Lessons from Douglass

“Lessons of the Hour — Frederick Douglass” opens tomorrow at the VMFA

Valerie Cassel Oliver speaks to media at a preview of the exhibition. | Photo by RICtoday

A new exhibit opens tomorrow at the VMFA. “Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour — Frederick Douglass” is an immersive, 10-screen film installation from the internationally renowned contemporary artist.

At a media opening for the exhibit, Valerie Cassel Oliver, the VMFA’s Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, shared her thoughts on bringing a film installation to the museum. She praised the artist for taking filmmaking “out of the black box ... and into the white cube.”

Presented as a looped series of fragmented scenes of spoken word, photography, and contemporary footage, “Lessons of the Hour” welcomes repeated viewings. The film engages with a number of Douglass’ speeches, including “What to the Slave Is the 4th of July?” and “Lessons of the Hour,” from which the installation gets its name.

Viewing 10 screens at once is a striking experience, especially as the audio shifts and compelling imagery demands your attention. Douglass, portrayed by Shakespearean actor Ray Fearon, is throughout it all — leading a horse, delivering a lecture, posing for a portrait.

“It’s a really beautiful choreography,” Cassel Oliver said. “A feast for the eyes.”

“Lessons of the Hour — Frederick Douglass” will remain at the Evans Court Gallery through Sunday, July 9, and will be added to the museum’s permanent collections. Admission is free.

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Friday, Dec. 9

13th Annual Improv Festivus | Friday, Dec. 9-Sunday, Dec. 11 | 7-11:59 p.m. | CSz Richmond Theater, 8906-H W. Broad St., Richmond | $10-$50 | The celebration features eight shows over four days with 100+ improvisers and 30 troupes from around the country.

Saturday, Dec. 10

Richmond Night Market Holiday Village | Saturday, Dec. 10-Sunday, Dec. 11 | 12-5 p.m. | 17th Street Market, 100 N. 17th St., Richmond | Free | Peruse work by local artisans and sip on a cup of holiday cheer at this weekend shopping event.
“Anything Goes” 50th Anniversary Production | Saturday, Dec. 10-Sunday, Dec. 18 | 8 p.m. | Weinstein JCC, 5403 Monument Ave., Richmond | $20-$50 | The musical comedy was performed 50 years ago at the JCC and welcomes back director Jerry Williams for this production.

Sunday, Dec. 11

Winter Wander | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 12-4 p.m. | The Valentine, 1015 E. Clay St., Richmond | Free | Historic sites will open their doors for a day of free admission and holiday festivities, and Clay Street will be filled with carriage rides, live music, crafts, and inflatables.
Caroling in Monroe Park | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 3-6 p.m. | Monroe Park, 8 N. Laurel St., Richmond | Free | Several local groups will bring traditional Christmas hymns and popular carols to the park, along with food trucks.

Monday, Dec. 12

HYPE Happy Hour with VCU Women’s Basketball | Monday, Dec. 12 | 5-9 p.m. | Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St., Richmond | $10 | Mix and mingle at this networking event before cheering on the Rams.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

52º | Mostly sunny | 5% chance of rain

Civic

City Council has $21 million to spend as a result of new property tax revenues due to the growth in Richmond’s real estate market. Mayor Levar Stoney’s proposal includes allocating funds towards first responders and inclement weather shelters. City Council should vote on the appropriations on Monday, Dec. 12. 💸 (VPM)

Opening

A new BJ’s Wholesale Club is opening in Midlothian this morning. The store is located off Hull Street near 288 and will be the third in the area, with one in Mechanicsville and another at Regency Square. 🛍 (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Real Estate

One South Realty Group announced that it is absorbing Clocktower Realty Group, another local brokerage. The deal will roughly double the size of One South and give it an office in Midlothian. 🏠 (Richmond BizSense)

Holiday

Agecroft Hall & Gardens will be open to the public this Sunday, Dec. 11 for Yuletides. From 12-5 p.m., explore historical Christmas celebrations from 1640, 1860, and 1942. Bring the family for live entertainment, crafts, and visits with Father Christmas. 🌲

Cause

Dreamers Academy Foundation is looking for volunteers to help distribute over 30,000 lbs of food to community members on Dec. 15-16. Shifts start at 10 a.m. and the event will take place at Ebenezer Baptist Church (216 W. Leigh St.). Sign up online. 🍽
Specifically designed to meet the unique needs of children, the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s new Wonder Tower is a one-of-a-kind hospital where a kid can still feel like a kid — even during some of life’s toughest moments. Construction is nearly complete, but the hospital is still asking for the community’s support to help bring the project fully to life. Donate here. 🤝*

Award

The Dominion Energy Charity Classic received the President’s Award at the annual PGA Tour Tournament Meetings event this week. The tournament’s collaboration with seven HBCUs for the River City Classic and donation of over $2 million to charity helped earn the recognition. ⛳️

Shop

Wanna gift outside the box this year? Opt for an experiential gift from Uncommon Goods. From monthly gift subscriptions (like this Game of the Month Subscription) to hands-on classes taught by expert instructors (like a Raindrop Cake Class or Paint Your Pet Class), there’s something for everyone on your list.*

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Know a poet?

Apply to be Richmond’s next Poet Laureate

Roscoe Burnems became Richmond’s first poet laureate in 2020. | Photo by Onajé Baldwin

The city is looking for the next Richmond Poet Laureate. Serving a two-year term, the poet acts as a literary arts liaison and promotes poetry across local communities.

Two years ago, Roscoe Burnems became the city’s first poet laureate. His accomplishments included organizing a citywide high school poetry slam with RPS, partnering with Mending Walls for performances at murals, and hosting workshops for youth and adults.

Applicants should have been a resident of Richmond or the surrounding counties for the last 10 years and be at least 21 years old. Traditional publication credentials are not required, but applicants should demonstrate a commitment to the Richmond community and dedication to the craft of poetry.

The term will last from April 1, 2023-March 31, 2025. Apply before Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 11:59 p.m.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Robin.

Editor’s pick: I plan on swinging by Studio Two Three’s Winter Market this weekend to pick up some gifts. If you’re in the midst of holiday shopping, check out our guide to seasonal markets and craft fairs. 🎁

Missed Wednesday’s newsletter? Get your tacky light on.

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Editorial: Robin Schwartzkopf, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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