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.