Thursday, May 22, 2025
6–8pm
Claiborne Robertson Room

Join Dr. Sarah Kennel, Aaron Siskind Curator of Photography and Director of the Raysor Center, for a talk on VMFA’s next photography installation, Nothing Gold Can Stay. Drawn from a recent gift of 175 photographs from collector Joe Baio, Nothing Gold Can Stay explores the complex territory of childhood and adolescence as seen through the lens of more than fifteen photographers. Images by Diane Arbus, Dawoud Bey, Helen Levitt, William Klein, Frederick Sommer, and Issei Suda, among others, invite viewers to reflect on the beauty, fragility, and impermanence of youth, capturing moments that are as fleeting as they are profound. Following her remarks, Kennel will be joined by Baio to discuss the collection’s development.

Nothing Gold Can Stay will be on view at VMFA beginning May 2, 2025.

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 or email rsvp@VMFA.museum.

IMAGE Livia, 1948, Frederick Sommer (American, born Italy, 1905–1999), gelatin silver print. Gift of Joseph Baio, 2023.1700