Although the world has changed in how we gather at the moment, our mission to offer diverse and vibrant arts experiences that engage, inspire, and enrich our community has not changed.
Weekly, we will share performing arts experiences from Modlin Center artists that you can enjoy from your home. We will also highlight some of the work for which we are most proud — bringing arts-based educational experiences to University of Richmond students, area K-12 schools, the Richmond community, and our patrons.
While the Modlin Center may be closed, the show must go on. Click here for an ever-growing list of organizations that are offering free online visual and performing arts experiences.
American Studies students created a new online exhibition that explores how tobacco has influenced Richmond's culture, identity, economy, and landscape from the seventeenth century to the present. Nicole Sackley, associate professor of history and American studies, and Alexandra Byrum, assistant director in the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement guided the students in curating this exhibit to accompany the University of Richmond Downtown exhibition Tobacco Made: Richmond Unfiltered History, which will open during RVA First Fridays on September 4, 2020, and will feature additional maps, advertisements, photographs, and other artifacts.
When MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship winner Jeremy Denk visited the Modlin Center for the Arts, he provided piano studio students with a masterclass on his technique, approach, and creative process. Through his recent residency with The Greene Space in New York, Denk offers insight on how J.S. Bach teaches us to think through an idea through a virtual discussion and listening session. Denk's approach to Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier examines timeless themes and shared aspects of the human experience that can help to unite us in these divided times.
DELFEST
Through May 24 | Live Streaming
Kick off summer with some good fun, down home Americana, folk, and bluegrass music. Several of the Modlin Centers' favorite Americana artists are participating in a virtual version of the famous music festival DelFest. The festival celebrates the rich legacy of McCoury Music while creating a forum for world-class musical collaborations and the opportunity to showcase fresh new talent with a down-home feeling. Be sure to check out these Modlin Center artists on the DelFest lineup: Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, I’m With Her, and Sierra Hull.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE
PBS offers some great online lesson plans and enrichment activities to accompany their Tapping the Roots of American Music documentary series and Ken Burns' documentary film Country Music.
VISITING ARTIST PROGRAM:
JEREMY DENK MASTERCLASS
Did you know that when an artist performs during the evening at the Modlin Center for the Arts, they often have spent the day, or in many cases, days, teaching, coaching, and mentoring University of Richmond students? The Modlin Center for the Arts supports the University’s educational mission by making it possible for artists and students to interact in workshops, lectures, special presentations, and masterclasses. The range of artists and opportunities made available to University of Richmond students and the greater community offer substantial access to the creative process. In the 2018-2019 season, nearly 6,500 students, faculty, staff, and community members participated in 83 education and engagement events.
MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship winner pianist Jeremy Denk participated in our Visiting Artist Program by offering personal one-on-one masterclasses to Department of Music piano studio students. Through these individual classes, students are able to deepen their practice and gain access to a professional network of the world's greatest musicians. Artist residencies strengthen educational learning and illustrate the centrality of the arts to creative thinking as part of a student’s academic journey.
University of Richmond Experts Share Research, Knowledge, and Helpful Tips Related to COVID-19
From mathematical modeling of infectious disease to healthy eating to the economic impact,
Illustration by Maria Fabrizio
A STRONG ENSEMBLE
President Ronald A. Crutcher
Balance, cooperation, service, and commitment to a common purpose define Richmond’s response to the impact of COVID-19, writes President Ronald A. Crutcher.
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ARTS INVESTMENT
The latest phase of the university's $37 million investment in arts facilities was recently completed. "These spaces serve as a hub of creativity on campus. There's more synergy and discovery around the arts after these renovations," said Shannon Hooker, assistant director of the Modlin Center for the Arts.
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GENWORTH LIGHTS UP! VIRTUAL EXTRAVAGANZA
Saturday, May 23 | 10am-3pm
Join the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance as they partner with artists all over the Richmond community for a virtual extravaganza offering live-streamed workshops, demonstrations, and performances focused on arts activities you and your kids can do from the comfort of your home!
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#RVAHistoryHunt
Sunday, May 24
Local museums are collaborating on a unique scavenger hunt experience for people across the Richmond region. Both physically distanced and digital versions of the scavenger hunt are available.
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ART CLASSES and KITS
Online
The Visual Arts Center continues to be a hub for encouraging Richmonders' creativity despite the distance with affordable online art classes and "take and make" art kits.
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INFORMATION AND QUESTIONS
For information on performances that have been canceled, please visit our website.
Account credits and refunds have been processed for all performances from March 14, 2020. For questions or inquiries regarding account credits and refunds for tickets to canceled performances, please email the ticket office at modlinarts@richmond.edu.
Sean Farrell's Grandfather in the 1960s
"PULLING THE GOOD FROM A BAD SITUATION" PLAYLIST SEAN FARRELL
“Pulling the good from a bad situation. Songs to fit a reflective/somber mood, or ones that simply let me appreciate things like serious musical talent. I personally can’t wait to get back to the business of presenting such talent. In the meantime, this list helps to keep me moving forward, and remember that art is an important part of the human condition. Sometimes, you just need a driving beat, though… ”
Gary Clark Jr “(In the Evening) When the Sun Goes Down”
Bill Withers “Ain’t No Sunshine”
Miles Davis "All Blues"
Jimi Hendrix "May This Be Love"
Gaelic Storm "Long Way Home"
Barenaked Ladies "Call And Answer"
Mumford & Sons "Awake My Soul"
Little Sonny "The Creeper Returns"
Johnny Cash "Folsom Prison Blues"
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club "Ain’t No Easy Way"
Rayland Baxter "Bad Things"
Stevie Ray Vaughan "Lenny"
Bob Dylan "Everything is Broken"
Jim Croce "Operator (That’s Not The Way It Feels)"
John Coltraine "Naima"
Tim Barry "Wait At Milano"
Yo-Yo Ma "Bach Cello Suite #1 in G Major, Prelude"
Pink Floyd "Comfortably Numb"
Gary Clark Jr. "Numb"
