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A symposium inspired by “Dawoud Bey: Elegy”
VMFA hosting two-day symposium inspired by “Dawoud Bey: Elegy”
Clint Smith, Ph.D., will deliver the keynote address on Friday, Jan. 26. | Photo via the VMFA
The VMFA will host “Picturing the Black Racial Imaginary,” a two-day symposium, on Friday, Jan. 26 and Saturday, Jan. 27. Held in the Leslie Cheek Theater, the event will feature a packed lineup of artists, scholars, and writers.
Inspired by the ongoing exhibit “Dawoud Bey: Elegy,” each day of programming will foster discussion of art, history, and the contemporary realities of Black experiences.
The weekend will begin with a keynote from award-winning poet, author, and scholar Clint Smith. His address, titled “How the Word Is Passed: Reckoning with Our Past to Build a Better World,” will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Untitled (Trail and Trees) from the series Stony the Road, 2022, Dawoud Bey (American, born 1953), gelatin silver print. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
“How the Word Is Passed,” which takes its title from Smith’s lauded book of the same name, will explore current socio-political and economic realities in the US and draw connections to the history of African American enslavement. The discussion will focus on how citizens play a critical role in documenting, learning from, and accounting for history.
Saturday’s series of discussions will feature LeRonn Brooks, Imani Perry, Claudine Rankin, Christina Sharpe, Omilade Janine Bell, Rashida Bumbray, Ana Edwards, Lauranett Lee, Brian Palmer, and Todd Waldo. Programming will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In-person tickets for Friday’s keynote are $20, or $15 for VMFA members. There will also be a free Zoom stream of the event, but pre-registration is required. Saturday tickets are $8 for non-members, $5 for members, and free for students. It will be livestreamed for free on the VMFA website.
Events
Friday, Jan. 12
James River Women Night | Friday, Jan. 12 | 6 p.m. | Väsen Brewing Company, 3331 W. Moore St., Richmond | Cost of purchase | 10% of drink proceeds benefit JRW.
“Dazed and Confused” | Friday, Jan. 12 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $9 | See the Richard Linklater flick on the big screen.
The Grateful Allman Band Experience | Saturday, Jan. 13 | 7 p.m. | Canal Club, 1545 E. Cary St., Richmond | $20 | Enjoy an all-star tribute to the music of the Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, and The Band.
UR Women’s Basketball vs. Rhode Island | Sunday, Jan. 14 | 12 p.m. | Robins Center, 365 College Rd., Richmond | $7 | You can cheer the Spiders on in person or watch the game on CBS Sports Network.
Work will soon be underway to turn the former Haxall Canal hydro plant on the Canal Walk into a racquet sports venue. Padel Plant, which will feature padel and pickleball courts as well as food and drinks, is expected to open this summer. (Richmond BizSense)
Try This
Looking for dinner and a show this evening? Hatch Local Food Hall is hosting an open mic night from 8-10 p.m. featuring DJ Jamil Jasey on the turntables. Show up at 7:30 to sign up to perform.
Pets
One Frosty Too Many, a cat with a weigh-in to rival her 42-pound predecessor Patches, was rescued from the streets of Richmond last week. RACC is hoping to find Frosty a forever home ready to help her shed those extra lbs. (12 On Your Side)
State
When the Virginia House of Delegates unanimously elected Don Scott on Wednesday, he became the first Black speaker in the legislative body’s 400-year history. Scott’s term in this position is two years. (VPM)
Weather
Following this week’s series of heavy rainstorms, the James River has swelled past flood levels. Two more storms are expected in the next week, adding to an already historic total rainfall for this time of year. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Outdoors
Ever wanted to adopt a bobcat? Maymont offers adoptions for all 85 of its animals — you just can’t take them home. A donation earns you a certificate, an animal fact card, or even a plush version of your new best friend.
2024’s “it card” is here. Not only does it offer a $200 bonus, but also unlimited 1.5% cash back and 0% intro APR until 2025. (Oh, and did we mention the annual fee? No — because there isn’t one.) Learn more + apply.*
Outdoors
Get into Lewis Ginter free until Sunday
Lewis Ginter offering free admission through Sunday, Jan. 14
Even in cold weather, Lewis Ginter has something for everyone. | Photo via Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Grab your hats and gloves. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is offering free admission through this Sunday. After that, entry will be half-priced — $7.50 for adults, $7 for ages 65+, and $5 for children ages 3-12 — through the end of the month.
The Garden Cafe is currently closed for renovations, but will reopen on Monday, Jan. 15.
Despite the cold weather, Lewis Ginter features blooms year round. Explore the conservatory, the renovated treehouse, and over a dozen themed gardens across its 50 acres.
Plan your trip with a full map of the Garden and a complete database of their flora and fauna.
The Buy
The Buy 1.12.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Workout gear from Aesthetic Built’s collection, which features durable, cutting-edge fabric technologies without compromising aesthetic appeal. We love this scuba oversized hoodie.
Whether or not you’re up for adopting a 40-pound cat, local animal organizations always have a supply of furry friends looking for home. Tuesday will mark three months since I adopted a kitten from the SPCA — trust me, it’s worth it.
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