Photo: David Stover © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, February 22, 2018, As a part of the 27th annual African American Read-In, a national event, VMFA staff and members of the community share African and African American literature through readings and poetry related to work in the permanent collection.

Cost: Free, No Tickets Required

Open to: Children ages 2 1/2–8 years; everyone is welcome

African American Read-In for Families 2020

Sat, Feb 29 | 11 am–12:30pm

Meet at Rumors of War

This program celebrates children’s literature and art created by African and African American artists. Experience these works with your children through discussion, music, movement, and enrichment activities. (Intended audience: children ages 2 1/2–8 years; everyone is welcome).

All children’s literature featured in the African American Read-In for Families is available for purchase in the VMFA Shop on Level 1 of the museum.

The following works will be highlighted at this year’s program

Rumors of War, 2019, Kehinde Wiley (American, born 1977), bronze with stone pedestal, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Purchased with funds provided by Virginia Sargeant Reynolds in memory of her husband, Richard S. Reynolds, Jr., by exchange, Arthur and Margaret Glasgow Endowment, Pamela K. and William A. Royall, Jr., Angel and Tom Papa, Katherine and Steven Markel, and additional private donor
Catfish Row, 1947, Jacob Lawrence (American 1917–2000), egg tempera on hardboard, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, J. Harwood and Louise B. Cochrane Fund for American Art
Crown with Veil, 19th-20th century, Yoruba, African, Glass beads, cloth, string Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund
Well Prepared and Maladjusted, 2008, Amy Sherald (American, born 1973), oil on canvas, lent by Lisa Gregory, Washington, DC.

The following community readers will join us for this year’s program:

  • Angie Miles, Literacy Educator & Founder of Happy Reading Camp
  • Kemi Craddock, Founder, Culture4MyKids
  • Rob Fields, Teacher, Sabot School

Prior to the Read-in, join VMFA in a community celebration of Kehinde Wiley’s Rumors of War! The celebration includes art-making and gallery activities!