Artsline: Virtual Edition || November 16, 2020
“Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.” ~Theodore Roosevelt
Even with the difficulties of this past year, we have a lot for which to be grateful. Richmond and the surrounding areas are especially blessed with a variety of arts, a rich history, vibrant culture, and a creative community that brings them to us. When you celebrate this season, think of the way in which art and history continue to impact your life - from the movies you watch to the books you read to the music you hear to the images you see. All of it is based in art. Let's give thanks for a community brimming with local flavor that adds spice to our life every day of the year.
1. SHOCKOE SESSIONS LIVE WITH DESIRÉE ROOTS
Music
November 17, 7:30pm
Online
Join In Your Ear Studios for another awesome Shockoe Sessions Live with local favorite Desiree Roots. Ms. Roots has been showcasing her triple threat talent for more than 35 years in her hometown of Richmond, VA as well as regionally. Her long awaited CD entitled "Don't Ever Stop Dreaming" has gained airplay and accolades from the USA to Europe and Brazil. Her latest project, "Forever Ella", in which she wrote, is a production featuring a 14 piece orchestra and artist portraying Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong. Watch safely on Facebook Live.
2. EDITH SHELTON’S RICHMOND REVISITED
History, Photography
November 19, 2020 - September 6, 2021
The Valentine Museum, 1015 East Clay Street, Richmond, 23219
For decades, Edith Keesee Shelton took numerous photographs documenting Richmond. She focused primarily on the downtown districts of Carver and Jackson Ward in the 1950s. In 1991, her niece donated more than 3,000 slides taken by Shelton. A popular Valentine exhibition introduced Shelton’s images to the public in 2015. Now, after requests to further explore the work of this prolific Richmonder, “ Edith Shelton’s Richmond Revisited” features 24 additional views of everyday life in the river city.
3. BACK TO OUR KITCHENS
Theatre, History
November 20, 6pm
Online
Suggested Donation: $15
In each war, women are asked to take men's places as they went off to War. Four women - one a journalist during the Revolution, one a Civil War nurse, one a telephone operator from WWI, and one a WWII shipyard worker - share their stories. How did these women feel when thanked for their service and then asked to return to home and hearth? Join Wilton House Museum's first virtual edition of their Plays in the Passage Series, presenting Lee Ann Rose of Shades of Our Past, providing historical education and entertainment ranging from America's founding to World War 2. You must REGISTER to participate.
4. SOUNDS OF BOMBA
Music, Dance
November 18, 10:30am
Online
Dance to the sounds of Kadencia, Richmond’s popular bomba, plena and salsa band. Presented by Chesterfield County Public Library. This video may be viewed for 30 days after airing.
5. BRANCH MUSEUM GINGERBREAD DESIGN COMPETITION
Architectural Arts, Visual Art
Register by November 20
Online
Grab your whisk and rolling pin! The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design is excited to host its first ever Gingerbread Design Competition, a fun and delicious way to get in the holiday spirit and showcase your tasty talents. Interested in participating? Get a team together (or, if you prefer, you can fly solo), read their rules, and register by November 20, 2020! Winners in each division of the competition will receive a free membership to The Branch Museum or a free summer camp session.
6. SAILDANCE
Dance
November 20-22, 2pm & 7pm
Online and at Firehouse Theatre, 1609 W. Broad St, Richmond, 23220
Pay what you will
SAILDANCE is a satellite company of the Appomattox Regional Governor's School Dance Department and an extension of Bamberger Dance Projects. The mission of the company is to provide pre-professional performing experiences to emerging artists while delivering immersive concert dance to the public. Ten theatre seats are available for each performance, and live-streaming available on Saturday and Sunday. Make reservations online.
7. CRAFT + DESIGN ONLINE
Visual Art
November 20-29
Online
$10 suggested donation for online shopping, other online events at additional fees
The Visual Arts Center of Richmond virtually hosts the annual craft show, Craft + Design Online. Kick off the holiday shopping season and browse the work of over 120 artists who work in ceramics, jewelry, wearable art, wood + furniture, metal, mixed media, glass and decorative fiber. Tune in to special, online programming throughout the week for virtual studio tours, artist demonstrations and more. Learn more and buy tickets at visarts.org.
8. FIFE-DAVIS FAMILY ANNUAL JEWISH BOOK FAIR
Literary Arts
November 16-18, various times
Online
For more than 35 years, the Weinstein JCC has celebrated Jewish books and authors at its annual Book Fair. This year’s event offers online conversations with authors such as Jan Eliasberg discussing her book Hannah’s War about the brilliant researchers behind the first atomic bomb, and Sue Eisenfeld talking about her book Wandering Dixie exploring the history of Jewish southerners as it converges with the region’s complex, conflicted present. Presented by Arts + Ideas at the Weinstein JCC. These events are free but you must REGISTER to attend.
9. GENEALOGY WORKSHOP - FINDING HER: OUR FEMALE ANCESTORS
History
November 20, 10am
Online
$15
Though our female ancestors may be elusive, by understanding their roles in other people’s lives and community, we can find a variety of records documenting their lives. Melissa Tennant, assistant manager of the Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, leads this workshop focused on finding female ancestors. “Finding Her: Our Female Ancestors” complements the Library of Virginia’s exhibition We Demand: Women’s Suffrage in Virginia. REGISTER for this workshop.
10. NOVEMBER SATURDAYS AT ST. JOHN’S CHURCH
History
Saturdays in November, 11:30am - 3:30pm
St. John’s Church 2401 East Broad Street, Richmond, 23223
$10/event
St. John’s Church is once again open for tours! You can hear the Story of Patrick Henry and his "Give Me Liberty or Give me Death!" speech from inside the place where it happened, or enjoy “What Lies Beneath” the St. John’s Historic Graveyard tour. If you can't choose - then do both! Masks required for all events. Purchase tickets online.
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.
