Artsline: Virtual Edition || February 8, 2021
“Our responsibility as citizens is to address the inequalities and injustices that linger, and we must secure our birthright freedoms for all people. As we mark the 40th year of National African American History Month, let us reflect on the sacrifices and contributions made by generations of African Americans, and let us resolve to continue our march toward a day when every person knows the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” ~Barack Obama, 2016
Art - whether music, theatre, dance, or visual - has the tremendous power to interpret our present and visualize the future. Art is the history of a culture, reflecting on who we have been and who we are now. But even more important, art shows us who we can become. This month, find the stories that empower, the images that help us rise to the challenge, the songs that strengthen our souls as we peel back the layers of who we are and fix our intentions on creating a better tomorrow.
1. REELABILITIES DIVERSITY & INCLUSION FESTIVAL
Film, Literary Art
February 8-11, 7:30pm
Online
The Weinstein JCC is proud to host its annual ReelAbilities Diversity and Inclusion Festival February, known as Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month. This year’s festival features the film Keep the Change, directed by Rachel Israel; the book Once a Girl, Always a Boy: A Family Memoir of a Transgender Journey by LGBTQ activist, Jo Ivester; and the documentary Crazy, directed by Lise Zumwalt. The festival is free, virtual, and open to the entire community. Watch the films first and then join the Zoom program for discussions with the author and filmmakers. You must register to participate.
2. CABIN FEVER
Visual Arts
February 13-20
Live Auction: February 20, 8pm
Online
Join 1708 Gallery for their annual art auction, Cabin Fever, going virtual for the first time this year. Cabin Fever is 1708's biggest fundraiser each year, raising money for exhibitions and programs, and providing crucial resources for artists to produce and present inspiring artworks and programs.
3. BECAUSE WE HAVE MUSIC
Music
February 14, 7pm
Online
This Valentine’s Day, Kid Pan Alley’s Because We Have Music concert series brings some of the finest songwriters in the country together for an evening of love songs. Featuring Beth Nielsen Chapman, Tom Prasada Rao, and Kid Pan Alley’s Paul Reisler, for this free live-stream concert. Register for this free event.
4. CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT THE VMFA
Visual Art
Thru February 28
Online
From Youth Studio Workshops to an African American Read-in to the Dominion Energy Jazz Cafe, Celebrate Black History Month with art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Programs for adults and youth are available all month. Register online.
5. RICHMOND 2021 CHINESE NEW YEAR ONLINE CELEBRATION
Culture, Performing Arts
February 13, starting at 1pm
Online
Organization of Chinese Americans - Central Virginia Chapter presents a virtual celebration for the 2021 Lunar New Year, including Chinese folk music, cultural performances, the Lion Dance, raffle prizes and more. Go to the OCC-CVC YouTube channelto join in.
6. RVA ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL
Film
February 12-27
Online
The 11th Annual RVA Environmental Film Festival (RVA EFF) will showcase over 15 free local and national films selected to raise awareness of and conversation around environmental issues relevant to the Richmond region, our nation, and our world. The Festival will be exclusively virtual for the first time, enabling an even wider audience to experience this valuable source of films that offer solution-oriented messages of hope and inspire action towards promoting planet health and environmental justice. Register online to view the films.
7. JAMES RIVER READERS
Literary Arts
February 11, 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.
8. HISTORY MYSTERY: WHERE’S TOMMIE COLE?
History
February 11, 2pm
Online
On February 11, 1966, the cover of Life Magazine featured a photo of a young Army medic in Vietnam, face bandaged, tending to his wounded comrades. The photo became iconic. The medic, Tommie L. Cole, was from Richmond, Virginia, and he was a hero. But a mystery remains: what happened to Tommie after this photograph was taken? On the 55th anniversary of the legendary Life Magazine cover, join the Virginia War Memorial to examine what clues we know about Tommie L. Cole and perhaps help solve the mystery of his whereabouts. You must register to participate in this free event.
9. VIRTUAL LITERARY VIRGINIA BOOK GROUP
Literary Art
February 10, 6pm
Online
Read and discuss the best of today's Virginia literature—books by Library of Virginia Literary Award winners and finalists in fiction and nonfiction. This month, they discuss Thomas and Beal in the Midi by Christopher Tilghman (2020 Fiction Award winner). Library of Virginia loaner books are unavailable at this time, but check the local public library for curbside checkout or digital downloads.
10. BRENDA HILLMAN LECTURE -- A POETIC TOOLKIT: METAPHOR AND METONYMY
Poetry
February 10, 7pm
Online
Brenda Hillman, University of Virginia's spring 2021 Kapnick Distinguished Writer-in-Residence, gives three interrelated webinars on 6 M’s”of poetic thinking—Metaphor, Metonymy, Meaning, Mystery, Magic and Morality, to refresh the practice of reading and writing poetry for the general reader as well as for the advanced student of poetry. Written during the year of the pandemic, the talks include examples of contemporary and modern poems, paying special attention to aspects of a great art that are sometimes considered challenging. Presented by the UVA Creative Writing Program. Register for this free webinar.
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.
