“Faberge Revealed” has opened at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Virginia.  The exhibition features more than 500 objects (actually 514 – but who’s counting?) crafted by Karl Faberge for the Russian imperial family in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  5 of the 13 imperial eggs in the US are featured as well as a diamond-encrusted tiara, pink enameled clock, green enamel and god presentation box and other veritable treasures from the VMFA’s own Lilian Thomas Pratt collection, as well as from the collections of Matilda Giddings Gray of New Orleans and a private collection in Texas.

Exquisitely crafted of old-cut diamonds, gold, and platinum in 1900, the Leuchtenberg Tiara is on display at VMFA's "Faberge Revealed" exhibit until October 2 2011

You’ll even see the Nobel Ice Egg, a white enamel Easter Egg, commissioned by Dr. Emanuel Nobel, noted for the Nobel Foundation and the famous Nobel prizes.

Advance tickets are suggested. Tickets are FREE for museum members, children 6 and under, active duty military personnel and their immediate families. Normal Tickets are $15, or $12 for seniors 65 or over, students with ID, and youth 7 to 17.  TICKETS.

The exhibition opened July 8, 2011 and will continue through October 2, 2011. After the exhibition closes, the Faberge space will close for 18 to 24 months for expansion. So see “Faberge Revealed” now and catch VMFA’s permanent Faberge collection which is included.

Make your plans to view this special exhibition and take time out from your hectic schedule to explore all the collections of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, its new addition, and sample the fabulous food of their fine dining establishment AMUSE overlooking the sculpture garden. Since, depending on your pace, this will take an entire day – or maybe, two, book an overnight stay at the historic Fan District’s premier bed and breakfast before “Faberge Revealed” closes!

Additional Information about exhibition from STYLEWEEKLY, a local Richmond newspaper!

There’s lots in store for Richmond, Virginia residents and visitors this weekend!

Strawberry Hill Races takes place at Colonial Downs on Saturday with gates opening at 11 AM.  It’s a veritable rite of spring with spectators decked out in seersucker, sundresses and fancy hats worthy of Derby distinction. For the first time, the Virginia Racing Commission will permit pari-mutuel wagering on four steeplechase races. The Preakness Stakes, the second leg in horse-racing’s famed Triple Crown, a=is also scheduled for Saturday. It will be broadcast live via simulcast at about 6:35 PM.  INFO.   

Friday Cheers on Brown’s Island features Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. This concert by the self-styled “SupaFunkRock” group is part of a concert series that takes place every Friday evening 6 PM to 9 PM on Brown’s Island at Tredegar and South 7th Streets in Richmond’s downtown overlooking the James River, which began May 6 and runs until June 24th. Admission $5 for this concert. Schedule.

Anthem Stride Through Time is also on Saturday with waves beginning at 8:30 AM. This 10K takes place in the historic Fan District of Richmond.

At the Carpenter Theater, the Richmond Symphony Chorus and guest soloists join the Richmond Symphony in Beethoven’s “Missa Solemnis” at 8 PM. TICKETS. Performance is repeated on Sunday May 22 at 3 PM.

The Valentine History Center will conduct a History Hounds tour of Ginter Park, the turn of the 20th century neighborhood on Richmond’s northside. This pet-friendly tour will meet at teh southwest corner of Brook Road and Westwood Avenue. Admission $10. Reservations Required. 804.649.0711, extension 301. On Sunday, visit the south Richmond neighborhood of Manchester, once a port city, once a major retail center, and once the county seat for Chesterfield.

Virginia State Capitol historian Mark Greenough will explain how Thomas Jefferson’s famed building accommodated Civil War governments for both the Commonwealth of Virginia and for the Confederacy. Meet Mark and Richmond National Battlefield Park Ranger Mike Gorman, who will highlight Civil War action around and on Capitol Grounds, at 2 PM at the Capitol, Ninth and Byrd Streets. FREE.

This is the last weekend for the exhibition “Dynasty & Divinity: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria.” The exhibition closes at 5 Pm on Sunday. Tickets are required.

And, of course, the River District Canal Cruises have started and run from noon to 5 PM beginning at the Canal Turning Basin on Sundays. Cruises also run Thursday through Saturday from noon to 7 PM during May. Tours are $6 for adults and run on the hour every hour during scheduled times. Reservations are available at either  (804) 649-2800 or (804) 788-6466.

Congratulations are in order for those graduates who are receiving their degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University in ceremonies scheduled for this weekend. Great Work! And a hearty southern welcome to the guests of Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast who are celebrating graduation!

It’s the last week for what has been called one of the most important collections of West African art ever shown in the United States at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. This exhibit, offering a glimpse into Nigeria’s kingdom of Ife, known as a central point for trade and art, which was at its cultural peak between the 12th and 15th centuries. This is a traveling exhibition of works of examples of brass, copper, stone and terra cotta sculptures noted for their visual power, complexity and detailed workmanship assembled by the Museum for African Art in New York in collaboration with the Nigerian National Commission on Museums and Monuments and the Fundacion Marcelino Botin of Santander, Spain.  Highlights of the exhibit include life-size portrait heads of copper and alloys that employ techniques far advanced for the time.    

These works, long buried, were discovered in 1938 by laborers digging a foundation. This collection provides an unprecedented view into the ancient world and the ancient artists who created the individual works. This week is your last chance to peek into the kingdom of Ife.  Details. This exhibition has been taking a “back seat” to the famed Picasso exhibition, which closed on May 15th – but it is worthy of a dedicated trip to take advantage of this opportunity and the many other collections of VMFA.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is located at 200 N Boulevard, between Richmond’s historic Fan District and the Museum District – just steps from Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast inn, just a mile from Richmond’s city center.

HIstoric Garden Week in Virginia has slipped by; The Fan Woman’s Club Kitchen and Garden Tour is a memory; the Museum District’s Mother’s Day Tour has passed — but we’re not done yet! Next Saturday, May 14th between noon and 5 PM, selected homes and gardens in the Ginter Park neighborhood will open their doors and gates to visitors.

Ginter Park House and Garden Tour celebrates 100 years of Architecture May 14 2011 between noon and 5 PM

The annual tour will be celebrating 100 years of architecture and gardens and the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the Ginter Park neighborhood.  Times-Dispatch article on Ginter Park Tour Ticket Information and Details.

And, once you visited the ten homes and gardens open for touring, just up the road you’ll find Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens featuring its Millions of Blooms.  Right now the roses and peonies are in their prime and provide great photo opportunities. You can also check out the progress of world-famous artist Patrick Dougherty as he builds his stick sculpture, which will be named on May 21 at the Spring Fling in the Garden.

And, this is the FINAL weekend for the exhibition “Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris” at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Better get there before it’s gone for good!

Lots in store this weekend, don’t miss out! Richmond and central Virginia are the place to be….

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is winding down its noted exhibition titled “Picasso: Masterpieces from The Musee National Picasso, Paris.” The exhibition officially closes on May 15, 2011 and  the museum has extended its weekend hours on Friday May 13th and Saturday May 14th until midnight!  If you haven’t had the opportunity to catch the exhibit and its audio tour – make your plans now. If you hesitate, tickets will be gone and the opportunity to take in the only East Coast appearance of the exhibition will have slipped by.  Get your TICKET!

Rent the audio tour to maximize your benefit — or get the free download here.

For the most complete tour, rent the audioguide or download the tour to your smart phone!

Hours have been extended to 9 PM on Saturday May 7th.

This is the largest and most significant exposition of this contemporary artist’s work with examples from each of Picasso’s major artistic periods – and all of it from Pablo Picasso’s personal collection.  The over 175 pieces are on loan from the Musee National Picasso, Paris which is undergoing renovations at this time.

And, on Saturdays, to get around Richmond’s city center and its heritage sites, check out the free museum bus. The bus loop is just one block away from Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast inn in Richmond’s historic Fan District, so don’t hesitate make your plans today!

The premier bed and breakfast inn in Richmond’s historic Fan District is enthusiastically supporting the B&Bs Kick Gas program, marketed by the “Better Way To Stay” program of the Professional Association of Innkeepers International.

Are you seeing this at the gas pump?

Gas prices have us all in a spin.  A trip to the gas pump seems to require a trip to the bank or ATM.  Pretty soon a trip to the gas pump will be just as big a dent in our budgets as rent or mortgage payment.

But there’s no need to postpone that getaway!  We’re offering three different gas-related specials to our guests who book a new reservation between April 15 and June 30, 2011.

CARPOOL! Save gas and carpool with your friends: 2 couples stay 2 consecutive nights in 2 rooms and arrive in 1 car, we’ll deduct $25 per room to use for gas.

HYBRID! Drive a hybrid and you’ll get $35 for gas when you stay 3 consecutive nights.

WEEKDAY REBATE! Relax in one of our guest rooms for two consecutive weekday nights (Monday through Thursday) and we’ll apply 20-cents per mile for your return trip home or to your next day’s stop (up to 125 miles) as a rebate on your bill.

Choose whichever option suits your needs, but only one per reservation, please! Once you get here, you’ll be in the heart of the historic Fan District of Richmond Virginia, within walking distance of museums, attractions, restaurants and neighborhood eateries, shopping, the Landmark Theater, and Virginia Commonwealth University – so you’ll save even more gas! See our website for a full description of the special and of its restrictions.

While you’re here, we’ll treat you to a hearty gourmet breakfast every morning (the kind that sticks to your ribs) to fuel your day’s walking.  And, our guest rooms provide all the comfort and luxury you’ve come to expect. Downtown, in the Fan District is definitely a “Better Way To Stay.”  So, make your reservation now and take advantage of this exceptional opportunity!

First Friday Artwalk is here again in Richmond; and today, Friday April 1, many galleries in the historic Fan District are featuring opening receptions this evening.

Artemis Gallery at 1601 W Main Street is opening “Wired Realities,” wire sculptures by Guy Barnard and Bob Early with a reception from 5 to 10 Pm. Exhibition continues through May 5, 2011.

At Brazier Studio, the gallery  at 1516 W Main Street operated by Loryn Brazier, Fan District resident, “Turn on the Light” featuring new paintings by Anne Blair Brown and gallery artists opens with a reception from 6-8 PM tonight.

Ginger Levit atelier en ville at 1519 W Main Street is hosting an opening reception tonight between 5:30 and 8:30 PM for “Rites of Spring: Leafy Landscapes of Virginia” – Sheila Holland’s large acrylics on canvas.

Glave Kocen Gallery at 1620 W Main Street is hosting a opening reception tonight between 6 and 9 for “180 Degrees of Color” featuring work by Rob Browning and Steve Griffin.  Exhibition will continue through April 29.

Laura Loe Paintings open 6-8 Pm at 2513 W Main Street.

Main Art Gallery at 1537 W Main Street will host an opening reception between 7 and 9 PM tonight for “Fly Around” featuring art by Laura Pharis.  Works will continue on display through April 30.

Page Bond Gallery, also operated by a Fan District resident, will host Ryan McGinness with an artist talk at 6:30 PM, and a reception for the opening of “Art HIstory is Not Linear” 7Pm to 9PM at 1625 W Main Street.

At 1514 W Main Street, Reynolds Gallery will host an opening reception for “Corpora Delecti” glass and wire sculptures by Jack Wax and paintings by Heide Trepanier “Ether.” Reception 7-9PM. Exhibition continues through May 14.

Uptown Gallery at 1305 W Main Street will host an opening reception between 5 and 9 PM for the watercolors produced by the artists of the James River Art League.

The Visual Arts Center of Richmond will host an artist’s talk by Leslie Wayne at 5 PM at 1812 W Main Street and an opening reception 6-8PM for “Leslie Wayne: recent Work.”

These openings and receptions are, of course, in addition to First Friday  Art Walk along Broad Street. Art venues abound in Richmond, and art lovers are warmly welcomed! And, don’t forget that the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is featuring the only east coast appearance of “Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris.”  So make it an art-filled weekend with wandering galleries Friday evening, watching the Monument Avenue 10K Saturday morning, touring with Real Richmond Food Tours and More Saturday afternoon, cheering on VCU’s Rams in the FInal Four Saturday evening at a neighborhood eatery , and a visit to VMFA for Picasso on Sunday before it ends on May 15th.  It will make a powerful, fun-filled weekend.  Y’all come!

Information provided by the innkeepers of The William Miller House Bed and Breakfast, Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast, located in the heart of the historic Fan District

The first weekend in April promises a wide variety of events and activities in Richmond Virginia for both visitors and residents alike.

Virginia Commonwealth University makes it to the Final Four!

First Friday Art Walk is on – with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants supporting Richmond’s fabulous art scene. Now in its tenth season, first Friday plays a vital role in downtown Richmond, with opening receptions at downtown galleries making the event a cultural destination.  Event takes place rain or shine and features nearly 40 diverse galleries, cultural organizations, shops and restaurants — along historic Broad Street, east of Belvidere and into Jackson and Monroe Wards.  INFO.

Saturday, April 2 is the annual Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K, providing the opportunity to run Richmond’s most beautiful boulevard.  Registration is now closed for the 10K; it has reached its capacity of 40,000 participants.  But you can still enjoy the music along the route, party with the other spectators, watch the costumed runners competing in the Dress-Up and Run, and join the runners and spectators in Monroe Park for the awesome post race party.  Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K was named one of the best running races in the country by USA Today!  INFO.

Saturday afternoon, Real Richmond Food Tours and More, navigate the culture and cuisine of “The Wards: The Art and Soul of Richmond” beginning at 2 PM.  Tickets are limited and sell out quickly – so make your plans immediately.   The 2 1/2 hour tour will stop at local eateries to sample delicious treats and meet the owners and chefs. In between a leisurely 1 1/2 mile stroll/walk will acquaint you with the best of both sides of Broad Street in the heart of Jackson Ward and Monroe Ward. INFO.

Studio 3 of the Richmond Ballet’s Studio Series continues at the Richmond Ballet Canal Street Studio with a ballet honoring the trio of muses who inspired Marcel Marceau: French mime Debureau, Charlie Chaplin, and Arthur Marx.  Its light-hearted and refreshing, just an enjoyable way to spend an evening. INFO.

And, of course, “Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris” continues at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. If you haven’t seen it yet, you better catch it before it’s gone! VMFA.  The is the only east coast venue for this special exhibition of 176 of the famed artist’s works. TIP: Download the audio file FREE to your smartphone, take your earbuds, and skip the audioguide.  Save $5 and be guaranteed the tour.  Download INFO.

And, next weekend Virginia Commonwealth University’s Rams will play in the Final Four of the NCAA Basketball Tournament.  Though the game is in Houston, VCU fans will be gathering at eateries and neighborhood bars all over the historic Fan District to watch the outcome. You, too, could be in the middle of it all in Richmond’s liveliest neighborhood.  And, if you’d rather walk than drive, there’s always the Fan District’s premier bed and breakfast for an in-town getaway!

March 24 – 27, 2011 finds French films at the Byrd Theater in Richmond’s Carytown.

French Film Festival in Richmond VA March 24 - 27

A festival pass is the only way to guarantee you don’t miss anything! Co-Academic sponsors of this festival are the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University designed to promote French language cinema and culture in the US, to bring international attention to Richmond by hosting an internationally recognized French cultural event, and to encourage the study of the French language.

The festival has, over the years, been the medium for numerous North American premiere screenings and even a growing number of world premieres.  The festival showcases a diverse collection of France’s newest films by established, award-winning directors — with the addition of short films by France’s next generation.  The films are followed by a question-and-answer session with those directors and actors present for the screening. For wannabee Francophiles, all films are provided with English subtitles.  It’s a great way to increase your French vocabulary. Here’s the SCHEDULE.

Play your cards right and you can meet French celebrities at the official reception, at the fabulous Scott House on Virginia Commonwealth University’s Monroe Park campus for only $25.  Pass/Ticket.

Films are shown at the historic Byrd Theatre , built in 1928, in Carytown. It is one of the nation’s Grand Movie Palaces and is both a State and National Historic Landmark with 1,300 seats.  Unlike many other opulent theaters built in the 20′s and 30′s, the Byrd Theatre is largely unaltered in appearance and function, operating as a movie theatre since 1928!  It is one of Richmond’s best-kept-secrets and a place not-to-miss!

If you want to be in the middle of it all, Richmond’s premier Fan District Bed and Breakfast is the place to stay! Add a day to your stay and catch the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts special exhibition “Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris” to complete your journey into French culture.  Tickets and reservations are recommended for the exhibition; it’s bound to be popular with French Film Festival attendees.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ own Robin Nicholson will provide an exclusive talk and tour of “Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso: Paris” followed by a tasting of six Spanish wines Friday March 18th from 6PM to 8PM – and, again on March 25. Robin Nicholson is the Deputy Director of Art and Education and will steer guests through the exhibition and provide insight and commentary.  The wine tasting will be conducted by Harry Tatian of Country Vintners.  Tasting is focusing on Spanish wines as a homage to Picasso’s birthplace: Malaga on the southern coast of Spain and feature both reds and whites.  Tickets are $50 for non-members and only $28 for members. Tickets for this special treat on either March 18 or Friday March 25 are available on line or by calling (804) 340-1400 and ask for the Art of Spanish Wine! Enjoy!