Featured Events Archive - Calendar & Events

An Evening with Howardena Pindell

with Valerie Cassel Oliver, Sydney and Frances Lewis Family Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, VMFA and Naomi Beckwith, Marilyn and Larry Fields Curator, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago

Fri, Aug 24, 2018

Join co-curators, Valerie Cassel Oliver, Sydney and Frances Lewis Family Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art and Naomi Beckwith, Marilyn and Larry Fields Curator, Contemporary Art Museum, Chicago for conversation with the artist about her life and work. Preceding the talk, the artist will be available to sign copies of the related exhibition catalog which…

Celebrate African and African American Art: Ethiopia

Saturday, June 16, 2018 | 11 am–3 pm

Event Schedule Jun 16, 2018 | 11 am–3 pm Performances and Presentations at a Glance *Please note that the schedule is tentative and subject to change* Additional Presentation Details Listed Below DJ Mikemetic | Marble Hall, Level 2 11 am-3 pm Spices and Natural Healing Remedies of Ethiopia with The Nile | Atrium, Level 1 Demonstrations…

Teen Stylin’ Elements: Runway Show & Tickets

Sun, May 6, 2018

1 pm–3:15 pm

Using the museum’s collection as inspiration, students have created wearable works of art to be featured in this highly-anticipated runway show. This year’s theme, Elements, draws from an investigation of essential forms, color, materials, construction, engineering and technological components, and the principles of design. Tickets are free, but must be reserved either online or at…

Pop Up: Mother’s Memory

with Debbie Quick, Faculty Research Fellow at the Arts Research Institute at VCUarts

Fri, Jun 29, 5–7 pm

Tapestry Hall

Join professional artist Debbie Quick, Faculty Research Fellow at the Arts Research Institute at VCUarts, for an activity that asks the visitor to share memories that will contribute to a collaborative and ongoing beaded artwork.

3 in 30: These Three Unassuming Objects

with Trent Nicholas, Media Programs Coordinator

Tue, Jun 5, 11–11:30 am

Thu, Jun 7, 6:30–7 pm

Meet at Visitor Services

Could mere design change the world? Three commonplace but handsome objects in our Decorative Arts galleries have so much more to them than what meets the eye. A gravitas of intent far exceeds their modestly useful functions. Come see and hear what deep meanings rest in these pieces that were part of bigger movements that…

Gallery Tour: Napoleon Casting a Long Shadow

3 in 30: Napoleon: Casting a Long Shadow

with Dr. Colleen Yarger, Curatorial Assistant for European Art and the Mellon Collection

Tue, Jul 10, 2018, 11–11:30 am

Thu, Jul 12, 2018, 6:30–7 pm

Meet at Visitor Services

While Napoleon was in power, and even after his downfall, he proved to be a valuable source of commissions and subject matter for artists. Although the connections between Napoleon and these artists are not always apparent, on this short tour, you’ll discover how he affected the artistic output of three artists in VMFA’s permanent collection.

Image Makers: Masters of Self-Branding and their Impact on Culture

with Terry Melville, Founder, The Betty Creative Awards and former Vice President/Fashion Director for Macy’s New York in conversation with Freddie Leiba, Creative Director, Fashion Editor and Stylist

Fri, Jul 20, 2018
6:30–7:30 pm

Leslie Cheek Theater

Napoleon Bonaparte and his household worked diligently to perfect his image as a revolutionary war hero and later as an emperor of France. This effort to self-brand is just as prevalent today. Celebrities like Beyonce, Oprah, and Ralph Lauren utilize social media, the internet, and the press to craft their public personas. Explore the concepts…

Portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul, in the Uniform of a General in the Army of Italy

Napoleon’s Military & Political Rise to Power

with Dr. Rafe Blaufarb, Director and Ben Weider Eminent Scholar in Napoleonic Studies, Department of History, Florida State University

Fri, Aug 17, 2018, 6:30–7:30 pm

Leslie Cheek Theater

From obscure origins, Napoleon Bonaparte rose rapidly through the ranks of the army during the first years of the Revolution, becoming a general by the age of 25. This talk examines Napoleon’s early military career and challenges the myth that his dramatic rise epitomizes the revolutionary principle of “careers open to talent.”

3 in 30: Six Degrees of Napoleon: The Power of Splendor

with Twyla Kitts, Teacher Programs Coordinator

Tue, Aug 7, 2018, 11–11:30 am

Thu, Aug 9, 2018, 6:30–7 pm

Meet at Visitor Services

How do powerful individuals assert their power and prestige? Napoleon’s careful construction of his imperial image invites comparisons with the visual symbols and images used by other rulers in different times and places. Join this gallery tour to discover what happens when visual symbols clash with real-world events.

Portrait of Napoleon, Emperor of the French, in Ceremonial Robes

TALK | Napoleon: Power and Splendor

with Dr. Sylvain Cordier, Curator of Early Decorative Arts, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Fri, Jun 8, 2018
6:30–7:30 pm

Leslie Cheek Theater

Announcement: Tickets to Friday’s talk with Dr. Sylvain Cordier, curator of “Napoleon: Power and Splendor” are SOLD OUT. For other exhibition-related programs and events, visit the exhibition page. Dr. Sylvain Cordier, co-curator of Napoleon: Power and Splendor, will discuss the art and objects of Napoleon’s Imperial Household. Sold Out

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