Artsline: Virtual Edition || December 28, 2020
“A Happy New Year! There is a glow of cheer and optimism in the very words "New Year." The old year, with its anxieties and worries, is over. It too brought happy days and sunshine, and in memory we must cherish the bright places.” ~May Louise Crane
In retrospect, 2020 was hard but not entirely awful. There were bright places throughout the year - opportunities to grow and change and make the world a better place. During 2020, local arts and culture organizations worked hard to create bright places in our community - and support for their work is vital for it to continue. May 2021 bring more happy days and sunshine - and beacons of brightness to light a weary world.
1. 2020 CAPITAL CITY KWANZAA FESTIVAL
Dance, Music, Culture
Through January 1, 7pm
Online
Elegba Folklore Society presents the 2020 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival in a virtual edition. Instead of the usual one-day in-person event, the virtual edition will stream nightly, Saturday, December 26 -Friday, January 1st at 7:00 p.m. Attendees can visit www.efsinc.org to join.
2. 2020 DELTAVILLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Visual Arts
Through January 1, 5-11pm
Mason Realty Inc, 16598 General Puller Hwy, Deltaville, 23043
Don't miss Deltaville resident, Stephen Blue’s magical holiday light display. The 2020 display features more than 130,000 lights! A 36,000-bulb, computer-controlled light show dances to Christmas music throughout the night. Visitors can drive or walk through the display, which includes lighted scenes, a 20-foot tall walk-in interactive light tree, and a 1,600-square foot light maze.
3. JAMES RIVER READERS
Literary Arts
December 31, 10am
James River Park, 4001 Riverside Drive, Richmond, 23225
Join James River Park for story time with Penelope, followed by a craft or an adventure! This program is best suited for children aged 3-6. Registration required and space limited for this free event! Social distancing required.
4. LOLA FLASH | SALT
Photography
December 29, 3pm
Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, 233 4th St NW, Charlottesville, 22903
Working at the forefront of genderqueer visual politics for more than three decades, photographer Lola Flash’s work challenges stereotypes and gender, sexual, and racial preconceptions. Salt features women who are actively engaged in their life’s passion and 70-plus years of age. Presented by the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center. Register online for this free event.
5. HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: A FOUR COUNTY PLAYERS MUSICAL REVUE
Music, Theatre
Daily thru January 3
Online
Pay-what-you-can
Four County Playersis excited to bring audiences near and far the magic and charm of a classic holiday special to the comfort of your very own homes! Professionally filmed, Home for the Holidays brings you the warmth and joy of the most wonderful time of the year through song, memories, and humor, all brought to life by some of your favorite local performers and special guests–-including The Jolly Old Elf himself! It’s perfect fun for the whole family! Purchase ACCESS online.
6. Dominion Energy Gardenfest Of Lights
Visual Arts
Thru January 10, 4-10pm nightly
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, 23228
Seasonal Tickets $8-$18/person
A favorite tradition at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens featuring lights, decorations, outdoor model trains, dinners, hot chocolate (for purchase) & more! All displays are outdoors with social-distancing measures in place. Masks required. Tickets for pre-purchase only, with 30-minute arrival window. Masks are required. Closed Thanksgiving and December 24-25.
7. Books & Brews
Literary Arts
Every 1st and 3rd Sundays, 4pm
Intermission Beer Company, 10089 Brook Road, Unit A, Glen Allen, VA 23059
You like books? You like beer? This reading group talks about books and drinks beer twice monthly at Intermission Beer Company!
8. Winter Wonder Walk
Visual Arts
Through December 31, 7am-10pm
IX Art Park, 522 2nd St SE, Charlottesville, 22902
A festive forest is coming to the IX Art Park in Charlottesville. In lieu of large events, IX Art Park is filling the outdoor mural park with seasonal art, lights and decorations for safe outings this December. Wear a mask and observe social distancing on a leisurely walk through our winter wonderland.
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.
