Briefs January and February 2023 

Concert to Benefit Richmond Waldorf 

Christoph Wagner and Joanne Kong will perform the works of Debussy, Mendelssohn, Martinu and Paganini at 4:30pm on Sunday, March 12 at Eternity Church on Northside. This special concert will benefit the outstanding music programs at Richmond Waldorf School. Christoph attended a Waldorf school in his native Germany; Joanne, a world-renown keyboardist, is a long-time resident of the Northside. To purchase tickets please visit https://rwsbenefit.eventbrite.com

Eternity Church

1200 Wilmington Avenue

Richmond, VA 23227 

February Art Exhibits at the Main Public Library

The Gellman Room features “Jubilee Ronnylee”, works from 50 years of practice, a retrospective display of mixed media creations by Richmond artist Ron Lee. In the Dooley Foyer, “Live the Questions”—large abstract work inspired by the words of poet Rainer Maria Rilke by Richmond artist Nellie Rose, who explores complicated themes of love and life through color and movement. In Dooley Hall experience “Past & Future” by artist Andrew Bryant. On the 2nd Floor Galleries you’ll find fanciful watercolor pencil drawings and acrylic paintings by Richmond artist Kate Fortney

Richmond Public Library

101 E. Franklin Street

Richmond, VA 23219

Lessons of the Hour: Frederick Douglass at VMFA

Lessons of the Hour is an immersive meditation on this great 19th-century abolitionist. Produced by Sir Isaac Julien, this ten-screen film installation collapses time and space to bridge persistent historical and contemporary challenges. 

Frederick Douglass, who escaped enslavement, was a masterful writer and orator, one of history’s greatest activists for freedom and equality, and an advocate for women’s suffrage. To combat the disparaging depictions of African Americans as a means to justify bondage, Douglass used the power of his image to shift cultural perspectives. In doing so, he became the most photographed individual of the 19th century. In this installation, Julien’s narrative is informed by Douglass’s powerful speeches and includes excerpts from “Lessons of the Hour,” “What to the Slave Is the 4th of July?,” and the prescient “Lecture on Pictures,” which examines the influence of technology and images on human relations. Shakespearean actor Ray Fearon portrays Douglass within the film. Around his commanding visage, Julien weaves Douglass’s writings and filmed reenactments of the abolitionist’s travels in the United States, Scotland, and Ireland, along with contemporary protest footage. 

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

200 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard

Richmond, VA 23220

(804) 340-1400