistic narrative about the possible causes and effects surrounding Indigenous identity with the intention to socially engage the public. The project is compiled of historical footage sourced from the Archives of the Institute of American Indian Arts’ “Native American Video Tape Archive, 1976” juxtaposed with imagery and interviews from contemporary artists, scholars, and activists from across the United States. The film invites the viewer to become an active participant in society, thinking critically when making decisions regarding culture and appropriation.

To be introduced and discussed by Johanna Minich, VMFA’s Assistant Curator of Native American Art

Hollywood Feature Film
6:30–9:00 pm

Buffalo Bill and the Indians, Or Sitting Bull’s History Lesson (1976; 123 min)

Robert Altman’s colorful yet ironic take on the way show business has distorted Native American history and peoples with this recreation of Buffalo Bill Cody’s actual Wild West Show and special guest, the wily Chief Sitting Bull. Starring Paul Newman, Will Sampson, Harvey Keitel, Geraldine Chaplin.

To be introduced and discussed by Jeffrey Allison, VMFA’s Paul Mellon Collection Educator

This event complements VMFA’s special exhibition Hear My Voice: Native American Art from the Past and Present.

With a background in graphic arts and social work, Shelley Jones exhibits her work nationally and has taught at various venues in Virginia for more than 10 years. She works primarily with felt, glass beads, and fine silver, favoring color and playfulness in her creations which include jewelry and decorative objects.. In the past 4 years, she has exhibited in teapot shows, expanding on her sculptural repertoire.

Join us in the VMFA Shop during the opening days and evenings of The Terracotta Army exhibition to meet this talented Richmond artist and discover her colorful sculptural felted jewelry and vessels.

Lily Snow Boykin’s work reflects the imageries influenced by her Japanese heritage, as well as the environment which surrounds her – extremely visual and tactile; simplistic yet complex. She experiments with a vast range of designs, textures, glaze application, and firings while throwing, carving and incorporating hand-building. Her vessels are created by manipulating contrasting colors, shapes and patterns to create cohesive compositions.

Join us in the VMFA Shop during the opening days and evenings of “The Terracotta Army” Exhibition to meet this talented Richmond artist and discover the rich colors and textures of her beautiful clay work.

Gordon Parks–noted African American photographer, film director, writer, and musician–is best known for his civil rights era photojournalism. The Learning Tree is his semi-autobiographical novel set in a small, rural Kansas town in the 1920s.

Note: Book Club will adjourn early to allow attendees the opportunity to attend the screening of The Learning Tree film (1969; 107 min), which Parks adapted from the novel.

VMFA Book Club
Using books about artists or works of art currently on view at VMFA to pique curiosity and open discussions, VMFA Book Club explores these specific works of art as well as the setting and period surrounding the art. Reading the book is helpful but not required. The VMFA Shop stocks a limited supply of each book. 

Join VMFA in a Family Day celebration of Native American art and culture inspired by the special exhibition Hear My Voice: Native American Art of the Past and Present. Explore connections with the natural world and indigenous American identities through art activities, such as basket weaving and pottery. View demonstrations by renowned artists Molly Murphy Adams, Virgil Ortiz, and Jeremy Frey and take in beautiful and rhythmic performances.

Event Schedule

*subject to change

The VMFA Council and the Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising of Virginia Commonwealth University present their fifth Flowers in Fashion. A three course luncheon will be followed by a collection of student designed and modeled attire from casual to evening gowns.

Get Luncheon Tickets

Dee Antil uses the finest gemstones and metals to design and create unique, wearable art. As one of the most respected jewelry makers on the east coast, Dee’s work can be found in private collections across the country, including those of ABC news anchor Robin Roberts and Syracuse news anchor Maureen Green. Dee is a three-term past president of Brush Strokes Gallery in Fredericksburg as well as a founding board member of Fredericksburg’s non-profit sculpture gallery, Artful Dimensions.

Join us in the VMFA Shop during the opening days of Jasper Johns and Edvard Munch: Love, Loss, and the Cycle of Life to meet Dee and discover her heirloom-quality statement jewelry collection. VMFA Member exclusive discount is offered on all purchases.

This conversation will feature three artists whose work is in the exhibition Hear My Voice: Native American Art Past and Present. Topics for discussion will include what these contemporary Native artists see as their role in society today with special consideration of Native communities, and how these artists merge traditional and contemporary ideas and techniques. Time will be included for questions from the audience.

VMFA is providing cool music for dancing or listening to; it is a party in the sculpture garden with half-price wine and beer with Kelli Lemon and DJ Shanel.

Buy one, get one!

Friday, June 9, 2017; 5-9pm

Enjoy our normal half-off pricing for wine and beer plus Buy One Get One (BOGO) tickets to Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style for date night!

There is limited availability. BOGO ticket sales are available at Visitor Services Desk only.