Artsline: Virtual Edition || May 25, 2020
"The world today doesn't make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do?" ~Pablo Picasso
More often than not, we turn to art when things don’t make sense. During this pandemic, people are hungry for good stories, images, film, music, and online performances. Art - especially local art - doesn’t just reflect the world at large, it reflects our community, our experience, and our humanity. The RVA creative arts and culture community continues to provide exceptional art and cultural experiences for an exceptional time. Here is a great selection of what our local artists and cultural organizations continue to provide, while keeping us safe and connected.
1. SAVE THE MUSIC: SUSAN MUNSON
Music
May 31, 8pm
The Front Porch, a nonprofit music school in Charlottesville, brings “Save the Music,” a live-streamed concert series to benefit the Accessible Music Project, Inc.. Kick back, relax and enjoy the music of Susan Munson, Frank Bechter and Gary Green.
2. CHURCH HILL TUNNEL SELF-GUIDED TOUR
History
Anytime
Free, with recommended donation of $1-10
The Church Hill Tunnel is a century-old story of triumph and tragedy. Richmond Story House brings this story to your smart device, as you take a self-guided (and self-distanced) walking tour with clear and timed directions, throughout the region of the Church Hill Tunnel collapse. The download is free, with a recommended donation of $1-10.
3. RELIC DRIFT
Visual Art
Saturdays, 3-6pm and by appointment - see below for social distancing requirements
Sediment Arts presents Relic Drift, an exhibition of sculptural ceramics by Jackie Brown and Rebecca Murtaugh. Sediment Arts will be open by appointment and on Saturdays from 3-6pm, following strict social distancing guidelines. See their website for visitor requirements.
4. THE WRITING SHOW (ONLINE): THE LONG HAUL WITH MEG MEDINA
Literary Arts
May 27, 6pm
$10 for Members; $12 for Non-members, and $5 for students.
James River Writers brings their monthly Writing Show online with Newbery medalist, New York Times best-selling author, Meg Medina. She speaks about developing a long-term strategy for a career in writing and publishing, and offers guidance and tips for success from her personal experience.
5. VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR HOUSE SHOW: JUSTIN LAUGHTER
Music
May 27, 5pm
Richmond, get ready for Laughter, love, and music. Justin Laughter will treat RVA to a live performance as part of Richmond Grid’s Virtual Happy Hour House Showseries. Justin will play some Flashlight Tag songs, and may even throw in some solos and Silly Bus into the mix as well. Watch on Facebook or Instagram Live.
6. READING THE DEAD
Literary Arts
May 30, 11am
River City Cemeterianspresents a virtual discussion of stories and poetry from those interred in our Richmond-area cemeteries. This is an opportunity for everyone to dig deeper (pun intended) into the writers and poets whose remains remain in Richmond.
7. ONLINE CHA CHA CHA LESSON
Dance
Wednesdays, 7pm
Learn some new dance moves or improve your old ones with free dance lessons from Salsa with Boris and the RVA Dance Studio in their Facebook Live every Wednesday!
8. FOUNDRY SERIES: HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
History
May 28, 6pm
Humans and the environment are inextricably linked: from disease and weather, to landscapes destroyed by battles. The American Civil War Museum presents a virtual conversation about how this interconnectedness played out during the Civil War as armies struggled to deal with nature and left their impact on the environment. This is a free event but registration is required to stream.
9. TAKE & MAKE: ADORN AN INDIAN ELEPHANT
Visual Art
Anytime
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts offers kids K-5th grade a great way to engage in South Asian art and culture by creating their own paper elephant! Elephants are associated in India with clouds and life-giving rain, as well as with order and protection. Go HERE to download the project.
10. "TRUE CRIME: SEX, MURDER, AND THE TRIAL OF THOMAS CLUVERIUS"
History
May 29, Noon
The Virginia Museum of History and Culture brings their Curator at Home Series each Friday at noon. This week they unravel the 1885 murder of Fanny Madison. Andrew Talkov, Sr. Director of Curatorial Affairs, presents the story surrounding the arrest of Madison’s cousin, attorney Thomas J. Cluverius, and the trial that captured the nation’s attention.
If you are an arts or cultural organization with social-distance-safe events such as online classes, virtual exhibitions or concerts, or even book readings, submit your events to Artsline here. If you are an artist or an arts or cultural organization in need of resources and tools during the COVID-19 pandemic, check out the list of local and national resources from Richmond CultureWorks.
