A blog by staff and others about the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Want Revolutionary Performance? VMFA’s Got It.
March 29, 2012
After the calamitous yet victorious 1917 Russian Revolution, its supreme political and intellectual leader, V.I. Lenin, declared cinema to be the most important of all the arts. He saw film as having superior ability to spread the message and inspire change for his formidable task to improve the lives of the masses of the new Soviet…
Virgina’s talented young artists
March 22, 2012
The National Scholastic Art Awards hold a long tradition of recognizing promising young artists and supporting their passion. The Awards have an impressive legacy dating back to 1923 and a noteworthy roster of past winners including Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, Robert Redford and Joyce Carol Oates. They continue to be the…
9 Ways to Enjoy Black History Month at VMFA
February 15, 2012
VMFA’s collections and programs interpret cultures from throughout the world and across time. The schedule for these is never confined to particular months, but the occasion of Black History month provides the opportunity to recognize some current and upcoming experiences to honor African-Americans. Lunch & Learn series featuring African-American scholar Dr. Nichole Gilpin-Hood, 12 –…
Did someone say Lincoln?
December 20, 2011
Some recent rotations of work in the American Art galleries seem particularly timely, if not in the seasonal sense. From the inaugural display of our first-ever Alexander Gardner Civil War photograph to the reappearance of three iconic Paul Strand urban images, this new showing of photography calls to mind not only the final week of…
A new tapestry in time for Christmas
December 17, 2011
Conservation staff prepares a 16th century Flemish tapestry, Two Scenes from the Life of Christ, for display in VMFA’s medieval galleries. Kathy Gillis, Head of Sculpture and Decorative Arts Conservation, and Jennifer Bridges, Conservation Technician, are carefully securing a backing for protection of the tapestry while on display. The installation is planned for December 15,…
Teen Stylin’ Tomorrow Evening!
December 6, 2011
Come join us tomorrow as we celebrate Teen Stylin’ 2011! This event will showcase the creativity and ingenuity of some of Richmond’s most exciting up-and-coming designers! Area teens have been hard at work designing a collection of show-stop ping wearable art to be showcased during this annual runway exhibition. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience…
Art Direction in the 1963 epic, ‘Cleopatra’
December 6, 2011
This Saturday morning, 12/10/11, journalist and interior designer Cathy Whitlock will appear in-person at VMFA with a showing of the colossal 1963 motion picture, Cleopatra, starring Elizabeth Taylor. You are invited to see Ms. Taylor, a former Virginia resident and the last of the grand movie stars, in her most iconic role for a very…
Caligula 3-D: Man, Myth, Emperor
November 29, 2011
When Dr. Peter Schertz, VMFA Jack and Mary Ann Frable Curator of Ancient Art, arrived at the museum in 2006, he recognized the statue of Caligula as one of the highlights of VMFA’s antiquities collection.Formally known as Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, Caligula was born in AD 12 and became emperor of Rome at age…
“Greatest Movie Ever Made” to Play at VMFA
November 17, 2011
In 1963, a motion picture production ballooned into a behemoth extravaganza the likes of which filmdom had never seen. The elements were worthy of classic tragedy: overweening hubris, colossal blundering, a strong scent of scandal, an astonishing lack of shame, and somewhere in there was some astounding filmmaking. This was the spectacle of Cleopatra made…
Dress like an Egyptian – see the exhibition for free!
November 14, 2011
It’s hard to imagine how we could make our new special exhibition, Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb, more fun, but we have. And you’re an integral part. On opening day, Saturday, November 19, VMFA will offer free admission to the first 200 nonmembers that arrive at the museum in Egyptian-themed costume. It’s your opportunity to…