VMFA to host events in honor of Black History Month

VENN VENN
Jan 30, 2026 - 09:25
0 0
VMFA to host events in honor of Black History Month

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) will host a variety of events over February in honor of Black History Month.

According to the VMFA, the following events will be held during Black History Month:

  • Through March 1: Final weeks of "Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys"
  • Sunday, Feb. 1, from 1 to 3 p.m.: Open Studio Sunday - RVA Community Makers
    • Entry is free.
    • VMFA said this is a way for community members to participate in a public-art storytelling project. Artist Hamilton Glass will lead this event.
    • This year’s Open Studio project will reportedly answer the prompt, “On whose shoulders do you stand?" and is inspired by the "Giants" exhibition.
    • Attendees will be able to use media such as colorful ribbons, words, drawings, or photos as expressions of an inspiring person or story.
    • This project will later be on view alongside Glass’s own creation in RVA Community Makers 2026.
  • Thursday, Feb. 12, from 6 to 7 p.m.: RVA Community Makers Unveiling
    • Entry is free.
    • The museum will unveil the 8th annual RVA Community Makers art installation. Each year, the collaborative art project honors local community advocates.
    • As part of Black History Month, Glass and VMFA collaborate with artists, educators, business leaders, historians, community organizers, and others to creatively celebrate individuals or groups who have made a positive impact on the greater Richmond community.
    • This year, VMFA said RVA Community Makers is in partnership with the Black History Museum and Cultural Center. 
  • Friday, Feb. 13, from 5:50 to 7 p.m.: Art of Wine - In Celebration of Black History Month
    • General admission tickets are $85.
    • Attendees can enjoy Mamma J’s crispy fried catfish nuggets and sip on exceptional Longevity Wines. Each guest will reportedly receive the following:
      • VMFA wineglass
      • Drink ticket for two (2) full glasses of wine
      • Unlimited wine tastings
      • Mamma J's catfish nuggets with rolls, sauces, and dips
      • Cheese and charcuterie
      • Retail bottles of Longevity Wines will also be available for purchase for $25 each.
  • Sunday, Feb. 15, from 2 to 3 p.m.: Artist Talk - Titus Kaphar
  • Thursday, Feb. 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: National African American Read-In
    • Entry is free.
    • Attendees can hear notable figures from the greater Richmond community deliver prose and poetry readings throughout the galleries. The event showcases works by African American artists and authors.
    • The National African American Read-In is sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English and endorsed by the International Literacy Association, according to VMFA.
  • Saturday, Feb. 21, from 7 to 11 p.m.: Art After Hours
    • Member tickets are $50 and general admission is $60. Tickets are required and "sell out quickly," according to the museum. You must be aged 21 or older to attend.
    • The party will be hosted by Kelli Lemon, with DJ Lonnie B on the spin and the Legacy Band performing live.
    • Your Art After Hours ticket includes the following:
      • Dancing to music by DJ Lonnie B and live music by the Legacy Band  
      • Light fare and one free drink ticket
      • Admission to "Giants"
      • Access to the museum's permanent collection galleries
      • Admission to the short-film screening of "Words We Don’t Say," directed by Ella Ezeike
Read More