Artsline || January 2, 2023
“In our perfect ways. In the ways we are beautiful. In the ways we are human. We are here. Happy New Year’s. Let’s make it ours.” ~ Beyoncé
And just like that, it’s 2023. One of the ways we recognize art is in the way we recognize ourselves in it. Art reflects humanity – our beauty, our frailty, our perfect and imperfect ways. As we stand at the expanse of a new year, let us seek out the many opportunities to discover ourselves in local arts and culture like never before. Check out what this week has to offer!
To list your events on Artsline, go to vpm.org/artsline.
1. CATHY FINK AND MARCY MARXER
Music
Saturday, January 7, 8 PM
The Shady Grove Coffeehouse at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 11105 Cauthorne Road, Glen Allen, 23059
$20 advanced | $25 door | Age 13-18 half price | Age 12 & under free
Two-time Grammy® Award Winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, master musicians with a career spanning over 35 years, come to Shady Grove Coffeehouse. Their superb harmonies are backed by instrumental virtuosity on the guitar, five-string banjo, ukulele, mandolin, cello-banjo, and many other instruments, with a repertoire ranging from classic country to western swing, gypsy jazz to bluegrass, and old-time string band to contemporary folk (including some original gems). Purchase tickets online.
2. MLIT PRESENTS: SPEECHWRITING
Literary Art
Thursday, January 5, 6 PM
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, 23220
Join the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for MLiT Presents: Speechwriting. This gallery program and workshop with guest instructors, Roscoe Burnems and Paula G. Akinwole, will invite guests to experience Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour—Frederick Douglass and reflect on one of Frederick Douglass most famous speeches, “What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July.” This workshop is part of a series developed and coordinated by teens in VMFA’s Museum Leaders in Training (MLiT) program. Admission is open to adults and youth ages 13 and above. Space is limited. Free. Registration required.
3. CONTROVERSY/HISTORY: COMING UP SHORT- RICHMOND NEEDS SCHOOLING
History
Tuesday, January 3, 5:30 PM
The Len, 15 North 17th Street, Richmond, 23219
Join The Valentine in person at The Len for a discussion on segregation in schools and learning leaps and deficits post–Covid in the region. “Coming Up Short: Richmond Needs Schooling” will include panelists Amy Wentz from the Commonwealth Institute, and Dr. Genevieve Siegel Hawley from VCU’s School of Education. This is not a conversation to miss! This event is free and open to the public. No registration required.
4. FIRST FRIDAYS EXHIBIT AT THE RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY
Visual Arts
Reception Friday, January 6, 6:30 PM
Main Branch, Richmond Public Library, 101 East Franklin St., Richmond, 23219
The Richmond Public Library’s Main Branch offers three new exhibits for First Fridays RVA: A collection of paintings and drawings from Virginia artist Woody; paintings in oil by plein air artists Coakley Brown, Tom Bradshaw, and Kim Hall; and the continuation of abstract expressionism exhibit from William Parrish as well as "Photo Distinctions" from Martin Evans and Venkat Santosh. No registration required for this free event.
5. UP IN SMOKE: THE HISTORY OF TOBACCO IN VIRGINIA
History
Saturday, January 7, 10:30 AM
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, 23220
$20 non-members | Members free
From pre-European settlement to the modern day, tobacco has played a central role in the development of Virginia's economy and culture. Join the Virginia Museum of History & Culture as they highlight hundreds of years of tobacco-related collection items from the people and businesses involved with Virginia's famous cash crop. Purchase tickets online.
6. ANNUAL WASSAIL
Music, Culture
Saturday, January 7, 3 PM
Courthouse Creek Cider, 1581 Maidens Road, Maidens, 23102
Wassail with Courthouse Creek Cider at the farm! Sing and wake the sleeping tree spirits, bless the trees for a fruitful harvest with the Wassail King & Queen, and get loud to frighten off any evil spirits in the orchard that may be lurking in the branches. Wassailing begins at 3 PM, so be sure to arrive early! The bonfire will be blazing and traditional hot Wassail cider will be served all day! Costumes encouraged. No registration required for this free event.
7. BENEDICT ARNOLD’S RAID!
History
Thursday, January 5, 7 PM
at Libby Mill Library, 2100 Libbie Lake Street East, Richmond, 23223
Saturday & Sunday, January 7 & 8, all day
at Chimborazo Medial Museum, 3215 E Broad Street, Richmond, 23223 and
at Historic St. John's Church, 2401 East Broad Street, Richmond, 23223
Commemorate Benedict Arnold's Raid on Richmond all weekend long. The weekend begins on Thursday with a program by Mike Cecere at the Libbie Mill Library. Then on Saturday, a living history camp outside Chimborazo Medical Museum will highlight the experiences of soldiers and civilians during the Revolution, including musket firing demonstrations. At noon the public is invited to join living history reenactors and march from Chimborazo to Historic St. John’s Church. Speakers include Jennifer Epstein Rudnick, Bill Welsch, and Dr. Michael Dickinson, who will provide insights into the life and times of those living in Richmond in the 18th century. Benedict Arnold will be on the church grounds to describe his role in the American Revolution. On Sunday, the event culminates with walking tours of Revolutionary Richmond meeting at 10 am on the grounds of Chimborazo Medical Museum and 1 pm in downtown Richmond at the Farm Fresh parking lot (2320 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23223). No registration required for this free event.
8. HAUNTED CAPITOL HILL GHOST TOUR
History
Friday, January 6, 7 PM
Meet at The Berkeley Hotel, 1200 East Cary Street, Richmond, 23219
$20 online, $25 walk-up/phone
Richmond's Capitol Hill hosts more than just elected officials and security guards amidst its hallowed halls, but also many spirits from beyond the veil. This outdoor walking tour will lead you about 1 mile in 90 minutes as you ascend the seat of Virginia's political power. Presented by Haunts of Richmond. Purchase tickets online.
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.
