A blog by staff and others about the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
7 Ways to Begin a Journey Toward Clarity
June 7, 2019
At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment asks a thought-provoking question: are we really awake and fully aware, or do the clamor and fragmentation of our lives lull us into a kind of waking sleep? The exhibition invites you to pause from the busyness of daily life and…
It’s a Family Affair: 7 Activities Inspired by Cosmologies at VMFA
May 23, 2019
The works of art in the exhibition Cosmologies from the Tree of Life: Art from the African American South at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts embody stories that may remind you of your own family’s artistry, perseverance, and traditions passed down through generations. The art on view includes sculptures, quilts, paintings, and works on…
Meditation and Awaken
April 25, 2019
There’s a buzz in the air about VMFA’s next exhibition, Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment. That’s because, unlike any other art exhibition, Awaken is about you as much as it is about the art. Opening April 27, the exhibition is an immersive experience that addresses the noise and fragmentation of our daily lives,…
Connect to Conservation: IMLS Summer Internship Experiences
February 28, 2019
This summer, three interns were selected to complete an internship at VMFA’s Center for Advanced Study in Art Conservation. Generously funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as part of the “Connect to Conservation” program, the internship was designed to provide training and professional development to individuals considering a career in art…
Art’s Power to Connect
January 30, 2019
Artists are storytellers. In their work, they often tell us stories about their own lives or the lives of the people or communities they depict. Their creations can capture a moment in time or make a human connection in ways that history books alone cannot, allowing us to better understand the heart and soul of…
Frank Raysor’s Promised Gift to VMFA Represents a Life Dedicated to Collecting and Researching Art
January 29, 2019
Frank Raysor, in 2011 when he was named Collector of the Year by VMFA Frank Raysor spent decades scouring flea markets, art auctions, and estate sales in New York City to acquire his collection of prints. In the process he accumulated what is the fifth largest collection of prints by 17th-century artist Wenceslaus Hollar in…
King Neptune Installed in the E. Claiborne and Lora Robins Sculpture Garden
December 14, 2018
In 2003 the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival requested submission designs for a monumental, 16-foot tall statue of Neptune, the ancient Roman god of the sea, that would be permanently sited on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Fifty entries were received from sculptors from around the country, but none from artists based in Virginia, which led Cameron…
Q&A with Jeffrey Allison, Lead Developer of VMFA on the Road
December 5, 2018
Jeffrey Allison is VMFA’s manager of Statewide Programs and Exhibitions and the museum’s Paul Mellon Collection educator. He is a professional photographer who holds a BA in photography and film from Virginia Intermont College and an MFA in photography from VCU. His illustrious career in fine arts includes educational and leadership roles at various Richmond-area…
Zulu Beaded Ensembles: Materials Analysis
November 27, 2018
After the departure of beading expert Hlengi Dube, work continues on the survey of the Zulu ensemble components in order to pair the cultural and structural examination with a scientific materials study. With the insights into the importance of materials choice afforded by this consultation, I sought to characterize as many materials as possible using…
Neer and Far: Experiencing Congo Masks at VMFA
November 20, 2018
William Neer, VMFA’s curatorial assistant for exhibitions, discusses Congo Masks: Masterpieces from Central Africa, which is curated by Marc Leo Felix, director of the Congo Basin Art History Research Center in Brussels, Belgium. In its only North American venue, the exhibition at VMFA is an innovative and visually compelling display of artistry and cultures, showcasing more…