Artsline: Virtual Edition || July 12, 2021
“The moon comes out, and gleaming through the clouds, braids its light, fantastic bow upon the waters. You feel calmer as the night deepens. The darkness softens you...” ~Ik Marvel
Summer nights beg us to come out, count the stars and enjoy the coolness of the passing day. There are several great opportunities this week to take in a show or visit a theatre in the cool of the evening. And the mild nights invite long walks and conversations, powered by dark breezes and lightening bugs. Take in this moment while you can and enjoy RVA’s arts and culture in July’s warm embrace.
1. FORBIDDEN BROADWAY’S GREATEST HITS
Theatre, Music
July 16-24, 8:30pm
Dogwood Dell Amphitheatre, 600 S Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220
City of Richmond’s Festival of the Arts brings this hysterical spoof of Broadway musicals to Dogwood Dell. Bring a lawn chair, some blankets, and a picnic dinner to enjoy live theatre and a perfect comedy treat. No registration is required for this free event.
2. CHILLIN' AT UNITY: SPOKEN WORD SHOWCASE
Poetry
July 15, 6:30pm
Unity of Bon Air, 923 Buford Rd, Richmond, 23235
Unity Church of Bon Air offers Chillin’ at Unity - Summer Evening Entertainments through August 21. This week they feature poetry readings by Mary Curley, Jim Lakin, and published poet Heidi Reszies; and slam poetry performances by Kelley Lane aka Lance Kelley, a video presentation from Twin Soul Poets, and special guest Zenobia Bey aka ZBey tha Poet. No registration required – just show up!
3. RFF 2021 SCAVENGER HUNT
Visual Art, History, Culture, Music
Thru Labor Day Weekend
Browns Island and Jackson Ward, Richmond, VA
Through Labor Day weekend, the Richmond Folk Festival offers their 2021 Scavenger Hunt. Participants have two options – the Browns Island and the Jackson Ward Hunt. Both hunts explore physical history you may not have noticed, share festival history you may never have known, and share relevant musical links along the way. Those who successfully complete one (or both!) scavenger hunt by Labor Day weekend will be entered in drawings for prizes, with winners selected all summer long. Register online for this free bit of summer fun!
4. 2021 ANNUAL MEMBERS SHOW + OPEN HOUSE
Visual Art
July 16, 6pm
Crossroads Art Center, 2016 Staples Mill Rd, Richmond, 23230
Crossroads Art Center brings a night of food, drinks, art, and food provided by Lulabelle's Cafe. Join in the Fun and Celebration! Registration not required for this free event.
5. THE TOBACCO BRIDES OF 1621
History
July 17
Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester, 23836
Park Admission: $9/Adults, $7/children ages 3–12
Henricus Historical Park commemorates the 400th anniversary of the Virginia Company’s “Bride Ships.” Explore the lives of colonial women who were contracted to journey to Virginia for the purpose of taking planter husbands. Female interpreters will highlight their lives and fates and male interpreters will interpret how, why, and when these marriages were essential to the fortune of Virginia. Demonstrations include women’s clothing, women’s work, and women’s voices in the affairs of colonizing. Purchase admission at the park.
6. MANIFESTO!
Theatre
July 17, 7pm
Firehouse Theatre Project, 1609 W. Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
$15
This special Firehouse Theatre experience is inspired by the impulse of artists throughout history to react against the status quo and passionately envision new kinds of artistic expression. Robert Morris guides you through a little history, a little conversation, a little eating and drinking, a little music by Adam Hopkins, and a little art making. Participants limited to 10 people. First come, first served. Purchase tickets online.
7. VIRTUAL LITERARY VIRGINIA BOOK GROUP
Literary Art
July 14, 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, the discussion will be around Oregon Hill by Virginia author Howard Owen. Check your local public library for curbside checkout or digital download. This book is also available via online retail outlets. No registration required.
8. DARWIN COMES TO TOWN
Architectural Art/Urban Design
July 15, 11am
Online
Pay-what-you-can
The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design brings Meno Schilthuizen to discuss Darwin Comes to Town, his book that magnifies urban ecologies, offering readers an up-close look at how flexible and adaptable natural selection can be. Darwin Comes to Town underscores how wildlife and humans co-exist in harmony, particularly in rapid ways unimaginable by renowned biologist, Charles Darwin. Register online.
9. ART NIGHT AT THE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
Visual Art
July 15, 6pm
Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, 23060
Meet the artists behind the Cultural Arts Center’s newest exhibits: I Have a Dream – A World Without Borders from Ukranian artist, Svetlana Sevostyanchik; The Return of ZooValdes from artist Marius Valdes; Reenacted Images from photographer Pamela Shook; and Housculptures from sculptor Mary Vivo. Registration not required for this free event.
10. OPENING RECEPTION: BRAD BIRCHETT + MADISON HANSEN
Visual Art
July 15, 5pm Reception
Exhibition runs through September 19
Quirk Gallery, 207 West Broad Street, Richmond, 23220
Quirk Gallery hosts a reception for their two new exhibits: Richmond artist, Brad Birchett will present new paintings and drawings in his Main Gallery show, Ritual Function. Madison Hansen will exhibit fiber pieces in her Pink Gallery show, No One Planted It There.
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.
