VMFA Blog

A blog by staff and others about the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

It’s a Family Affair: 7 Activities Inspired by Cosmologies at VMFA

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

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

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…

Neptune Virginia Beach Maquette, 2004. Paul Dipasquale (American, born 1951), bronze, Gift of Aubrey and Peggy Layne

King Neptune Installed in the E. Claiborne and Lora Robins Sculpture Garden

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

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

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

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…