Photo: David Stover © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Exhibition Exclusive for Canvas members, Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment. Conversation with John Henry Rice and Tsherin Sherpa.
Celebrate Latin American Art: Colombia! Saturday, September 13, 2014 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. VMFA Atrium & Sculpture Garden Enjoy learning the traditions of Colombian culture by making your own active volcano (inspired by Colombia’s 15 volcanoes), designing and weaving a traditional arhuaca artisan bag, and sculpting a zoomorphic gold figure inspired by VMFA’s Pre-Columbian collection. Children and adults alike can join in the Fight Against Cancer by participating in Nueva Vida’s annual Zumbathon at the event. You’ll also be able to pick up some Cumbia and salsa dance tips
VMFA Family Event 2012. Celebrate the Art of India Photo: Jon-Phillip Sheridan © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Sat, May 26, 2012 14 pm Museum-wide Recommended for families with children ages 312 FREE Discover the glitter, glamour, and power of Indian kings! Bejewel a royal crown and fashion a unique canvas bag using textile stamps from India. Learn about the art of henna and receive your own henna design. Festivities will include performances of Indian dance and music, and a VMFA gallery hunt. The special exhibition Maharaja:The Splendors of Indias Great Kings, will be open 105 pm (tickets required). Celebrate the Art of India is generously sponsored by MeadWestvaco Foundation.
ChinaFest! Year of the Fire Rooster Sat, Feb 11, 10 am–5 pm Museum-wide Bring the whole family to celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Chinese Year of the Fire Rooster! Explore Chinese art and culture through fun art activities and collaborative events. Experience demonstrations and performances by Yu Dance, The Pride: Lion Dance at UVA, Lion Dance at VCU, and Wushu martial arts—and much more! ChinaFest! Year of the Fire Rooster Family Event is generously sponsored by WestRock Foundation, the Rose Group, and Genworth.
© Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Celebrate the Art of Latin America: Caribbean Sat, Sep 16, 2017 11 am – 3 pm Enjoy the art, culture, and traditions of countries in the Caribbean at VMFA’s Celebrate the Art of Latin America: Caribbean Family Day event. Watch performances by the Latin Ballet of Virginia and Agua Dulce Dance Company, and enjoy the upbeat sounds of DJ Peluche Productions. Participate in dance workshops, language interactives, and hands-on art activities such as making a Caribbean mask, maraca, and so much more!
VMFA’s Leslie Cheek Theater hosts a dynamic array of museum programs and performances as well as events from community partners that serve some 10,000 visitors each year. From artist talks, curator lectures, and films to performances from Latin Ballet of Virginia, Elegeba Folklore Society, and Yu Dance Arts, these programs deepen visitors’ engagement with the museum’s collections and exhibitions, and often showcase local arts organizations. Such programs are increasingly livestreamed or recorded to share with VMFA’s statewide audience or through our ever-expanding library of online resources. In short, Cheek Theater is vital to fulfilling the museum’s educational mission.
The Future Cheek Theater
While the theater is in almost continuous use, the 1954 facility has significant physical and technological limitations due to its age. Updating this important space will be one of the first components of VMFA’s upcoming expansion and renovation. In addition to refreshing surfaces and back-of-house spaces, this project will address several critical needs. Expanding the stage will allow for a wider variety of performances, particularly full dance productions, and new partnerships. Improving the lighting, expanding wheelchair accessibility, and adding assistive listening devices will make the space more welcoming for all.
How You Can Help
VMFA was recently awarded a $1,000,000 challenge grant from the Mary Morton Parsons Foundation to support the theater’s renovations. In order to receive these funds, the museum must raise $2 million for the theater project by May 31, 2024.
Your gift will provide critical support for the planned improvements to Cheek Theater while propelling forward VMFA’s larger expansion and renovation project. Please use the form on this page to make a cash gift.
To discuss other types of gifts, including those pledged over a period of two to five years, please contact:
Jennifer Merritt
Development Officer
jennifer.merritt@vmfa.museum
804.204.2726