Getting ready for the big day

VMFA art handlers Justin Brown (left) and Roy Thompson hang Italian artist Artemisia Gentileschi’s “Venus and Cupid,” circa 1625-30, in the Southern Baroque gallery at VMFA. The painting was the first to be reinstalled as the museum prepares for its grand opening in May.

It's starting!

Wow! After years of planning and preparing, imagining and wishing, it finally happened. No drum rolls or fanfare - just barely time to take a deep breath in and it was already done.

Yes - painting number ONE of VMFA's total reinstallation went up on the wall on Thursday. Two hours later the entire gallery was completely hung with fabulous Baroque paintings, thanks to our installation team's skill and dedication.

What a fantastic way to begin a period that will end with the reopening of one of the country's best museums in May 2010.

We just can't wait!

Dr. Mitchell Merling, Paul Mellon Curator / Head of the Department of European Art, VMFA

Volunteers ... What would we do without them?

The video interview (above) with internationally acclaimed artist Ryan McGinness and VMFA curator John Ravenal is the work of VMFA volunteer Elizabeth Warren. It provides insight into the artist behind the first work that will greet visitors in the galleries when the expanded VMFA opens in May. Elizabeth flew solo on this video project, handling all aspects of it herself, from the interviews and video of the site to the laborious editing process. It's hard to imagine what cultural institutions like VMFA would do without such dedicated volunteers who spend many, many hours working on projects that make the arts more interesting and accessible for all Virginians.

Don Dale, VMFA Writer