Museums: Virginia Museum of Fine Art

vmfa-logo-largeUntil earlier this year, my art museum visits had been sporadic for a long time. I did manage to see the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk last year (it’s currently closed for renovations) because of an even hosted by the Northwestern University Club of Virginia, but I haven’t been a regular museum goer since the days I lived in Chicago and was a member of the Art Institute of Chicago. (Even when I lived in DC I only infrequently made it to any of the Smithsonian buildings.)

But I made a trip to Boston earlier this year for the AWP Conference and while I was there, having a little extra time, I went to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Twice. That was wonderful, and it reminded me how much I do love art museums and art. So a couple of months ago when I found myself in DC with an afternoon to spare, I visited both the National Gallery of Art and the Freer-Sackler. (I went back to the NGA a couple of weeks ago when I was in DC to see some plays.)

And then I recalled that Richmond also has a wonderful museum: the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. I don’t get to Richmond too often–It’s a little under two hours away–but because they have an Out of Town Membership, I decided to join.

And finally this weekend I was able to visit the museum because I was in Richmond for a meeting. I loved it. Because it was my first visit, I decided I would try to see everything. Next time I go I’ll focus more, but for now I wanted to get the lay of the land. I can’t wait to go back.

The current special exhibit–free to members, so that was a plus–is pop art by Tom Wesselmann. While I’m not a pop art fan, normally, Wesselmann has a couple of series that I really liked, including the Bedroom Paintings. You can see some of the images here.

About the author

I am the author of three novels--THE LAST BIRD OF PARADISE, OLIVER'S TRAVELS, and THE SHAMAN OF TURTLE VALLEY--and three story collections--IN AN UNCHARTED COUNTRY, HOUSE OF THE ANCIENTS AND OTHER STORIES, and WHAT THE ZHANG BOYS KNOW, winner of the Library of Virginia Literary Award for Fiction. I am also the co-founder and former editor of Prime Number Magazine and the editor of the award-winning anthology series EVERYWHERE STORIES: SHORT FICTION FROM A SMALL PLANET.

Comments

  1. Glad you enjoyed the VMFA. Next time you’re in town, let me know, if you want! My husband is the curator who installed that show. His domain are the modern and contemporary galleries. Best to you!

    1. I was going to let you know but I thought you were touring! I only had Friday afternoon available for the museum; the rest was taken up with Virginia Democratic Party stuff.

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