This Blog is No Longer in Use

The program VMFA Buzz, is no longer active. The blog remains as an archive.

Where is Buzz?

As many of you know, Rubie has moved to Charlotte, where she is the new Director of Community Affairs at the Mint Museum. We know she will lead that museum with the same creativity and passion that was so valuable to VMFA. We are in the final phases of hiring a new staff person for this critical position. When that position is filled, we will resume our VMFA Buzz program.

Buzz Wrap Party

Wednesday, May 14, 6:30- 8:30 pm

This year's Buzz is coming to a close, andwe are going to wrap it up in style!

Seeing is believing. We want to show you why VMFA is poised to be among the top ten comprehensive art museums in the country.

Come for an exclusive hardhat tour of the expansion with VMFA Director Alex Nyerges. We'll also critique Buzz's success and provide an opportunity - as he promoised you at the beginning of the year - to give him your feedback.

Tours begin at 6:30 sharp, and will be limited in number. First come, first served. Meet in the Marble Hall and stay for refreshments and plenty of fun! We'll also be seeking your nominations for next year's VMFA Buzz class. We're looking for a diverse group of opinion leaders, not currently engaged with VMFA, who are willing to participate, learn and give feedback. Nomination forms were mailed to you, but in case this is easier, below is the information we seek so you can reply from the blog.

Name of nominee:

Employer:

Job Title:

Address:

Phone Number:

Email:

Over 55? Yes or No

Gender:

Ethnicity:

Religion (optional):

Community Involvement (required):

Nominated by:

March Fun at VMFA

Third Thursdays
March 20, 6-9 pm

The Third Thursdays season kicks off with a Latin Dance Party. Third Thursdays is presented on the third Thursday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. and features themed events centered on music, art, tours, food and specialty drinks.

Third Thursdays.

VMFA Buzz members FREE. Guests $10. RSVP to VMFABuzz@vmfa.museum

Mapping Ports: Sullivan's Island, Goree Island, Havana, and Seville

Fri, March 28, 6:30-7:30 pm

Dr. Arturo Lindsay, Spelman College

Based on a retrospective exhibition of his works, Dr. Lindsay's talk traces four centuries of African slave trade via the Middle Passage.

Lecture Series - Heritage

Tickets: $8. Call 804 340 1405.

Meet Me at the Monet!

Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism

Through May 11.

Use your cell phone or iPod to listen to the artist’s musings about their work in this dazzling exhibition of some of the best known Impressionist artists.

Go to Landscapes Cell Tour

VMFA Buzz members FREE. Guests $8.

For tickets call 804.340.1405.

Save the Date!

Seeing is Believing: Behind the Scenes Expansion Tour and Buzz Wrap with Alex

Wed, May 14, 6-8:30 pm

It's our final event! Plan to come with your impressions of your experiences, good and bad. We’ll take you into the future and show you a good time! Invitations will follow, to include nomination cards for next year’s class.

Some Fascinating Programs

Now that you've gained an hour of daylight, buzz on over to VMFA for several great events!
Please join us for these March happenings.

ONE/OFF Printmakers: 25th Anniversary Opening
Tonight Fri, March 14, 5-7 pm
This exhibition features prints by ONE/OFF Printmakers, a group of Richmond-based artists who share an interest in innovative approaches to printmaking. This exhibition is part of the Southern Graphics Council conference, which is convening in Richmond later this month. The show will remain on view through April 11, 2008.
The Studio School: 2911 Grove Avenue. Gallery hours are 9 am - 5 pm weekdays.

Collectors' Circle: Bayre and the Beast
Monday, March 17, 6 pm
Joseph G. Reinis lectures on the animalier bronze sculptures of Anotine-Louis Barye.
Admission is $15 and inludes reception, which follows.

Soulsville: The Black Arts Movement
Sat, March 15, 6:30-7:30 pm
Dr. Richard J. Powell, Duke University
Dr. Powell discusses the provocative African American art of the 1960s and '70s, a period of transformation influencing visual artists working during the Civil Rights movement and today.
Reception follows.




The Powell lecture is co-sponsored by Community Affairs and Friends of African and African-American Art.

State of the Buzz Mid-Year Survey Results

We knew we were asking even more of some of the region’s most committed community leaders. So a mid-year survey enables us to fine tune this pilot program for success. The results were gratifying! Some comments: “I think Buzz is an initiative that finally considers otherwise forgotten/neglected areas of the community.” And another: “VMFA Buzz is a great idea. I would not have taken the time to connect with the museum if it had not been for the Buzz.” And finally: “You are doing a fantastic job with the communications. I have just been busier than a one-armed paper hanger. I am proud of what you all are doing and the diversity of the Buzz Heads!”

The results:

The midyear Buzz surely indicated that 79% of you have participated in one or more programs. Schedule conflicts have been the overwhelming reason for lack of participating (95%). Engagement in VMFA has increased with attendance at Buzz events (61.5%). Increases are evident in other areas, too -- referrals of VMFA to others (61.5%), visits to the VMFA café and Shop (17.9%), enrollment in classes or other programs (7.7%), and donations to VMFA (7.7%).

An important measure of the program is your interest in supporting VMFA going forward. Happily, Buzzers intend to renew memberships (64.1%), join a special interest group (30.8%), serve on a committee or task forces (43.6%), contribute financially (23.12%), and advocate for VMFA within your circles of influence (74.4%).

With a better than 35% response rate, this is a solid sample. We know that we are on the right track and need to keep up our communications and creative scheduling! Thank you all for your support!

Friends Meeting Friends Jazzy Sunday

Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 10, 11:30 am - 4 pm. Enjoy an elegant lunch accompanied by the smooth jazz of Carlton Ayers and Legacy. Afterwards, visit - or should we say shop - the nine VMFA support groups in the Evans Court and discuss your interests and future engagement. There will be fun art activities for the children, so bring your family and friends! Of course, the galleries and VMFA shop will be open for even more fun.

No RSVP necessary, and yes, dear Buzzers, there IS such thing as a free lunch!