May 20, 2013
Recently, I was asked how we can afford to be free and open 365 days a year. My answer was simply, “How can we afford not to be?” One of the three basic tenets of our business model is accessibility. Accessibility is more than just compliance with Federal and State regulations on physical accessibility with…
April 18, 2013
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts gardening volunteers, many of whom are on the The Council of the VMFA, have been completing spring projects. Shown here (L to R) are Bob Allen, Carmella Allen, Dave Herbst, Skip Walton, Alice Higgins, Bill Cooper and Richard Lister. The project shown is the mulching of newly planted trees along…
October 19, 2012
Dale Chihuly gave a tour of his installation to working media at VMFA. Some beautiful and informative videos resulted. Which is your favorite? Richmond.com did a wonderful job, as always. A new group, Suggested Serving, has made a great entry into our local media and social media community. The Glass Master Arrives: Chihuly at VMFA…
June 7, 2012
Upon visiting Harpers Ferry in 1783, Thomas Jefferson was so awestruck by the raw beauty of the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers that he described the view as “perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in nature.” In addition to being a site of great natural beauty, Harpers Ferry, now situated at the…
April 4, 2012
Bittersweet. The word comes to mind as I take in the sad news that the magnificent Elizabeth Catlett died on Monday. Just two weeks shy of her 97thbirthday, this pioneering African American printmaker and sculptor had certainly lived life large. And last week—little knowing Catlett was facing her final days—VMFA paid tribute to this iconic…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
October 24, 2011
In anticipation and celebration of Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb (Nov 19, 2011 – March 11, 2012) VMFA is sponsoring a Mummy Love program. Anyone may participate, provided they follow the guidelines below. Mummy Love will begin on October 29 at 10 am and continue through the holiday season. On October 29 at 10 am…
