Artsline: Virtual Edition || September 27, 2021
“We are having such lovely weather — the air is sweet and still — now and then a gay leaf falling... a thousand little painters are tingeing hill and dale... autumn is most beautiful...” ~Emily Dickinson
RVA has so many new beginnings with the advent of October! First artoberVA begins – celebrating arts and culture in RVA and the Tri-Cities throughout the month of October. Then we have RVA First Fridays on the first of October, ushering in new exhibits this month. And of course, the official beginning of Fall festival season with 2nd Street Festival in Jackson Ward. With so much to do and with such gorgeous weather, it’s a wonder we can stay inside at all!
1. 2ND STREET FESTIVAL
Music, History, Visual Arts, Culture
October 2-3
North 2nd Street between East Broad and East Jackson Streets, Richmond, 23219
RVA’s 2nd Street Festival will return this fall, live and in person. Marking its 33rd year, the festival celebrates the rich culture of the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood in Downtown Richmond. It is one of the Mid-Atlantic's largest street festivals, featuring three stages of live music along with popular food vendors, a marketplace and Artists Row. This FREE event is produced by Venture Richmond.
2. ART @ RPL
Visual Art
October 1, 6:30pm opening reception
Richmond Public Library Main Branch, 101 East Franklin St., Richmond, 23219
Richmond Public Library offers three new exhibits opening in their Main Branch for RVA’s First Fridays Art Walk. Endurance Challenge: Mediations on a Voyage is a series of paintings and mixed media drawings by Richmonder Chrissy Baucom inspired by Ernest Schackleton’s polar expedition aboard his ship the Endurance. Then, Captured on Canvas by Jordan Flower highlights distinct, authentic, and detailed views from Richmond and the surrounding area using acrylic on canvas. And finally, Patricia Faris shows her paintings in oil and pastel of horses and cows in Scenes of Rural Virginia. No registration required.
3. REFLECTIONS IN THE GARDEN
Landscape Art, Music
September 29 & 30, 6pm
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, 23228
$8-$17
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens invites you to enjoy contemplative live music, meander the paths of the Central Garden and Cherry Tree Walk to discover self-reflective prompts, and enjoy food and beverages for purchase. This family-friendly event includes the opportunity to join in making a community paper chain of wishes and commemorations. Purchase tickets online.
4. E.T. THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL
Film
October 1, 6pm
Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Rd, Henrico, 23231
Henrico Recreation & Parks and the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation present a free showing of E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (PG) under the stars at Dorey Park. Free refreshments available while supplies last! Guests are welcome to bring picnics from home. No registration required.
5. LIBRARY LAUGHTER YOGA
Comedy
September 29, 2pm
Libbie Mill Public Library, 2100 Libbie Lake E St, Richmond, 23230
The Henrico County Library invites you to a free sixty-minute Laughter Yoga session with Slash Coleman that guides participants into prolonged voluntary laughter utilizing Yogic breathing, Laughter Exercises, and childlike playfulness. Wear comfortable clothing. Limited to 14 participants. Mask required. Pre-registration recommended.
6. STORIES AT THE MUSEUM: THE HARMONICA
History, Crafts
October 2, 10am
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, 23220
$6/adults, $3/age 6-17, under 6 is free
The Virginia Museum of History and Culture brings Stories at the Museum, featuring a read-aloud story time for young learners in one of the museum galleries, paired with a related craft activity! Stories at the Museum tickets includes museum admission, so stay after and enjoy current exhibits with a Story of Virginia activity sheet, available at the front desk. This month, participants will hear The Harmonica and will make paper violins to compliment the VMHC Violins of Hope exhibit. Purchase tickets online.
7. THE WRITING SHOW: ASK US ANYTHING!
Literary Art
August 29, 6pm
Online
Back by popular demand, James River Writers once again offers a special (and Free!) edition of The Writing Show. JRW Staff will share what they’ve learned over this past challenging year, snippets about their areas of expertise, and talk about what they do/love the most about their roles that may (or may not!) surprise you. Then, they’ll open it up to questions from those in attendance. So, come and ask away. Register online.
8. WONDERLAND
Visual Art
October 1, 7pm opening
October 2, 1pm open house
Exhibit runs through October 30
Eric Schindler Gallery, 2305 East Broad Street, Richmond, 23223
Eric Schindler Gallery brings new paintings by Ted Randler in their exhibit Wonderland for their RVA First Fridays opening. No registration required.
9. 6TH ANNUAL ARTOBER VA
Variety of Arts & Culture
October 1-31
Throughout RVA and the Tri-Cities
In its sixth year, artoberVA continues to celebrate arts & culture throughout the month of October, bringing hope and healing to Richmond and the Tri-Cities Region. Presented by CultureWorks. See all participating arts & culture experiences on the artoberVA calendar.
10. LUNCH-&-LEARN: POST-WAR CZECHOSLOVAKIA, COMMUNIST COUP AND THE COLD WAR EXILE
History
September 30, Noon
The Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvidere St., Richmond, 23220
The Virginia War Memorial brings historian and political scientist Martin Nekola to discuss all aspects of the Czechoslovak Cold War exile. The Communists completed Czechosovakia’s takeover in February 1948 and their regime lasted for more than four decades. Thousands of Czechs and Slovaks who sought the return of freedom and democracy to their homeland, left and began publishing periodicals and working externally on political activities. Almost seven dozen newspapers, magazines and newsletters, and nearly one hundred ninety Czechs institutions, including political organizations, parties, academic clubs or think-tanks, operated in the free world after 1948. Bring your own lunch and come listen to Dr. Nekola’s riveting presentation. No registration required.
If you are an arts or cultural organization with lectures, exhibitions, performances, 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, check out the list of local and national resources from Richmond CultureWorks.
