Artsline: Virtual Edition || June 14, 2021
“What I love about Juneteenth is that even in that extended wait, we still find something to celebrate. Even though the story has never been tidy, and Black folks have had to march and fight for every inch of our freedom, our story is nonetheless one of progress.” ~ Michelle Obama
Cultural events come alive this week with Juneteenth celebrations and performances honoring Virginia’s new state holiday. Dance, music, visual arts – you will find many ways to commemorate the day and dig deep into the story of our nation. This is the season for freedom and a perfect time to get out into RVA and celebrate the women and men who fought and continue to fight for this inalienable right.
1. JUNETEENTH ON THE YARD
History, Culture
June 19, Noon (in-person) and 7pm (virtual)
Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, 233 4th St NW, Charlottesville, 22903
Join the Jefferson School on their lawn for food, music and a non-sewing sewing event with Stitch Please. The music lineup includes DJ SG, Vibe Riot, Sons of Ichibei and Daphne Brown. In the interest of keeping us all safe, this year’s event is free but ticketed. Donations are accepted. Reserve your tickets online. Watch at 7pm for live-streaming Voices of Emancipation, a collection of speeches from Black luminaries such as August Wilson, Bell Hooks and James Baldwin. Followed by a viewing of Mother Tongue, an original play by Abi Schumann produced by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation in conjunction with their Tenacity exhibit. A post show discussion will follow. View for free on the Jefferson School’s Facebook or YouTube pages.
2. COMMON GROUND VIRGINIA HISTORY BOOK GROUP
History, Literary Art
June 15, 6pm
Online
Read and discuss compelling nonfiction handpicked by Library of Virginia staff, exploring Virginia history, society, and culture. June’s discussion surrounds Never Caught: The Washingtons' Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar. Check your local public library to borrow titles, or purchase through the Virginia Shop or other online retailers. Go online to join this free opportunity.
3. JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATION
History, Culture, Landscape Art
June 19, 9am
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, 1800 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, 23228
Pay-what-you-can
Project Yoga Richmond in partnership with Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden offers space, place, and time for healing inter-generational harm. Dr. Ram Bhagat will lead participants in connecting with our ancestral past, investigating our feelings, and processing what arises in the context of yoga, dance, drumming, and meditation. Social distancing protocols will be in place. Register online.
4. QUALITY TIME
Visual Art, Literary Art
June 15, 5pm opening reception
Exhibit runs through August 20
Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, 2501 Monument Avenue, Richmond, 23220
As many people across the globe experienced in 2020, this group of artists was separated without warning. The conclusion of their college careers didn’t quite feel like an end and all plans went awry. A year later, this exhibition, Quality Time, marks their reunion and reflects their diverse experiences in painting, sculpture, books, and video. Presented by Branch Museum of Architecture and Design.
5. BALLOT BATTLE — RICHMOND SUFFRAGE WALKING TOUR
History
June 19, 10am
In front of St Paul’s Church, 815 East Grace Street, Richmond, 23219
$20/adults, Children under 18 are free
The Valentine offers a step back in time to explore a battle that divided Richmond social circles and families. Between 1909 and 1920, both pro-suffrage and anti-suffrage activists struggled tenaciously to persuade the public and the legislature of their views women’s right vote. On this downtown walking tour, Richmond’s most experienced tour guides will show you the iconic sites that were key to the fight, while exploring the diverse figures and perspectives that influenced the Richmond suffrage movement. Purchase tickets online.
6. MUTTS AT MAYMONT
Landscape Art, Music
June 17, 5pm
Maymont Historic Estate Entrance, 1700 Hampton Street, Richmond, 23220
$10/dog (humans free)
Spend a “paw-sitively” delightful evening with your pooch at Maymont! Stroll along the designated Pup Path, and enjoy live music, food trucks and adult beverages during this special occasion. There are only a few times a year when dogs are invited to visit Maymont, so don’t miss your chance! Please note Maymont’s Etiquette and Safety Requirements for this event. Purchase tickets online.
7. ISABEL ROXAS & ANGELA DOMINGUEZ - FRIENDS IN CONVERSATION
Literary Arts
June 19, 11am
Online
bbgb books kicks-off summer reading with a splash! Isabel and Angela are back for round two of friends in conversation to celebrate the first book of Isabel's new series: The Adventures of Team Pom: Squid Happens! Register online for this free event.
8. JUNETEENTH PERFORMANCE & CELEBRATION
Culture, Dance, Music
June 18, 8pm at Dogwood Dell, 6000 N. Boulevard, Richmond, 23220
June 19, 1pm at Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Rd, Henrico, 23231
For decades, Elegba Folklore Society has commemorated and celebrated Juneteenth throughout RVA. Their Juneteenth performance of dancing and music opens up the City of Richmond’s Festival of the Arts on June 18th at Dogwood Dell. The next afternoon, June 19th, they will host a Juneteenth Celebration at Dorey Park in Henrico County. Join them for these free events, acknowledging the history of Juneteenth, African American heritage and Virginia’s newest state holiday.
9. GARDEN WALK HISTORY TOUR
Landscape Art, History
June 18 & 19, 9:30am
Agecroft Hall & Gardens, 4305 Sulgrave Rd, Richmond, 23221
$7
Agecroft Hall offers a 45-minute guided garden tour to learn about the formal gardens from a different perspective. What do Chief Powhatan’s cloak, King Henry VIII, Mediterranean pirates, and the “Virginia Garden” all have in common? They are all part of the story of the 20th century transformation of the gardens at Agecroft Hall. Stay after the guided tour to explore the tulips and other garden areas on your own. Don’t forget comfortable shoes. Purchase tickets online.
10. GO MENTAL! WITH DOC VOLZ
Magic, Theatre
June 14, 7:30 pm
Firehouse Theatre, 1609 W. Broad Street, Richmond, 23220
$10/advance, $15/day of
Experience a wildly improbable evening of persuasion, perception, and possibility as world champion impossiblist and prankster Larry Volz distills decades of magic and mentalism into an evening's elixir of laughter & amazement. Presented as a part of Firehouse Theatre’s Fringe season. 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.
