This performance is a multimedia celebration of the Spanish master, Francisco Goya. Visual images of his paintings, etchings and aquatints are juxtaposed with commentary and virtuoso guitar pieces consisting of music that was around him as he was creating his art and, later, music that his art inspired. The latter includes new works written for William by composers from Argentina, Cuba and the US. Accompanying materials include a CD, poster, a list and PowerPoint of the relevant images and extensive program notes.
Archives
American Sketches
Feasley attended the Estudio de Arte Guitarristico in Mexico City before becoming the first guitarist to receive the Peabody Conservatory’s coveted Artist Diploma. Selected to play for Andres Segovia at the Master’s historic last class at the University of Southern California, he was later featured on the CBS special Eulogy of Segovia. Feasley has been the recipient of numerous prizes and awards, including a Gold Medal in the 1987 Panhellenic Guitar Competition in Athens, Greece, and the 1996 Governor’s Citation for Outstanding Achievements in the Arts in Maryland. Feasley plays the classical guitar, both as a solo performer and as part of The D’Amore Duo. This solo concert features works by Peter Madlem, Albert Harris, George Gershwin, William Bolcom, Harry Lincoln, and Percy Wenrich.
Silk Painting
Discover the French technique of serti, drawing with a liquid resist to create designs and patterns on silk scarves. Once the resist has dried and set with an iron, fabric paints are applied to complete the design. Students can expect to finish a long scarf. The workshop will also include a brief overview of the history of silk painting. This program has been organized by the VMFA Office of Statewide Partnerships and is funded, in part, by the Jean Stafford Camp Memorial Fund.
Structures, Vessels, and Basketry
What kind of a structure or container would you build to safeguard and preserve something of value? This workshop demonstrates how to weave mats and baskets using the simplest of materials. Participants build wire structures and investigate different ways to cover them so they can conceal or reveal the contents inside. Investigating both natural and manmade materials, this workshop allows experimentation with stacking, weaving, and stitching to create vessels.
Crash Course in Knitting
Learn how to knit! This workshop introduces beginners to the basic tools and materials used in knitting. Participants will receive group and individualized instruction. Materials are provided for this day-long workshop and at least one project will be on its way to completion by the end of the day.
Unique Tees: Silkscreen
From idea to finished object, participants print their own professional-looking and unique t-shirt. Starting with a discussion of what makes a good design, participants create their own designs, cut stencils, and print onto shirts using the silkscreen printing technique. Along the way, the concept of positive and negative shapes is introduced as it relates to stencil design. This workshop is a fun and fast-paced day that involves both individual creativity and teamwork!
Sketchbook: Constructing and Content
This workshop is a combination of bookbinding and idea generation. We begin with learning and preparing the basic parts of a sketchbook, as well as discussing the importance of keeping a sketchbook. Then, as we begin to bind the textblock, we will do several content-based exercises to “get those creative juices flowing.” At the end of the day, students will leave with a handmade sketchbook and new ideas to take back to their workspace and turn into masterpieces.
Picasso and the Fearless Print!
Picasso was not only a prolific artist, but also a fearless one! Throughout his long life, he was constantly trying new ideas and techniques. One of these fun techniques is the reduction print, which provides a quick introduction to relief printmaking and color layering. The print is designed in advance, and then slowly carved and printed in a succession that produces a final multi-colored print and a fully exhausted carving block. Since there is no “reverse,” reduction printing rewards both careful planning and spontaneous problem solving!
Exploring the Mellon Collection: I Spy through Edgar Degas’ Eye
This workshop begins with a slide-and-poster-talk introduction to works by Edgar Degas from the VMFA Paul Mellon Collection. Students create Degas-inspired drawings that they transfer to print blocks. They make relief cuts from the transferred drawings using block printing gouges and produce hand-rubbed black ink prints on colored stock.
Very Physical Science
This school performance interprets the Virginia Science SOLs that relate to potential and kinetic energy, simple machines, gravity-equilibrium-inertia, and the states of matter through dance sequences. The presentation offers short movement demonstrations before each dance, which pull the audience into the dance-making process.