Join VMFA to celebrate the music, artistic traditions, and culture of Mali. Enjoy storytelling, dancing, performances by musician Cheick Hamala Diabate, and so much more. Participate in collaborative hands-on art making projects and create your own pieces inspired by jewelry, masks, and textiles from Mali.

Event Schedule

Performances & Presentations

Please note scheduled times below

DJ Mikemetic & the Afro Beta Drummers
11 am–3 pm | Sculpture Garden, Pauley Center Patio
Experience the Afro-futuristic sounds of DJ Mikemetic and the Afro Beta Drummers as they engage in a creative musical arts presentation.

Culture4MyKids
11:15–11:45 am | Atrium, Level 1
1:30–2 pm | Cheek Theater, Level L
Calabash Lessons are filled with music, dance, songs, stories, and fun. Join us and become a part of the village while taking part in an interactive opportunity to make folktales come to life.

Cheick Hamala Diabate
11:30 am–noon & 12:30–1 pm | Cheek Theater, Level L
Cheick Hamala Diabaté is recognized as one of the world’s masters of the ngoni (a Malian traditional instrument) and a West African historian in the Griot tradition. A steward of the 800-year-old tradition of the Griot, or storytellers of West Africa, Cheick Hamala shares the oral history, music, and song of his culture as it was passed on to him from birth.

Demonstrations

Please note scheduled times below

Quilting Demonstration with Sisters of the Yam African American Quilters Guild
11 am–3 pm | Atrium, Level 1
Watch quilting demonstrations by Richmond-based group, Sisters of the Yam African American Quilters Guild. The guild was established in 2001, on the principle of healing through fabric and keeping the art of quilting alive.

Mudcloth Demonstrations with Virginia Friends of Mali
11 am–3 pm | Conference Room 1, Level L
Virginia Friends of Mali is excited to share examples of stories and music of ancient and modern day Mali, a country of many peoples in West Africa. Hear stories about children in Mali, and stories told to children in Mali! Also, learn about Segou, Richmond’s Malian sister city.

Storytelling with the Virginia Friends of Mali
11:30 am–noon, 1–1:30pm, 2–2:30pm | Library, Level 1
Virginia Friends of Mali is excited to share examples of stories and music of ancient and modern day Mali, a country of many peoples in West Africa. Hear stories about children in Mali, and stories told to children in Mali! Learn more about Mali through visits by Richmonders to Segou, our Malian sister city.

Woodcut Print Demonstrations with Dennis Winston
11 am–12:30 pm, 1:30–3 pm | Marble Hall, Level 2
Join Dennis R. Winston, a Virginia artist and educator, as he demonstrates his woodcut printing process and inspiration. Winston has received honors both locally and nationally as an artist and as an educator. His work can be found in many private and public collections.

Clay Vessel Demonstrations with Carren Clarke
11 am–3 pm | Marble Hall, Level 2
Join local artist, Carren Clarke, as she demonstrates her artistic processes of creating clay vessels, which are inspired by her travels.

Art Activities

Ongoing, 11 am–3 pm

Mask and Mythos: Construct a Headdress Inspired by Sculpted Masks of Mali
Marble Hall, Level 2

Rulers and Riches from the Malian Empire: Create Your Own Crowns and Adornments
WestRock Art Education Center, Studio 2

Ancient Trade and Transportation: Create a Camel Magnet
WestRock Art Education Center, Studio 1

Mali Metalwork: Design a Necklace Inspired by Ancient Jewelry from the Niger River
Marble Hall, Level 2

Bògòlanfini: Make a Paper Gift Bag Inspired by Mudcloth and Textiles of Mali
Conference Room 1, Level L

Community Activities

Ongoing, 11 am–3 pm

Selfie Station | Marble Hall, Level 2
Grab a prop and take a selfie! #VMFAFamilyDay

Play & Construct – Movement, Music, and Festivals! | WestRock Art Education Center, Early Childhood Classroom, Level 1
Explore & play in our Early Childhood Classroom. Discover, learn, and build structures inspired by architecture in Mali.

Architecture & Construction: Explore Mudbricks| Sculpture Garden
Play with paper brick building blocks to build your own Mudbrick-inspired structure. Learn about famous architecture from Mali.

Community Sculpture Decorating | Sculpture Garden
Work with artist Lily Lamberta and Milk River Arts to construct a community sculpture inspired by masks from Mali.

Play & Relax!| Sculpture Garden
Pick up a hula-hoop, play a game of mancala or relax on a picnic blanket in our Sculpture Garden.

Gallery Hunt | Start Space, WestRock Art Education Center, Level 1
Pick up a gallery map in the Start Space and explore our Interactive Gallery exhibition and the galleries.

Community Voting Survey & Prize Table | Atrium, Level 1
Stop by to vote for your favorite activity during today’s Family Day and receive a fun prize to take home.

VMFA’s Best Café & Food Vendors | Atrium, Level 1 & Sculpture Garden
Stop by the Best Café to pick up a delicious dish or go to the Sculpture Garden to pick up a tasty treat from King of Pops and Goatocado.