Artsline: Virtual Edition || November 2, 2020
peering from some high
window;at the gold
of november sunset
(and feeling:that if day
has to become night
this is a beautiful way)
~e.e. cummings
Spookiness is past and we turn our attention to fallen leaves, slow-cooked meals, and long nights. Yet it seems as though we’ve been hibernating since March and the prospect of more isolation is grim. As a remedy, we recommend finding ways to beat the social-distancing blues by discovering something new.
Never been to a living history museum? Virginia has several. Never participated in civic discourse - we have an opportunity this week. Never explored our vibrant street art scene - RVA and other localities have self-guided tours for you to enjoy on your own time and in your own car.
Don’t let the prospect of a long winter discourage you. There are many ways to safely enjoy the place where we live and learn something new!
1. VIRTUAL FAMILY DAY AT THE VMFA
Visual Art, Dance, Music
November 8, 11am
Online
VMFA’s Virtual Family Day events are great opportunities to discover the richness of cultures from around the world, the science behind art-making, and the stories of the artists and their art right from your own home. Celebrate and learn about Egypt from past to present through the exhibition Treasures of Ancient Egypt: Sunken Cities. Become an artist for the day while exploring traditional art objects virtually, participating in art activities, and watching performances. All family members are welcome to participate in this event. Beginning Oct 30, a limited number of free art bags with supplies needed for art activities are available to all on a first-come first-served basis at VMFA's Visitor Services Desk. Each bag includes supplies needed to do one of each of the three art activities.
2. FREEDOM FRIDAY FEATURING CHARLAYNE "CHYP" PAGE GREEN
Music
November 6, 7:30pm
Online
The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia offers another great virtual jazz concert featuring Charlayne "Chyp" Page Green! A native of Richmond, Chyp has performed in Washington DC, New York, Paris, London, and Italy and opened shows for artists like Pieces of a Dream, Phyllis Hyman, Jonathan Butler, D'Angelo, and Gladys Knight. Chyp is a lover of all things music and it is evident when you hear her sing. The concert is free, all donations are welcomed, and will benefit the Black History Museum and Trumpeting for the Arts.
3. CONTROVERSY/HISTORY: 2020 & MENTAL HEALTH
History, Current Affairs
November 3, 5:30pm
Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester, 23836
For most, 2020 brought unexpected challenges and uncomfortable conversations amidst a global pandemic and massive social change. This year, for The Valentine’s tenth season of our popular conversation series, they invite Richmonders to virtually engage with one another as they unpack this historic moment, and explore 2020’s dramatic and ongoing impacts on mental health. Advanced registration encouraged to take part in this Zoom event.
4. FAMILY FIELD TRIP: PEOPLE OF THE RIVER - THE POWHATAN INDIANS
History
Mondays through December 21, 10am (plus one Saturday per month)
Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester, 23836
$8 admission Mondays, $11 admission Saturdays
Henricus Historical Park now offers their most popular Powhatan Indian program most Mondays and one Saturday per month. Tour Arrohateck, a re-created Virginia Indian community once located on the James River, and experience the Eastern Woodland Powhatan Indian culture just prior to contract. Through hands-on activities and demonstrations, learn about farming, food preparation, hunting, fishing and cultural activities. This program covers several K-5 Virginia SOLs, so students can keep up with their curriculum on an individual basis. Many teachers also offer extra credit for students attending programs like these! Online registration is required.
5. REAWAKENING: ART IN A NEW ERA
Visual Art
November 2 - December 29
SunTrust Center Art Gallery, 919 E. Main Street, Richmond, 23219
With 35 pieces of art, most created during the pandemic, the Metropolitan Richmond Artist Association displays works by their professional artists from 7am to 7pm in the gallery that adjoins the spacious SunTrust Center lobby– making social distancing easy.
6. AN EVENING OF SONG WITH DEBRA WAGONER & ANTHONY SMITH
Music
November 6-8, 7pm
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, 23060
$20/advance, $25/door
Debra Wagoner is no stranger to the many stages of RVA, and her unparalleled voice has taken her to theatres and concert halls across the country. She is joined on the piano by her frequent collaborator Anthony Smith, Music Supervisor of Virginia Repertory Theatre, as they perform a range of songs from The Great American Songbook, classic country music, and hits made famous by Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and more! This production will be socially distanced and face masks are mandatory for staff and audience members (ages 2 and up) while inside the theatre. Call 804-261-ARTS for advance tickets.
7. FREEDOM CONSTELLATIONS: DREAMING OF A WORLD WITHOUT YOUTH PRISONS MURAL PREMIERE
Visual Arts
November 6, 6pm
3rd and East Broad Streets, Richmond, 23219
Through a four-week program led by Performing Statistics, in partnership with CodeVA and RISE for Youth, five young people from the City of Richmond created a mural about a world without youth prisons. See the unveiling of their work and use your phone to play additional video and access more information on how to stay connected to the youth justice movement in Virginia through RISE for Youth. Social distancing is required at this event.
8. WRITE YOURSELF TRUE
Literary Arts
November 8, 3pm
Online
$10
We’ve been told to speak our truth, to stand in it, and even to own it. But before any of that can be achieved, we have to face it. Join Paula Michelle Gillison for “Write Yourself True,” a monthly workshop designed to connect you with your truest self through exploratory writing and discovery. Hosted by Life in 10 Minutes. Registration is required.
9. AFRO FEST RVA
Music, Culture
November 6, 2pm
Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln, Richmond, 23220
Come out to RVA's First Annual AFRO FEST and enjoy musical performances by: Nu Skillz, Nuke Major, Rhythm and Kofi DeShaun. Hosted by Richard GT McIntosh. Authentic African Cuisine will be available for purchase and no cover charge to enter this all-day event. For your safety, we do ask that Social Distancing be observed accordingly. Masks must be worn while inside the taproom. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets -- no reservations needed.
10. THEY GAVE ALL TGA 5K
History, Culture
November 4-10
Online
$40 registration
The Virginia War Memorial Foundation invites you to run, walk, or march in the virtual TGA 5Kto honor those who have given their lives in military service to this country.
11. ART UNLOCKED
Visual Art
November 4-14
Online and at the McGuffy Art Center, 201 2nd St NW, Charlottesville, 22902
During this year of challenge and change, Art Unlocked offers a meaningful opportunity for individuals to connect with artists that reflect today's creative movement in Virginia. Seven arts organizations from Central Virginia come together in Charlottesville to showcase and celebrate the creative expression of 68 independent artists whose works have been selected from a diverse community of talent. The art pieces will be offered through gallery sales and live competitive bidding at the McGuffey Art Center. The funds raised from the event will be used to support the same seven organizations that represent them. Gallery viewing is free.
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.
