Calendar of Events

CALENDAR the May/June 2009 HRYSLER OF EVENTS CTHE MAGAZINE OF THE CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART p 4 Exhibitions • p 6 News • p 8 Daily Calendar • p 13 Public Programs • p 16 Member Programs G ENERAL INFORMATION COVER Contact Us Cuisine and Company Volunteers Eliza Blythe, 4, imitates Chrysler Museum of Art at the Chrysler (757) 333-6220 Hamlet Robot, a 245 W. Olney Road Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. www.chrysler.org/membership perennial favorite with the Chrysler’s Norfolk, VA 23510 Sunday, 12–3 p.m. young patrons. Phone: (757) 664-6200 (757) 333-6291 The Chrysler Museum of Art is partially Fax: (757) 664-6201 supported by grants from the City of Nam June Paik E-mail: [email protected] Accessibility Norfolk, the Virginia Commission for (American, 1932-2006) Website: www.chrysler.org The Museum is fully accessible the Arts, the Institute of Museum and Hamlet Robot, 1996 to wheelchairs and baby strollers Library Services, the National Museum purchase and Gift of Joan Dalis Museum Hours (both are available free of charge at Endowment for the Arts, the National Martone, Fran and Wednesday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. the admissions desk). Endowment for the Humanities, the Lenox Baker, Mr. and (admission by voluntary contribution) There is ample free parking. Business Consortium for Arts Support, Mrs. Macon F. Brock, Thursday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and the Webster Foundation. Jr., Susan and Paul Sunday, 1–5 p.m. Admission Hirschbiel, Renée and All facilities are closed on Mondays, General Admission: $7 Chrysler Museum of Art Paul Mansheim, and Robert McLanahan Tuesdays, and major holidays. Senior Citizens, Teachers, and Board of Trustees Smith III Military: $5 2008-09 © Nam June Paik Jean Outland Chrysler Museum Members, Students with ID, Robert M. Boyd Library and children ages 18 and under: Free Nancy W. Branch Open Wednesday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday: Voluntary Contribution Jerry A. Bridges Wednesday evening hours are also Macon F. Brock available by appointment only. Facility Rental Robert W. Carter E-mail: [email protected] (757) 333-6233 E. John Field (757) 965-2035 www.chrysler.org/rentals.asp or email Andrew S. Fine [email protected] David R. Goode Historic Houses Cyrus W. Grandy V Free Admission Department Directory Adrianne R. Joseph The Moses Myers House Office of the Director 333-6234 Linda H. Kaufman, Secretary Corner of Bank and Freemason Streets, Norfolk Development 333-6253 Sandra W. Lewis Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, Communications 333-6295 Henry D. Light 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 12–4 p.m. Special Events 333-6233 Edward L. Lilly Tours are hourly through 3 p.m. Finance & Administration 333-6224 Vincent J. Mastracco, Jr. (757) 333-1086 Education 333-6269 Arnold B. McKinnon The Norfolk History Museum at the Historic Houses 333-1086 Patterson N. McKinnon Willoughby-Baylor House Security 333-6237 Charles W. (Wick) Moorman, Chair 601 E. Freemason Street, Norfolk Curatorial 965-2033 Susan Nordlinger Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, Library 965-2035 Richard D. Roberts 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 12–4 p.m. Visitor Services 965-2039 Anne B. Shumadine (757) 333-1091 Thomas L. Stokes, Jr. Membership Josephine L. Turner Tours start at the (757) 333-6298 Leah Waitzer Freemason Street Reception Center www.chrysler.org/membership.asp Lewis W. Webb III 401 E. Freemason Street, Norfolk Wayne F. Wilbanks (757) 441-1526 Group and School Dixie Wolf Tours Museum Gift Shop (757) 333-6269 Open during Museum hours www.chrysler.org/programs.asp (757) 333-6297 This publication is produced by the “ Communications It is stating the obvious—yet urgently necessary to do so—to Department: Teresa acknowledge that now, more than ever, your attendance, your Sowers, Director of Communications, and generosity, your understanding, and your enthusiasm … are Cheryl Little, Public Relations and Publications critically important for the future of this wonderful institution. Coordinator. Unless otherwise noted, Museum images by Ed Pollard, Museum Photographer. Recent plea from the Metropolitan” Museum of Art to its members, every bit as true for the Chrysler Museum D IRECTOR’S NOTE ART IN AN AGE OF AUSTERITY It is no secret that the American arts community is facing very real challenges as it confronts the realities of an unprecedented, and, frankly, scary financial crisis. Across America, museums and performing arts organizations are struggling with their budgets and their missions. Every day we hear about exhibition cancellations, postponed building projects, salary and benefit reductions, and staff layoffs. Museum boards and staffs are wrestling with how to maintain quality programs in the face of rapidly shrinking resources. And all of us are looking with increasing hope to the individuals, corporations, and foundations who have shown that they understand and value who we are and what we do. But our donors are facing challenges, too, in this time of recession. Why, in the face of seemingly more pressing needs, does it remain crucially important to ensure the survival and health of our museums? Back in the 1930s John Dewey noted that “as long as art [museums] are the beauty parlor of civilization, neither art nor civilization is secure.” He is right, of course. Museums are not just places that dress up art to make it look pretty. And while the deep pleasure and profound satisfaction that comes from viewing a truly beautiful work of art is a key component of what museums offer, aesthetic pleasure is only one part of why great paintings, sculpture, prints, and drawings really matter. It is through such works of art that we come to understand who we are and where we have come from. The arts help us define for ourselves and for each other what we truly believe and value; they provide the foundation upon which we make decisions about our future. Millions of people around the world understand this. Museum attendance is at an all-time high. Recently in the London Times, Hugo Rifkind suggested some reasons for this phenomenon. Some of these are familiar: free admission (in Britain), museums’ increasing responsiveness to the needs and interests of their audience, family-friendly attitude, and a growing public desire to make some sense of our complex and confusing world. But of all Rifkind’s explanations, one resonates particularly with me: museums have become among the best public gathering spaces we have today. They have replaced libraries, town halls, and schools as social hubs, places where people gather to meet, talk, relax, and exchange ideas. One of the reasons for this is that museums are safe places, not just physically safe, but socially and intellectually safe as well. Museums tend to attract intelligent, serious, and engaged people, the sort of people that most of us seek out as companions. Rifkind also notes, quite correctly, that museums are one of the very few places these days where you don’t have to endure pervasive foul language. We are essentially “F-word” free. Particularly in times of crisis, museums are places of solace, dignity, and inspiration, places where we can regain our balance. They are safe havens in which we can gather to grapple with big problems, challenges, and dilemmas. Through the works of art in our museums, we are reminded that other people in other times faced challenges much like our own—and we gain energy and hope from knowing that they found a path forward. William J. Hennessey Director 1 C OVER STORY Gustave Doré (French, 1832-1883) The Neophyte (First Experience of the Monastery), ca. 1866-1868 Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr Philip Evergood (American, 1901-1973) Music, 1933-1959 Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. in memory of Jack Forker Chrysler MEMBERSHIP: THE NEW FACES OF THE CHRYSLER’S FUTURE he Chrysler Museum of Art has educational benefits of our gallery something for everyone: an talks, special-interest support groups, Textraordinary collection of and art travel trips. And, of course, 35,000 works of art spanning 5,000 everyone loves our popular Art of years of history, visiting exhibitions Jazz series. that bring the world to your own Our youngest Members (because backyard, special programs, exciting kids belong at the Chrysler, too) events, and partnerships with the best have their own favorite paintings, of our area’s performing arts groups. sculptures, and programs. Tickle My But for all we have to offer, the Ears excites preschoolers every Chrysler hopes that you will offer month with stories, songs, and something in return—commitment. surprises that help them learn about Without people who believe in our art. Young movie buffs enjoy our mission and will help us achieve it, special schedule of Summer Friday our success will be limited. That’s why Films for Children in July and here at the Chrysler, we believe in August. And budding artists and belonging. We believe in membership. authors find Camp Chrysler just the inspiration they need to create their Membership in the Museum isn’t just own masterpieces. the purchase of a season ticket. It’s a When you become a Museum commitment we make to you and you Member, you make a commitment make to us. It’s the start of a Fantasia Foushée and her father, Carl, enjoy their Saturday not only to us, but to yourself and to relationship that will last a lifetime. at the Chrysler. your family. The Museum’s collection Just as every work in our world-class collection is different, alone can provide enjoyment enough for the year, but the so is every experience of membership. If you ask any of our Museum also helps you and your family gain a broader nearly 4,000 current perspective on life.

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