Artsline: Virtual Edition || March 29, 2021
“Springtime is the real new year; the period when with the new leaves all the world begins again. January, February and March are like prison walls to the spirit; April comes as a window opened, admitting sunlight and a patch of blue sky; then May bursts, the rainbow of the months, sent as a sign — a promise of fruition.” ~The National Magazine, May 1899
Spring is finally upon us and with the warm weather and budding trees, outdoor arts and culture opportunities abound. From family field trips to sidewalk art exhibits to Easter egg hunts amid the blooming daffodils, find a way to connect with your local creative community! Here are some great places to start.
1. DOMINION ENERGY FAMILY EASTER
Landscape Art, Architecture, Music
April 3
Maymont Historic Estate Entrance, 1700 Hampton Street, Richmond, 23220
$10/adults and youth 13 & over, Free for children 12 and under
Experience the delights of spring at Maymont with an Easter twist! The whole family will enjoy seasonal sights and sounds including colorful blooms, Easter Bunny appearances, live tunes from Bach to Rock, entertaining performers, a handful of “egg-cellent” activities widely dispersed on the lawns, scavenger hunts, food trucks and plenty of space for a picnic! Purchase tickets online.
2. STRANGER THAN FICTION: GREAT ART HEISTS IN HISTORY
History, Visual Art
March 30, 6pm
Online
$5
Discover what Japanese gangsters, bear spray and daring boat getaways have in common with noteworthy art thefts. In this virtual lecture, presented by Agecroft Hall, you will travel the globe learning why museums from Amsterdam to Zimbabwe have been targets for thieves and what tools they used to elude detection. Find out who got caught…and who did not. Purchase tickets online.
3. CREATION STATION: MAKING TRACKS
Visual Art
March 31, 10am at CMoR Downtown, 2626 West Broad Street, Richmond, 23220
April 1, at CMoR Chesterfield, 6629 Lake Harbour Drive, Midlothian, 23112
$20/adult-child pair, $10/additional child
Start your engines! Instead of paintbrushes, The Children's Museum of Richmond offers an opportunity to paint with cars! Participants will use toy cars and tempera paint to make interesting abstract art. For children 2 years and up. Purchase tickets online.
4. THE WRITING SHOW – SHOW ME THE MONEY! WRITING AS A CAREER
Literary Art
March 31, 6pm
Online
$15
Writing a book is a slow process and may not bring you the Stephen King wealth you’ve been hoping for. What are some other ways you can make your writing skills pay your bills? Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a career in communications, the experts at James River Writers explore money-making options such as speaking engagements, freelancing, blog posts, teaching, and more. Register online by March 30th.
5. PEAKE SERIES: MARY EDWARDS WALKER
History
March 31, 9am
Online
The first, and currently only, woman to receive the Medal of Honor, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was a surgeon, abolitionist, supporter of women’s suffrage, a prisoner of war, and some might say a fashion icon. Dr. Walker broke numerous barriers during her long life and contributed greatly during the Civil War. The American Civil War Museum presents this opportunity as a part of their Peake Series, named for Mary S. Peake, one of the many African American women who dedicated their time and lives to education under the most difficult of circumstances. Register online for this free event.
6. EVOLVING: EMOTIONALISM
Visual Art
April 2, 5pm Reception
Uptown Gallery, 1305 West Main Street, Richmond, 23220
Uptown Gallery opens their latest exhibit, Evolving: Emotionalism by David Robatin. Robatin uses vivid color to reveal his emotions about the pandemic, relationships, work and life, connecting with the viewer as honestly as he knows how. Social distancing guidelines in place.
7. ENSLAVED VIRGINIA IRONWORKER TO CALIFORNIA PIONEER: A CONVERSATION WITH THE DESCENDANTS OF EMANUEL QUIVERS
History
April 1, 5:30pm
Online
Join The Library of Virginia for a fascinating conversation in honor of Civil War and Emancipation Day. Viola Baecher traced her ancestor, Emanuel Quivers, from Berkeley Plantation, where he worked as a blacksmith, to Richmond’s Tredegar Iron Works, where he worked as an ironworker and foreman, and on to California during the Gold Rush—a journey from enslavement to freedom. This program brings together several Quivers descendants to discuss Emanuel’s life and their ongoing efforts to uncover the story of his family. These conversations are an important part of gathering a fuller understanding of the complexity of American history and the contributions of African Americans. Register online for this free event.
8. PEEK-A-BLOOM WITH PETER RABBIT
Landscape Art
April 3-4
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, 23228
$14/adults, $8/children
Peter Rabbit greets visitors and poses for socially-distanced photos both Saturday and Sunday in Lewis Ginter’s Grace Arents Garden at the Rose Arbor. Also, enjoy A Million Blooms! including daffodils, tulips and Virginia bluebells, among others. Food is available for purchase in the Robins Tea House. Masks and social distancing required. Purchase tickets online.
9. The Hope Wall
Visual Art
Through April 11
Shields Avenue near Grove Avenue, Richmond, 23220
Nine uniquely designed posters, plastered to a red cinder block wall in the middle of the Fan District in Richmond all with one theme - HOPE. This open-air, public art display rotates every three weeks through August, displaying designs from graphic artists all over the United States and the World. See the most recently installed posters at the Hope Wall Instagram page and Learn more about the process in this article.
10. FAMILY FIELD TRIP: POWHATAN INDIANS
History
Wednesdays through Memorial Day, 1pm
Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester, 23836
$8/person
Henricus Historical Park enhances children’s home-learning experience by leading a SOL-aligned school program every Wednesday through Memorial Day. 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. Many teachers also offer extra credit for students attending programs like these! Register 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.
