Hermitage Press H E R M I T A G E
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Corporate Membership at the Hermitage Alanna Kibiloski, Membership & Development Manager
The Hermitage Museum & Gardens celebrated its 75th anniversary as a museum in 2012. The Hermitage has remained a private non-profit throughout its history, sustained by the generosity of our supporters. Corporate sponsorship has always provided critical support for the Hermitage and has allowed the organization to develop new programming and increase outreach. Programs and events like the Sunsets on the River concerts, Friday Night Films, changing exhibitions, youth art camps, workshops, and visual arts classes would not be possible without support from individuals and businesses in our community. The Hermitage Corporate Membership Program is a new initiative created to offer organizations and businesses new benefits and increased visibility in return for their support of the Hermitage. Exhibitions, programs, and events bring visitors to the Museum throughout the year and provide numerous opportunities for recognition. A tax-deductable contribution allows Corporate Members to enjoy access to the Sloane Collection, changing exhibitions, and the stunning twelve acres of gardens and grounds! January - April 2013
Corporate members also receive recognition in marketing materials for programs and events throughout the year. Opportunities include semiannual Heirloom Plant Sales, Virginia Roast & Toast, Sunsets on the River concerts, Spring and Summer Art Camps, Friday Night Films, and Visual Arts Studio programming. Marketing materials for these events can include direct mail, flyers, event programs, email, event signage, and advertisements in publications like The Virginian Pilot and VEER Magazine.
Roads has finally become a reality because of the continued support of the community. Corporate Membership not only demonstrates your dedication to the Hermitage, but also your commitment to the enhancement of the local arts community. For more information, or to join the Hermitage as a Corporate Member, contact Alanna Kibiloski at 757-423-2052 x205 or akibiloski@thehermitagemuseum.org.
The Sloanes’ vision for the Hermitage and the development of the arts in Hampton
Benefits of Corporate Membership* Facility Rental Privileges for Corporate Picnics or Meetings 10% Discount on New Memberships for Employees Recognition in Hermitage Annual Report and on Donor Board in Museum Entrance Museum Guest Passes and Hermitage Special Event Tickets Invitation to the Sloane Society Reception Company Logo in Hermitage Press newsletter/Logo with link on Hermitage website Inclusion in Marketing Materials for Hermitage Events *Corporate Members at all levels receive these benefits. Additional benefits apply to Corporate Members at higher levels. Visit www.thehermitagemuseum.org for a complete listing of Corporate Membership levels and benefits.
7637 North Shore Road • Norfolk, VA • 23505 • (757) 423-2052 • theHermitageMuseum.org
At the Visual Arts Studio Spring Break Art Camps Truly Matthews, Visual Arts Programs Manager Camp. Campers will build their fine-arts skills in a comfortable and informal setting. They will have the opportunity to work with several mediums while learning the history and fundamentals of each. Both camps incorporate behind the scenes Museum tours, guest instructors, nature walks, and time in the garden and grounds. Hermitage Spring Break Art Camp is just around the corner! Once again we are offering camps for kids (ages 6 - 10) as well as young artists (ages 11 - 13). Camps will be held during the week of April 1st. Children participating in our Kids’ Spring Break Art Camp will experience our most popular theme, Curious Curators. During this week, campers step into the shoes of a museum curator to experience art and the Hermitage collection. Aspiring artists ages 11-13 are invited to take part in our Young Artists’ Spring Break
The weekly rate for each camp is $165 for members and $195 for non-members. Registration opens February 4th. The camps do fill to capacity, so be sure to register early. For details and registration, visit our website or contact Truly Matthews, Visual Arts Programs Manager, at 423-2052 x203 or tmatthews@thehermitagemuseum.org. Don’t forget: Summer Art Camps are offered for both age groups. Summer Camp begins June 17th and runs through August 23rd. Registration opens April 8th.
Winter Session of Classes: January 26th - March 23rd Functional Pottery • Conceptual Pottery Drawing on Pottery • Raku Firing Workshop Valentine’s Day Papermaking • Vision Boards Knitting: Baby Socks • Drawing Origami Dolls • Handmade Soap Making Digital Photography • Open Studio Register Online at theHermitageMuseum.org
Event Spotlight: VAS Open House, December 8, 2012 The Hermitage Visual Arts Studio Open House was held on Saturday, December 8th, 2012. Instructors and students working in mediums such as painting, ceramics, mixed media, and fiber arts displayed their own original artwork. Their work was available for purchase and the artists gave demos throughout the day. The VAS ceramics studio was also open for visitors to explore and observe artists at work. Over 50 guests attended the open house, many of whom had never seen the inside of the building before. Visitors were intrigued by the unique setting and interested to learn more about year-round programming. The event also provided a sense of community for the instructors and students who work in different mediums and otherwise would not have had the chance to meet. January - April 2013
In the Changing Galleries Drawn and Quartered: Olive Leonhardt, 1939 Revisited Colin Brady, Curator of Collections
Exhibit in the Changing Galleries: On Display Through February 19th Olive Leonhardt was born in Jackson Mississippi in 1895. Olive attended Newcomb College (now part of Tulane) on a full scholarship in 1914-15, The New York School of Fine and Applied Arts (later to become Parsons) in 1915-16, and the Arts Students League in 1926. She married in 1916 and had two sons. In New Orleans she worked on the covers for “The Double Dealer”, a literary magazine that published the first Faulkner poem and Hemingway short story, as well as creating illustrations for additional newspaper articles. In 1938 her book, New Orleans: Drawn and Quartered, was published. Olive had some
work in New York at the Weyhe Gallery but her 1939 show at the Charles Morgan Gallery was her first one-woman show in NYC. This particular exhibition was requested by Florence Sloane for a show at the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences in 1939, but never came to fruition. The challenge of successfully showing an artist like Olive to a conservative audience of Virginians would have been in line with Mrs. Sloane’s pursuit to make this area more cosmopolitan. Even without this show taking place, both Florence and Olive would go on to redefine the role of women in the arts, society, and history of their respective regions.
Olive Leonhardt ,Woman with Lilies, Oil on Canvas
Studio Artist Program Call to Artists: Explore the Hermitage Studio Artist Program Melissa Ball, Education Programs Manager The Hermitage Museum is proud to host the Studio Artist Program in which six artists are invited to rent studios in the Studio Artists’ Cottage on the Hermitage Grounds. Artists enjoy twenty-four hour access to their studios, two open house events per year, the opportunity to sell artwork in their studios free of commission, and invitations to teach classes and workshops at the Hermitage Visual Arts Studio. As the program continues to grow, the Hermitage invites artists to submit portfolios to be considered for the 2013-14 program year. Artists are selected for participation in the program by a panel of jurors based
on portfolio submissions, professional commitment, and interest in participating in the exchange of artistic ideas. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and artists are selected once per year in August. The program year begins in October. For details on the program, rental fees, and application submissions visit thehermitagemus eum.org/programsclasses or contact Melissa Ball, Education Programs Manager at 757-423-2052 x207 or mball@thehermitagemuseum.org.
7637 North Shore Road • Norfolk, VA • 23505 • (757) 423-2052 • theHermitageMuseum.org
Dealing with Disaster A Recent Calamity Brings Back Memories of the 2003 Gothic Drawing Room Fire Colin Brady, Curator of Collections In November a water pipe burst in the ceiling above the Sloanes’ Master Bedroom. Fortunately, no important works of art were lost. However, major damage was caused to the ceiling as well as several walls forcing us to close the east wing for several months as restorations are completed. With this recent onsite calamity beginning to enter a phase of reconstruction it only seems appropriate to look back to an event that took place ten years ago this February. As some of you may recall, and for those who do not, we had a fire at the Museum in the winter of 2003. The Gothic Drawing Room, or Music Room, was being treated for a bowing ceiling; in the final days of repair a tung oil soaked rag was left out where the conditions were just right to cause the fabric to spontaneously combust. Within minutes the room was ablaze and not terribly long after it was extinguished.
above: Fire damage to the Gothic Drawing Room, 2003 right: Gothic Drawing Room, 2009
Of course it only takes a few seconds for fire to leave its mark, so fifteen minutes was more than enough time to destroy much of the original woodwork. Thick oak beams,
bosses and a rood screen were charred to the point where no brush or magical touch of a conservator could return them to their original state. It was through the efforts of many that the room was brought back to its pre-fire days. We now find ourselves in a similar situation. However, we have exchanged fire for water and the Music Room for the Bedroom. It will once again take several working parties to restore these rooms, as well as the support of all of those who enjoy coming to the Hermitage. While we continue to repair these spaces we encourage you to visit the museum and check out the work being done as it happens.
Fall in Love with the Hermitage, February 7th Melissa Ball, Education Programs Manager Thursday, February 7, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Free and open to the public Take the opportunity to explore the Hermitage after hours during this informal evening of refreshments, tours, live entertainment, shopping, and mingling! The Hermitage will be open late for visitors to hear performances on the Hermitage Steinway while guests enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Selected items from The Vault Gift Shop will H E R M I TA G E M U S E U M & G A R D E N S N E W S L E T T E R
be on sale while new inventory is introduced. A Gallery Talk with Colin Brady, Curator of Collections will take place at 7:30 p.m. and our special exhibition, Drawn and Quartered: Olive Leonhardt, 1939 Revisited will be on view. Members receive one free drink ticket at the door. For more information visit our website or contact the Public Programs office at 423-2052 x 207. image: Brough/eyecaptures.net
JANUARY - APRIL 2013 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1
Gardens and Grounds 2012 Accomplishments and Initiatives for the New Year
Special Events Volunteers
Yolima Carr, Curator of Gardens & Grounds
Allie Lane, Volunteer Coordinator
project by planting native marsh grass in the wetlands. • Sunken Garden: Work on this garden, adjacent to the Water Tower, began last year thanks to a donation from the Algonquin Garden Club. The Sunken Garden will be finished in spring, 2013. • Signage: Our grounds now feature more signage informing visitors about our recent projects as well as the history of the Hermitage. Thanks to contributions and participation from our members and supporters we were able to create two new gardens, complete our Wetlands Restoration Project, and continue with educational programming in 2012. • Rain Garden: This new garden, located next to the VAS, serves as a model for the community on recycling rain water and providing a habitat for birds.
• WET Program: Educational programs like our Wetlands Enrichment Tours are growing thanks to the help of our interns, docents, and local schools. We hope that you will continue to support our efforts as we begin the new year. Initiatives in 2013 include restoring the south side bulkhead, and installing additional grounds signage.
• Westside Wetlands Restoration (May ‘11 - May ‘12): Students from local schools helped to complete this
Sunken Garden, before and after
Learn at the Herm: New Lecture Series Melissa Ball, Education Programs Manager The Hermitage’s collection and history is rich with unusual stories, remarkable objects, and even a mystery or two. We are excited to share all of this with you through our new lecture series, Learn at the Herm. Join us in February as Mark Lewis, Conservator at the Chrysler Museum, discusses the process of conserving paintings in the Sloane Collection. In March, Colin Brady, Curator of Collections, will investigate the intriguing journeys that led different works of art to the Hermitage. Finally, join Martha Wyatt, Professor of Art History at Old Dominion University, in April to examine the unique lighting fixtures and lamps throughout the house.
Conserving Mrs. Sloane’s Paintings Thursday, February 28, 6:00 p.m. Mark Lewis, Conservator, Chrysler Museum of Art Buying Controversy: Selected Acquisitions of Florence Sloane’s Asian Collection Thursday, March 14, 6:00 p.m. Colin Brady, Curator of Collections, Hermitage Museum Let There Be Light! Thursday, April 11, 6:00 p.m. Martha Wyatt, Professor of Art History, Old Dominion University Lectures are held at the Hermitage and last one hour. Free for members, $3 suggested donation for non-members.
H E R M I TA G E M U S E U M & G A R D E N S N E W S L E T T E R
Volunteers play a huge role in making our events successful. Without their time, energy, and smiling faces, we would accomplish only a portion of what we set out to do. With Sunsets on the River and Friday Night Films right around the corner, we are currently looking for volunteers to help make those events possible. We need individuals who would like to help set up, take admission fees, assist in pouring and serving drinks, and clean up following the event. Volunteering at special events is a great opportunity for individuals who wish to volunteer on a one time basis and enjoy a concert or film while doing so. We will need volunteers for each of our ten events this year. Orientation for special events volunteers occurs Thursday, April 18th at 5:30 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to attend. Orientation provides volunteers with the opportunity to become familiar with our site, understand their roles, and gain the knowledge they will need to discuss the Hermitage with guests. In addition to special events volunteers, the Hermitage is always looking for Museum docents, gardens and grounds help, Wetlands Enrichment Tour docents, summer camp counselors, office assistants, and front desk greeters. For more information contact Allie Lane at volunteercoordinator@ thehermitagemuseum.org.
JANUARY - APRIL 2013 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1
Programs & Events
January
1• Drawn and Quartered: Olive Leonhardt, 1939 Revisited Exhibition on display (Changing Galleries) through February 19
26• Winter Session of Classes at the Visual Arts Studio Courses and Workshops: January 26 - March 23
February
5• Hampton Roads Student Gallery Finalists’ pieces on display February 5 - 24 The Hampton Roads Student Gallery is an art competition open to all 11th and 12th grade students in the region
7• Fall in Love with the Hermitage 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Free and open to the public An evening of refreshments, tours, and live entertainment
Spring Break Art Camps Once again we are offering camps for kids (ages 6 - 10) as well as young artists (ages 11 - 13). The weekly rate for each camp is $165 for members and $195 for non-members. Registration opens February 4th. Kids and Young Artists Camps: April 1 - April 5
23• Rose Pruning Workshop 10:00 a.m. - noon. Free for members, $5 for non-members 28• Learn at the Herm: Conserving Mrs. Sloane’s Paintings 6:00 p.m. Lecture with Mark Lewis, Conservator at the Chrysler Museum Free for members, $3 suggested donation for non-members
March 13• Docent Training Program New training sessions begin March 13 at 5:15 p.m. 14• Learn at the Herm: Buying Controversy: Selected Acquisitions of Florence Sloane’s Asian Collection 6:00 p.m. Lecture with Colin Brady, Curator of Collections at the Hermitage Free for members, $3 suggested donation for non-members
April
Spring Heirloom Plant Sale Featuring heirlooms, annuals, perennials, shrubs, native plants, and wetland plants. Hermitage Museum members receive 10% off throughout the sale. Plant list available online. Friday, April 26, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
1• Spring Break Art Camps (Kids and Young Artists) April 1 - April 5
11• Learn at the Herm: Let There Be Light! Exploring the Antique Lighting Fixtures of the Hermitage 6:00 p.m. Lecture with Martha Wyatt, Professor of Art History at ODU Free for members, $3 suggested donation for non-members 18 • Orientation for Special Events Volunteers 5:30 p.m. 26• Spring Heirloom Plant Sale 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunsets on the River
27• Spring Heirloom Plant Sale 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Mark your calendars for the spring series of Sunsets on the River concerts! Join us on the back lawn for live music and refreshments. Bands will be announced soon.
For pricing and details, visit www.theHermitageMuseum.org or call (757) 423-2052
January - April 2013
May 2 • May 26 • June 6: Thursdays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Event Spotlight: Virginia Roast & Toast, November 11, 2012
Docent Training Courses
Alanna Kibiloski, Membership & Development Manager
Colin Brady, Curator of Interpretation Having had great success in attracting docents to our program this past year, we hope to continue this trend in 2013 when we start a new training course beginning March 13th at 5:15 p.m.
On Sunday, November 11th the Hermitage Young Associates Board presented the annual Virginia Roast & Toast. Live music by Whiskey Rebellion, craft beer, wine, oysters, and good company made the event one to remember! The event brought over 300 community members together to enjoy the beautiful day and support the Hermitage. The money raised by the event will ensure that the Hermitage adheres to its mission and continues to increase outreach into the community.
We would like to thank the Young Associates Board for all of the hard work they put into planning such a wonderful event! Young Associates Board Members: Caroline Ballard • Janelle Burchfield, Carrie Coleman • Sidnia E. Finke, Jodee M. Flint • Eric Gallo • Julia Guerrieri Michael Glover • Michael Hull • Trisha Jones Andy Larkin • Megan Mann • Sarah Kiah Morton Liz Philpott • Cameron Reeves Poynter Bryant Thomas • John Yuill
Interest in this museum has risen dramatically over the last few years, making this the best time to get onboard with all that the Hermitage has to offer when it comes to volunteering. Whether you want to give tours, assist with events, or just care to learn more about the Hermitage we encourage you to come out for these new classes in the spring. Join us on March 13th if you are interested in participating in our Docent Training Program. For more information contact Colin Brady, Curator of Collections, at 757-423-2052 x300 or cbrady@thehermitagemuseum.org
Thank You to Our Corporate Members
Cavanaugh Nelson, PLC • Redwood Jr. Garden Club • Sertoma Club of Norfolk • The Hermitage Auxiliary Thank you to our Corporate Members for supporting the Sloane Collection, educational programming, special events, and exhibitions. Corporate Members also receive excellent visibility, hospitality opportunities, and Museum benefits. For more information contact Alanna Kibiloski, Membership & Development Manager, at 757-423-2052 x205 or akiblioski@thehermitagemuseum.org.
7637 North Shore Road • Norfolk, VA • 23505 • (757) 423-2052 • theHermitageMuseum.org
John B. Meek Emeritus
William S. Hull Emeritus
F. Nash Bilisoly Stephen P. Blashfield Nancy W. Branch Pam Q. Combs Benjamin G. Cottrell, V Alex D. Erving Barbara Hamm Lee Sandy Harris Nancy L. Martin Jennifer W. Moore Trish R. Pfeifer Susan M. Roady Kerri R. Stokes James A. Valone
Nancy H. Nusbaum Secretary
Olin L. Walden Treasurer
Christine G. Neikirk Vice-President
Robert E. Garris, Jr. President
Board of Trustees
Address Service Requested
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Norfolk, Virginia Permit: No 175
• Admission (exclusive of tax) Adults $5 Children (ages 6-18) $2 College Students (with ID) $3 Members & Active Military FREE
H E R M I TA G E M U S E U M & G A R D E N S
JANUARY - APRIL 2013
Call (757) 423-2052 for additional information on house tours.
Tours begin promptly on the hour Last tour begins at 4:00 p.m.
• Schedule of Tours Mon - Sat 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Wednesdays/Thursdays
Hermitage House Tours
Robert E. Garris, Jr. President, Board of Trustees, Hermitage Museum and Gardens
Melanie’s dedication, professionalism, and compassion towards the Hermitage will be felt for years to come. She has set the stage for future success. While we wish her great things in her new world, she will be missed by all who have come to know her. Thanks Melanie!
Since 2004, when Melanie joined the Hermitage as Executive Director, we have seen tremendous growth. Membership has grown exponentially and numerous exhibits have been created and shared. Visitors have come to enjoy the beautiful gardens and views, and many projects to enhance the Museum and Grounds have been completed. The one common theme to all of the above has been a great staff and the leadership and vision provided by Melanie.
I, like many of you, had mixed emotions when I learned that Melanie Mathewes was leaving the Hermitage. I quite frankly needed a few minutes to collect myself and allow the color to return to my face. Yet, when it started to settle in, I realized that Melanie had received an extraordinary opportunity. I was very happy for her when she shared that she was offered and accepted the CEO position at the National Sporting Library and Museum. The patrons of Middleburg, Virginia will see first-hand what we have come to know, which is just how gifted and talented a person they have landed in Melanie.
Dear Friends of the Hermitage Museum and Gardens: