Member Events

Tue, May 2, 6–8 pm
Talk| 6 pm | Leslie Cheek Theater
Reception | 7 pm | Cochrane Atrium

Out of Many One: Reconstructing an Ancient Krater and Its History
with Dr. Peter Schertz, Jack and Mary Ann Frable Curator of Ancient Art, and Skyler Jenkins, Assistant Objects Conservator

When VMFA acquired its first volute krater in 2021, the ancient vessel for mixing wine and water was comprised of 35 large fragments and hundreds of smaller pieces. In this conversation, Dr. Peter Schertz, Jack and Mary Ann Frable Curator of Ancient Art, and Skyler Jenkins, Assistant Objects Conservator, will explore several intriguing questions raised by this work’s acquisition and eventual reconstruction. The program focuses on the krater’s history and unusual imagery, its curious provenance, and the laborious process of cleaning and reassembling the vessel. 

Curator’s Choice programs are a benefit for members beginning at the Supporters Circle level.

Thu, Apr 20, 6 pm | Leslie Cheek Theater
The Intoxicating Tree of Wonders: Palm Toddy and Other Drinks in India
with Professor James McHugh, University of Southern California

Alcoholic toddy is made from the fermented sap of certain palm trees. For drinkers, liquor that grows on trees might sound too good to be true, yet the process of managing trees and collecting sap is skilled, dangerous work. A fascinating South Indian story scroll in VMFA’s collection depicts the myths and interests of a community of toddy tappers. This talk will explore the scroll and what it teaches us about toddy culture, framing the matter of palm toddy within a broad introduction to alcohol in Indian history, religion, and mythology.

The VMFA Circle Lecture Series is open to all members beginning at the Friends Circle level.

Thu, Apr 20, 6 pm | Live Stream via Zoom
The Intoxicating Tree of Wonders: Palm Toddy and Other Drinks in India
with Professor James McHugh, University of Southern California

Alcoholic toddy is made from the fermented sap of certain palm trees. For drinkers, liquor that grows on trees might sound too good to be true, yet the process of managing trees and collecting sap is skilled, dangerous work. A fascinating South Indian story scroll in VMFA’s collection depicts the myths and interests of a community of toddy tappers. This talk will explore the scroll and what it teaches us about toddy culture, framing the matter of palm toddy within a broad introduction to alcohol in Indian history, religion, and mythology.

The VMFA Circle Lecture Series is open to all members beginning at the Friends Circle level. This program will be offered in person and virtually, via Zoom. 

Thu, Jun 8, 6 pm | Leslie Cheek Theater
Sargent and Spain
with Sarah Cash, Associate Curator, American and British Paintings, National Gallery of Art

The beloved American artist John Singer Sargent enjoyed a decadeslong captivation with Spain that yielded a remarkable body of work, depicting the rich and diverse culture he encountered there. This talk will provide an overview of Sargent and Spain, the first exhibition to reveal the depth of this engagement and the intentional approach the artist adopted there. Previously on view at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, and the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, this exhibition highlighted Sargent’s painting, Gathering Blossoms, Valdemossa, a recent gift to VMFA from James W. and Frances Gibson McGlothlin.

The VMFA Circle Lecture Series is open to all members beginning at the Friends Circle level.

Thu, Jun 8, 6 pm | Live Stream via Zoom
Sargent and Spain
with Sarah Cash, Associate Curator, American and British Paintings, National Gallery of Art

The beloved American artist John Singer Sargent enjoyed a decadeslong captivation with Spain that yielded a remarkable body of work, depicting the rich and diverse culture he encountered there. This talk will provide an overview of Sargent and Spain, the first exhibition to reveal the depth of this engagement and the intentional approach the artist adopted there. Previously on view at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, and the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, this exhibition highlighted Sargent’s painting, Gathering Blossoms, Valdemossa, a recent gift to VMFA from James W. and Frances Gibson McGlothlin.

The VMFA Circle Lecture Series is open to all members beginning at the Friends Circle level. This program will be offered in person and virtually, via Zoom. 

Tue, May 23, 6–8 pm
Talk | 6 pm | Reynolds Lecture Hall
Reception | 7 pm | Cochrane Atrium

Uncovering Creole Woman Wearing a Madras Tignon: A Conservation and Curatorial Conversation

Join Dr. Susan J. Rawles, Elizabeth Locke Associate Curator of American Decorative Arts, and Josh Summer, Louise B. and J. Harwood Cochrane Associate Conservator of Paintings, for a conversation about VMFA’s recently acquired portrait, Creole Woman Wearing a Madras Tignon. Long believed to be an image of famed voodoo priestess Marie Laveau by the American artist George Catlin, the painting has been newly attributed based on revelations garnered through collaborative conservation and curatorial research. Engage in the painting’s rediscovery with an in-depth examination of its multilayered surface and learn about its relevance for VMFA’s permanent collections. 

Fellows Programs are a benefit for members beginning at the Fellows Society level.
To reserve a seat or learn more, please call 804.340.1499.