May 22, 2023
“Creativity takes courage.” ~ Henri Matisse
This week RVA provides opportunities to allow art to take us to new places – even places that are outside of our comfort zone. Art not only reflects our culture and our reality, but it offers new ways of looking at them, revealing truths about ourselves and others that we never knew. Explore the shadows this week and look for the light shining through – not just in the art, but also within our community.
To list your events on Artsline, go to vpm.org/artsline.
1. 4TH FRIDAY ART SHOWS AND OPENING RECEPTION
Visual Art
Friday, May 26, 6 PM reception
Exhibits continue through June 17th
Art Works, 320 Hull Street Road, Richmond, 23224
Art Works features four artists, all painters yet all vastly different in their approach and techniques. John Wagoner redefines painting which transitions into sculpture. Glenda Creamer layers marks like constellations, creating an illusion of depth. Michael Greiner is the classic figure and portrait painter. Lisa Kidd Flynn’s abstract art is the quintessential bright color. And as always, they offer the monthly All Media Show featuring Virginia artists. Meet the artists and enjoy live music, refreshments and libations sponsored by RVA Thriving Artists. Parking is free. No registration required for this free event.
2. THE REHAPPENING
Improvisational Comedy
Friday, May 26, 7:30 PM
Coalition Theatre, 8 West Broad Street, Richmond, 23220
$10 general | $5 with student ID
We make hundreds of millions of choices every day - some important, but most seemingly insignificant. However, with every choice you make, there are a number of different possible outcomes that could’ve been. How would your day have been different if you had taken the stairs instead of the elevator? What chaos could’ve ensued if your roommate picked up that Grubhub order instead of you? Imagine, if you will, a completely improvised show that explores these many alternate timelines...an improvised show that takes a look at what happens when a small change makes big differences. Presented by Coalition Theatre. Purchase tickets online.
3. HIGHLIGHTS OF HOLLYWOOD CEMETERY WALKING TOUR
History
Saturday, May 27, 10 AM
Hollywood Cemetery, 1015 East Clay Street, Richmond, 23219
$20 adults | Free for children under 18
On a spectacular bluff overlooking the James River, Hollywood Cemetery has been the final resting place of some of Virginia’s most prominent citizens since 1847. Join The Valentine’s most experienced guides in Richmond as they explore the graves of rebels and rockers, politicians and Pulitzer prize winners, and, of course, two U.S. presidents: James Monroe and John Tyler. Also, learn about the 18,000 Civil War dead buried in Hollywood and the cemetery’s complicated legacy as a shrine to the Confederacy. Meeting Place: Enter at Cherry and Albemarle streets, meet at the rear of the stone cottage to the left. Purchase tickets online.
4. SPITFIRE: AN AMERICAN WWII FIGHTER PILOT IN THE RAF
History
Thursday, May 25, Noon
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, 23220
$10 adults | $5 students | Free for children ages 5 & under
In a voice both timeless and distinctly greatest generational, Richmonder Parke F. Smith wrote about being the last U.S. pilot accepted into the ranks of the RAF through their training exchange program at War Eagle Field, Los Angeles. After completing their course, he sailed to England on board the HMS Queen Elizabeth, swore allegiance to the king, and was offered a coveted spot training as a fighter pilot. From 1942 to 1946, Smith flew 129 missions in North Africa, Italy, and over the North Sea, before returning home. Presented by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Purchase tickets online.
5. SHAVUOT PARTY & LEARNING
Culture
Friday, May 26, 5:30 PM
Gather (Short Pump), 2400 Old Brick Road Glen Allen, 23060
Kehillah’s Shavuot Shabbat party offers a mix of family friendly activities, traditional blessings and songs, delicious food (including ice cream sandwich and cheesecake buffet), and engaging learning opportunities for adults. Come at any time and stay as long as you want! - Shabbat Candle Lighting & Short Musical Prayer, Early Evening Jewish Learning with Rabbi Patrick, Shavuot-Themed Grazing Table, Ice Cream Sandwiches, & Cheesecake (while supplies last), Kids' Art & Activities, and a Free Judaica Store. Sponsored by Diversity Richmond. Reserve your free ticket online.
6. RICHMOND SYMPHONY BIG TENT: ABNER CLAY PARK
Music
Saturday, May 27, 7 PM
Abner Clay Park, Brook Road and West Clay Street, Richmond, 23220
This Big Tent event is the culmination of a partnership between the Children’s Book & Music Festival hosted at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia (BHMVA) and presented by Dominion Energy and the Richmond Symphony! This free, outdoor concert features the music of Florence Price, Joseph Bologne, and Virginia native, Adolphus Hailstork. BHMVA will also have special museum hours with family activities leading up to concert time. Sponsored by the City of Richmond. No registration required for this free event.
7. MURDER MYSTERY UNHAPPY HOUR
Literary Arts, History
Thursday, May 25, 6 PM
The Poe Museum, 1914 East Main Street, Richmond, 23223
Come find out whether it was Colonel Mustard in the Garden or Miss Scarlett in the Reading Room and join the Poe Museum for a mysterious evening of live music, local libations, and good food in the Enchanted Garden! Enjoy the music of Shera Shi and IONNA and an excellent selection of craft brews by Benchtop Brewing. It's a miserable time! Purchase tickets online.
8. OUTER SPACE STORY TIME
Literary Art, Visual Art
Wednesday, May 24, 10 AM
Ettrick-Matoaca Library, 4501 River Road, Petersburg, 23803
Read, sing songs, and make a craft—all about outer space. Presented by Chesterfield County Public Library. Register online for this free event.
9. PROFS & PINTS RICHMOND: DREAM INTERPRETATION
History
Tuesday, May 23, 6 PM
Triple Crossing Beer - Fulton, 5203 Hatcher Street, Richmond, 23231
$13.50 - $17
Profs and Pints Richmond presents Dream Interpretation with Richard Bargdill, associate professor of psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University, teacher of courses on dream interpretation and the psychology of creativity, and author of An Artist’s Thought Book. Purchase tickets online.
10. INCANTO: AN OASIS OF LYRICAL POETRY
Landscape art
Through October 29
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, 23228
Admission: $17 adults | $14 seniors & military | $8 youth ages 3-12 | Free for children under 3
Escape into Incanto – five soaring sculptures in one epic landscape. This premiere exhibit at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens and created by New York City-based sculptor Kate Raudenbush and poet Sha Michele from the legendary Burning Man community invites you on a journey of self-discovery and connection with others and the natural world. Dramatically lit from within, the Incanto sculptures offer multi-sensory experiences inviting further exploration at night. Purchase admission to the gardens 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.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, The Poe Museum, The Richmond Symphony, and The Valentine are sponsors of VPM.
