A blog by staff and others about the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Inside VMFA: Ray Vasquez
April 18, 2018
From behind the scenes, electrician Ray Vasquez shines a light on VMFA’s artwork. “I like my job here because I like to see all the different cultures that come here and all the different exhibits that the museum brings,” he says.
South African Artist Esther Mahlangu Awarded Honorary Doctorate by the University of Johannesburg
April 12, 2018
Esther Mahlangu, whose dazzling, mural-size paintings provide a gateway to the VMFA African art galleries, has just been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Johannesburg for “her legacy as a cultural entrepreneur and educator, skillfully negotiating local and global worlds.” Dr. Mahlangu, the most renowned artist of South Africa’s Ndebele people, developed the…
Q&A with Dr. Peter Schertz, VMFA Jack and Mary Ann Frable Curator of Ancient Art
April 9, 2018
In the first exhibition of ancient art in nearly 25 years, VMFA presents The Horse in Ancient Greek Art, an exploration of the Greeks’ fascination with an animal that served as a symbol of wealth, power, and status. Dr. Peter Schertz, Jack and Mary Ann Frable Curator of Ancient Art, shares some insights into the…
Beneath the Surface of African Art: Thermoluminescence Sampling of Terracotta Sculptures from Africa
April 3, 2018
To test terracotta using TL dating, conservators take a powdered sample from an unobtrusive area of the object using a high-speed drill. Due to the fragile nature of these objects and the risk of causing damage through improper technique, only an experienced conservator or trained sampling agent should collect the sample. We reached out to…
African American Read-In at VMFA
March 26, 2018
The galleries at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts were full of a different kind of art — literature — at the African American Read-In (AARI). This annual event, which occurs during Black History Month, celebrates African and African American art and literature as community leaders read aloud in front of African and African American…
Inside VMFA: Christina Garduno
March 6, 2018
Each day, Christina Garduno sets her focus on providing a positive experience to guests at VMFA. “When you come into work every day, you’re not just coming to work,” she says. “You’re representing the VMFA and you’re representing the state of Virginia.” Garduno was recently promoted from café supervisor to administrative coordinator for the food…
Edible Art
February 20, 2018
Juana Straus is an artist. But rather than oil or acrylic, her mediums are sugar and flour. And instead of paintbrushes, her creative tools include whisks and spatulas. Straus is the pastry chef at VMFA’s Amuse Restaurant, where she has worked since it opened in 2010. Her artistry was recently recognized with a nomination for…
Inside VMFA: Martin Reamy, Associate
January 29, 2018
Meet Martin Reamy who has put his passion for art to work at VMFA for the past six years. “When I started working here, being in the galleries was like a kid in the candy store,” says Reamy, who was recently promoted to assistant manager of gallery associates.
Building understanding through cultural exchanges
January 13, 2018
By Alex Nyerges, VMFA Director For the past week, I’ve been traveling through China with a group of journalists, spending time in both Xi’an and Beijing—but, more importantly, traveling back in time. This trip builds on our long-term cultural partnerships with agencies in China, and I was delighted to show how VMFA has developed relationships…
Digging into the contemporary Chinese experience
January 12, 2018
By Jan Hatchette, VMFA Deputy Director for Communications The one thing I didn’t have time to do before leaving Richmond was perfect my chopstick skills. After nearly a week in China, I am getting a little better at eating my meals in the truly local fashion. Last night, we went to Made in China, which…