Summer Exhibitions and Events

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS: July & August 2011
Exhibitions are free unless noted.

Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H. A. Rey
On view through September 18 in the McKinnon Galleries of Modern Art
Everyone knows Curious George, but few know the story behind his stories. Our keynote special exhibition of the summer recounts the hair-raising tale of how H. A. and Margret Rey, the German Jewish creators of the mischievous monkey, fled Nazi Europe for the safety of the United States. Discover how Curious George’s ability to narrowly evade danger parallels his creators’ war-time escapes and which elements of their arduous journey through France, Spain, Portugal, and Brazil appear in their books. An interactive touch screen and nearly 80 original drawings, book mock-ups, personal photographs, and documents tell the true story behind the Reys’ best-selling fiction for children and one of the world’s favorite characters.
Admission: Free for Museum Members and children 12 and under, $5 for all others.

Al Capp, Li’l Abner, and American Pop Art
On view through September 18 in the McKinnon Galleries of Modern Art
Al Capp’s Li’l Abner was a mainstay of the comics section between 1934 and 1977. At its peak, more than 90 million readers followed the exploits of its dashingly handsome, yet unintelligent, protagonist and his friends in the imaginary rural town of Dogpatch, Kentucky. In the mid-1970s, Capp segued into the realm of fine art, producing paintings and prints modeled on his comics. These 10 prints from the
Chrysler Collection—never before exhibited—explore the links between Capp and American Pop art.

An Eye for Architecture: The Etchings of John Taylor Arms
Closing July 24 in the Kaufman Theatre Lobby
The etcher John Taylor Arms ranked among the most renowned printmakers in early 20th-century America. A born architectural draftsman, Arms built his reputation with sensitively rendered images of the great cathedrals and picturesque buildings of Europe, as well as the Gothic-inspired edifices of New
York City. The current exhibition is drawn from the Chrysler’s own extensive holdings of Arms prints, donated in the mid-1950s by his widow, Dorothy Noyes Arms.

The Civil War: Visual Perspectives, Then and Now
Closing July 24 in the Waitzer Community Gallery
Commemorating the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War, this selection of photographs, paintings, sculpture, and prints records and reflects on different aspects of the War and its meaning for 19th-century and contemporary Americans. The works range from period battlefield photographs to
paintings of the famed ironclads in the Battle of Hampton Roads to contemporary photos of War re-enactors and a group of challenging prints by Kara Walker. Many of the works in the exhibition are drawn from the Chrysler’s own extraordinary holdings of Civil War images.

Cameo Performances: Masterpieces of Cameo Glass from the Chrysler’s Collection
Ongoing in the Decorative Arts Gallery
This second-floor show explores the history of cameo glass from ancient Roman examples through the popular resurgence of the technique in England during the late-19th century.

American Masterpieces from the Batten Collection
Closing July 31 in the Prints and Drawings Gallery
In addition to his extraordinary success as a businessman, civic leader, and philanthropist, the late Frank Batten, Sr. was also a distinguished art collector. Now, thanks to the generosity of Jane Batten, nine works from the Batten Collection have been placed on long-term loan as promised gifts to the Chrysler. We proudly present these American masterpieces by Winslow Homer, Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Hart Benton, William Glackens, and Edward Redfield, and others in a special second-floor installation.
Portraying a Nation: American Portrait Photography, 1850–2010
EXTENDED! On view through September 11 in the Frank Photography Galleries
From the rise of the daguerreotype in the 1840s to the digital imagery of today, photography has played
a crucial role in capturing and defining who we are as Americans. Drawn from the Chrysler’s extensive
photography collection, Portraying a Nation presents more than 100 portraits by American photographers. Four thematic sections—“Friends and Family,” “I Am What I Do,” “My Message is My
Meaning,” and “Joiners and Loners”—celebrate the vitality and diversity of all those who define themselves as Americans.

Contrast: Interactive Work by Daniel Rozin
EXTENDED! On view through September 18 in the Frank Photography Galleries
Recent advances in digital technology have enabled artists to create works that not only incorporate change and movement, but also respond to viewers in real time. Through the use of video projection and sophisticated computer programs, these artists enable visitors to actually become a part of the work of art—physically and psychologically. As part of our continuing series of focused exhibitions
of contemporary art, the Chrysler presents a provocative (and very popular) group of interactive installations by Daniel Rosin.

Into the Mainstream: Self-Taught Artists from the Garbisch and Gordon Collections
Opening August 13 in the Prints and Drawings Gallery
This exhibition pairs Old Dominion University’s Baron and Ellin Gordon Collection of contemporary art by self-taught artists with the Chrysler’s 19th-century work in the same tradition, as collected by Walter
Chrysler, Jr.’s, sister and her husband, Bernice and Edgar Garbisch. Folk art and work by self-taught artists are often marginalized as less than fine art. By critically exploring the work of crossover artists who have gained academic or art world recognition, student curators from the latest introduction to the
Museum class aim to prove otherwise.

Portraits of a City: Views of Norfolk by Kenneth Harris
Opening August 24 in the Kaufman Theatre Lobby and the Waitzer Community Gallery
Rediscover Norfolk’s past through the eyes of Kenneth Harris, the city’s favorite urban landscape painter of the last century. A selection of 30 of his beautifully crafted watercolors from the Chrysler Collection provides a nostalgic backward glance at Norfolk in the 1950s. And a monumental oil mural, a loan from Marion and James Baylor to the City of Norfolk, shows the sweeping vista of its waterfront
business district in the 1960s. Together, they depict not only the city’s best loved landmarks—the old Norfolk Academy, the Moses Myers House, St. Paul’s Church—but its downtown, docks, and coal yards—the city’s commercial and industrial heart. Both aesthetic triumphs and invaluable historical documents, these Portraits of a City capture both the look and the feel of Norfolk at mid-20th-century
before urban renewal projects swept the old port city.

LECTURES & TOURS

GALLERY TALKS
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 12:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Enjoy an in-depth conversation about a selected work of art with a knowledgeable guide!  Each week features a different masterpiece from the permanent collection or a special exhibition, so come as many times as you like. FREE.

SATURDAY ART FORUM
Leave your shopping list at home, and come to the Chrysler for an art-filled hour. This monthly program begins in the Education Workshop with coffee and cookies, followed by a lecture, tour, or performance. Cost: Free for Museum Members, $5 for all others.
Saturday, July 2 at 2 p.m. The Civil War: Visual Perspectives, Then and Now
See how artists portrayed America’s most divisive conflict as it happened and through the 150 years that followed.
Saturday, August 6 at 2 p.m. Al Capp, Li’l Abner, and American Pop Art
Discover how comic strips inspired Pop art and how Pop art transformed comic strips into serious art.

NORFOLK HISTORY SERIES
Learn about Virginia’s past with our fascinating lectures on the second Wednesday of each month. The Norfolk Historical Society sponsors the series in the Chrysler’s Kaufman Theatre at 7 p.m., and refreshments are served after each event. Cost: Free to Members of the Museum’s Friends of Historic Houses and the Norfolk Historical Society, $5 for all others. For more information, please call (757) 333-1087.
Wednesday, July 13 at 7 p.m. Virginia Shipwrecks
As a busy crossroads of international shipping, Hampton Roads has seen its share of tragic shipwrecks caused by the storms of nature and warfare. The Old Coast Guard Station Museum presents a selection of historic wrecks, and the mysteries and legends that continue to
surround them.

Wednesday, August 10 at 7 p.m. 100 Years of Naval Aviation
From Eugene Ely’s historic first flight through the Navy pilots who trained for spaceflight at Langley Field, hear stories of more than 100 years of United States naval aviation and the role Hampton Roads has played in the saga. The Hampton Roads Naval Museum presents this
exciting program of flight.

MUSIC

THE ART OF JAZZ AND THE FINE ART OF WINE, WITH ART RIFFS!
The Art of Jazz, our popular free first-Wednesday music series, features the best performers from across Hampton Roads. Sit in Huber Court to enjoy the band from 6:15–8:45 p.m. The Fine Art of Wine is an informal tasting, and Art Riffs! are short conversations on selected works of art when the band is on its first break. FREE.
Wednesday, July 6 at 6:15 p.m. Pamela Hines
Wednesday, August 3 at 6:15 p.m. Jimmy Masters

COOL IT!
It it’s July, it’s time to Cool It! at our after-work concert series for young professionals and arts enthusiasts. Join us every Thursday night in July from 6–9 p.m. Enjoy live music, cash bar libations, and lively discussions amidst our world-class galleries! Cost: Free for FAS Members, $5 for all others.

July   7        DJ Cornbread / AltDaily’s Norfology Night
July 14        Tumbao Salsero
July 21        The Michael Clark Band
July 28        Cheap Thrills

FILMS 

ART AFTER DARK
Our summer film series concludes with two award-winning flicks! Cool off in the Kaufman Theatre with the art of film on the last Wednesday of each month. Come at 7:30 p.m. for a Gallery Talk related to the evening’s screening. The films will start at 8 p.m. Cost: Free for Museum Members, $5 for all others.

Wednesday, July 27 at 8 p.m. Exit Through the Gift Shop
See how an eccentric French shopkeeper and amateur filmmaker attempts to locate and befriend graffiti artist Banksy, only to have the artist turn the camera back on him (2010, 87 mins., R). Engage in a discussion on interactive and contemporary art before the film.

Wednesday, August 31 at 8 p.m. The Parking Lot
Enjoy the goings-on of a single parking lot in Charlottesville, Virginia, and its select group of attendants—grad students, surly artists, and more (2010, 74 mins., R equivalent). And be sure to join us for an interesting pre-screening talk.

SUMMER FRIDAY FILMS FOR CHILDREN Every Friday in July and August at 10:30 a.m.
Our Summer Friday Films help encourage art appreciation in a new generation. Each screening features a classic film or contemporary animation in our Kaufman Theatre—and a fun hands-on activity in the theatre gallery afterward. Individual reservations are not required, but for groups of 10 or more please RSVP in advance to (757) 333-6239. Cost: Free for children 12 and younger and Museum Members, $5 for all others.

Friday, July 1, Peep and the Big Wide World: Chirp Flies (Part 1)
Chirp really, really wants to fly—with a little help from Peep, Quack, and his other feathered friends.
Viewing age: all (30 mins., 2005)

Friday, July 8, Peep and the Big Wide World: Chirp Flies (Part 2)
Watch as Peep gives advice and Chirp finally reaches the sky.
Viewing age: all (30 mins., 2005)

Friday, July 15, Curious George (Volume 3)
Take a ride with George and the Man with the Yellow Hat. Their adventures take them to a restaurant, fishing, and a costume party.
Viewing age: all (30 mins., 1972)

Friday, July 22, Danny and the Dinosaur
Danny’s friend for the day is the very dinosaur he had just been admiring in the Museum. What child wouldn’t want to ride on, go for a swim with, and play hide-and-seek with a real, live dinosaur?
Viewing age: 5 to 10 (30 mins., 2005)

Friday, July 29, Three Billy Goats Gruff and The Three Little Pigs
Three is the magic number—see how three goats meet the challenge of a nasty troll and three pigs outsmart a hungry wolf in these classic tales narrated by Holly Hunter.
Viewing age: 4 and older (30 mins., 1993)
 
Friday, August 5, The Story of the Dancing Frog
George is no ordinary frog! He is a multitalented entertainer who finds fame and fortune. He travels the world with his friend, Gertrude.
Viewing ages: 8 and older (30 mins., 1989)

Friday, August 12, Anansi
Learn the Jamaican folktale of Anansi the spider as he outwits other animals—told in true Caribbean fashion by Denzel Washington and reggae musicians UB40.
Viewing age: 6 and older (30 mins., 1994)

Friday, August 19, Wings: A Tale of Two Chickens and Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Hold on tight with this tale of two chickens and their flying start into mischief. Then see what happens when a little girl drops in uninvited on the Bear family.
Viewing age: 5 and older (25 mins., 1991)

Friday, August 26, The Adventures of Curious George
See how it all started—it’s the story of how George first met the Man with the Yellow Hat and began his travels abroad.
Viewing age: all (30 mins., 1982)

KIDS AND FAMILIES

SECOND-SATURDAY FAMILY DAYS
Bring the entire family to the Chrysler every month for art, music, and fun afternoon activities throughout the Museum! These free programs are made possible by the Bunny and Perry Morgan Fund. FREE.

Saturday, July 9 from noon–3 p.m. Transportation: From Here to There
Planes, trains, and automobiles, bicycles and boats: find art that shows how we move from one place to another.

Saturday, August 13 from noon–3 p.m. Animals and Their Habitats
Artists have been inspired by animals for centuries. How many can you discover in the Chrysler’s galleries?

TICKLE MY EARS: STORIES AND ART AT THE CHRYSLER
Introduce your preschooler to art in our galleries! Join us for stories, songs, and surprises on the first Thursday of every month. The fun lasts about 35 minutes, but the lessons last a lifetime. Tickle My Ears is generously supported by Target. FREE. Space is limited to 30 participants for each identical program. Please check in at the Welcome Desk in Huber Court. 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, July 7  An Elephant’s Trunk
Thursday, August 4  Row, Row, Row the Boat

STROLLER TOURS
Stroll and roll into our galleries on the third Friday of the month for a guided tour of the Museum and engaging adult conversation. Adults and their young children (under the age of 18 months) are welcome.  FREE.
Friday, July 15 at 1 p.m.
Friday, August 19 at 1 p.m.

WEEKEND PROGRAMS AT THE HISTORIC HOUSES

Explore specific themes of the Moses Myers House in greater detail with our Weekend Programs on selected Saturdays and Sundays. FREE.
Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31 at 1 p.m. …If You Lived During Slavery
Learn more about Norfolk’s African-American heritage from the stories of enslaved and free African-Americans at the Moses Myers House. Experience history by following in their footsteps throughout the home, and explore the unique differences between slavery in cities and on plantations.

Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21 at 1 p.m. Ladies of Norfolk—The Myers Women
Spend an hour in company with the women of the Myers household and learn about the roles they played at home and in society. Meet the Myers’ daughters—Adeline, Augusta, and Mary Georgiana—and contrast their lives with that of Chary, a 14-year-old slave girl.