The Courthouse Galleries offer changing exhibits that encompass a broad range of educational opportunities for teachers and their classes. In addition, the Courthouse Galleries have joined with the Olde Towne Business Association to offer a First Weekend Series. The series at the Courthouse Galleries encompasses a First Weekend Friday (museum open until 8 p.m.) and First Weekend Sunday (regular hours), where programming is free and open to the public. Check our program listing for more details. For information on educational programming and to schedule a tour contact the museum at 393-8983.

APRIL 2008

GALLERY WALK
Courthouse Galleries, corner of High and Court Street, Portsmouth, Virginia
April 2, 2008, Wednesday, 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
Fee: Tour free with paid admission
Registration: No registration required

Join the Curator for a guided tour through the exhibits at the Courthouse Galleries on the first Wednesday of the month. Learn about the artists and behind the scenes in hosting exhibitions. For information call 757- 393-8543.


FIRST WEEKEND SERIES
WOOD, WINE & WATERFIELD: Exhibits, Wine Tasting, & Book Signing with Joel Landon Waterfield
Courthouse Galleries & Museum Shop, corner of High Street and Court Street
April 4, 2008, Friday, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Fee: Free admission in conjunction with the Olde Towne Business Association’s First Weekend Series
Registration: No registration required

Enjoy the Courthouse Galleries’ exhibits, wine tasting, and live entertainment. John Beisher of The Robins Cellars will be on hand to talk with visitors about selected wines and how to pair them with fruit and cheese. On view at this time will be the exhibit NEW REVOLUTIONS: Wood-turners from Tidewater. Also on view is the Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, through October 12, 2008.
The Museum Shop will host a book signing of Yards by local author Joel Landon Waterfield from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Yards is “a collection of memories & snapshots that chronicles a time when life was more innocent, in a small port town called Portsmouth, VA.” For information, call 757- 393-8543.


NEW REVOLUTIONS: Demonstrations by Wood-turners from Tidewater
Courthouse Galleries, corner of High Street and Court Street
April 6, 2008, Sunday, 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Fee: Free admission in conjunction with the Olde Towne Business Association’s First Weekend Series
Registration: No registration required

Enjoy the Courthouse Galleries’ exhibits, and a special program to highlight the exhibit NEW REVOLUTIONS: Wood-turners from Tidewater, featuring regional artists, many of who are members of the Tidewater Turners Guild. Artists from this exhibit will share their trade, providing hands-on demonstrations for visitors in the courtyard. They will bring with them tools, artifacts, and samples of wood, covering techniques and safety precautions. Visitors can try their hand at the lathe, and watch these artists in action. For information, call 757- 393-8543.


KITES: A Tradition for All Ages Exhibit Opening and Reception
Courthouse Galleries, corner of High Street and Court Street
April 18, 2008, Thursday, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Fee: Free admission
Registration: No registration required

The history of kites goes back more than a thousand years, beginning in China, and spreading across Asia. This exhibit presents kites of Japanese traditions, as well as contemporary artisans from around the globe. The Courthouse Galleries will offer free admission to exhibits, and a fully catered reception with wine and live entertainment. Also on view is NEW REVOLUTIONS: Wood-turners from Tidewater, featuring work by regional artists, many of whom are members of the Tidewater Turners Guild, plus the Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, through October 12, 2008. The Museum Shop will also be open, with many wood-turned pieces available for purchase, along with other unique merchandise. For more information call the Courthouse Galleries at 757-393-8543.

BIRDS TAKE FLIGHT: Marguerite Stankus of Jackite Inc.
Courthouse Galleries, corner of High Street and Court Street
April 19, 2008, Saturday, beginning at 1:00 pm
Fee: Free with admission
Registration: No registration required

Doves, eagles, ospreys and loons are some of the birds Marguerite Stankus of Virginia Beach has launched into flight with her kite designs. Stankus who founded Jackite Inc. in 1988, designed the Dove of Peace and Love for the opening ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Children carrying her dove kites with wings fluttering suspended atop poles captivated the crowds and introduced her kites to a world audience. Prototypes of Stankus’ kites and kites from her collection are featured along with kites from around the world in the exhibit KITES: A Tradition for All Ages. For information call 757-393-8543
 

MAY 2008

FIRST WEEKEND SERIES
ATLANTIC COAST KITE FESTIVAL 2008
Courthouse Galleries & Museum Shop, corner of High Street and Court Street
Virginia Beach and Portsmouth City Park
Fee: Free admission in conjunction with the Olde Towne Business Association’s First Weekend Series
Registration: No registration required
(Click here for a map of the area.) (This link will open another window.)
(Click here for directions from the Courthouse Galleries to Portsmouth City Park.) (This link will open another window.)


KITE NIGHT: Open House Kick-off Celebration
May 2, 2008, Friday, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Enjoy the Courthouse Galleries’ exhibits from 5:00 - 8:00 pm, to kick off this weekend’s Kite Festival in Portsmouth and Virginia Beach. Friends and participants of the Kite Festival will provide live entertainment and great food. The exhibit KITES: A Tradition for All Ages, will be on view, presenting traditional kites, as well as contemporary kite designs from around the world. Also on display will be NEW REVOLUTIONS: Wood-turners from Tidewater, through May 4, plus the 2008 Outdoor Sculpture exhibition, through October 12, 2008. For more information, call the Courthouse Galleries, 757- 393-8543.


Atlantic Coast Kite Festival in Virginia Beach
May 3, 2008, Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
17th Street and the Beach
BEACHEVENTS For more information call 491-SUNN (7866).
Kite flying, demonstrations and kite making are all part of the 4th Annual Atlantic Coast Kite Festival in Virginia Beach.
(Click here for the BeachEvents web site.) (This link will open another window.)


Atlantic Coast Kite Festival in Portsmouth at City Park
May 4, 2008, Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Artisans and kite flyers from all over the country will be on hand to demonstrate their craft, and the physics behind their creations in flight. Participants will have a chance to bring and fly their own kites, and learn how to make kites. Kite-Kits will be available to purchase for $3 each, for a make-and-take activity. Guest artisans and instructors will include Archie Stewart, of Chesnut Hill, MA and Eastern League Champion in precision flight and pairs ballet, Christopher and Charllotte Stankus of Jackites, Inc., Timothy Baxmyer of HQ Kites and Designs, Wings Over Washington, Kitty Hawk Kites, and The Richmond Air Flyers. Kite flying and activities will be held at Portsmouth City Park, while the exhibit KITES: A Tradition for All Ages will be on view at the Courthouse Galleries museum. May 4 is also the last day for the exhibit NEW REVOLUTIONS: Wood-turners from Tidewater, featuring regional artists, many of whom are members of the Tidewater Turners Guild. For more information, call the Courthouse Galleries museum at (757) 393-8543.


GALLERY WALK
Courthouse Galleries, corner of High Street and Court Street
May 7, 2008, Wednesday, 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
Fee: Walk is free with paid admission
Registration: No registration required

Join the Curator for a guided tour through the exhibits at the Courthouse Galleries on the first Wednesday of the month. Learn about the artists and behind the scenes in hosting exhibitions. For more information, call the Courthouse Galleries at 757- 393-8543.


GOSPORT ART SHOW EVENTS: MOTHER MAY I - Make-n-Take Activities and Artist Demonstrations
Courthouse Galleries Courtyard & Museum Shop, Corner of Court Street & High Street
May 10 & May 11, 2008, Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fee: Free with paid admission
Registration: No registration required

Enjoy Artist demonstrations featuring: Ronnie Baum –Bonsai, Ed Francis –Glass Blowing, Gaff Pearce –Pottery, the Tidewater Blacksmith Guild, the Tidewater Woodturning Guild, and the 5440 African American Quilters’ Guild of Virginia. Lisa Thornton –Beading & Jewelry, will be helping visitors with a make-n-take activity near the Museum Shop, where much of Lisa’s handcrafted merchandise will be for sale. Annie Moon –Mixed Media, will be providing another kind of make-n-take for families and visitors. Her arts and crafts will also available for purchase. For more information call the Courthouse Galleries at 757-393-8543.


THE SEDUCTION OF HOT WAX: Encaustic Painting Exhibit Opening and Reception
Courthouse Galleries, corner of High Street and Court Street
May 15, 2008, Thursday, 5:00 pm - 7:00 p.m.
Fee: Free admission
Registration: No registration required

Encaustic or Hot Wax painting originated in Ancient Greece and is perhaps the earliest method of easel painting. Its visual and physical properties and range of textural and color possibilities have attracted contemporary artists. From paintings to prints, this exhibition offers a range of working methods in works by Michele Barnes, Andi Helfant Frye, Jean Peacock, and Martine Strohmeyer. The Courthouse Galleries will offer free admission to exhibits, wine and refreshments, and live entertainment. Also on view will be the exhibit Kites: A Tradition for All Ages, presenting kites of Japanese traditions, as well as contemporary artisans from around the globe. The Museum Shop will also be open, with merchandise for sale by regional and local artisans. Exhibit runs through August 3, 2008. For more information call the Courthouse Galleries at 757-393-8543.


SEWN JEWELRY: Sabrina Piper
Courthouse Galleries Museum Shop and Craft Room, corner of High Street and Court Street
May 17 & 24, 2008, Saturday, Morning class 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Afternoon class 1:30 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Fee: $25 members/ $30 nonmembers
Registration: Please register by May 21, 2008

Students will learn different techniques of stitching beads. Sew a necklace, bracelet or earrings. Participants are responsible for providing their own materials. An example of the project and a materials list is available at the Courthouse Galleries Museum Shop.

There is a maximum of 8 people per class. Please sign up for classes early, in order to secure your placement. Class fees are due at the time of registration. Note: The goal is for all students to leave with a completed project to wear. For more information, or to register, call the Courthouse Galleries Museum Shop at (757) 393-8543 ext. 19.
 

JUNE 2008

HOT TIME IN OLDE TOWNE –HOT WAX, HOT GLASS & FONDUE
Free Exhibits, Fondue, & Wine Tasting;
Artist Demonstrations with Ed Francis –Glassblowing
& Martine Strohmeyer –Encaustic Printmaking
Courthouse Galleries & Museum Shop
Corner of High Street and Court Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth
Friday, June 6, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Fee: Free admission in conjunction with the Olde Towne Business Association’s First Friday Series
Registration: No registration required

Enjoy free admission to the Courthouse Galleries’ exhibits, wine tasting, and artist demonstrations. Cheese and chocolate fondue will be paired with several varieties of wine, all provided by Court Street Cordials Fondue & Desert Bar. John Beisher of The Robins Cellars will be on hand to talk with visitors about selected wines and how to pair them with fruit and cheese. The tasting is free, while wine glasses will be available for a $2 museum donation. Wine will be available by the glass for a suggested donation of $3.


HOT WAX DRIPPING ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Free Exhibits & Printmaking Demonstration
Featuring Martine Strohmeyer
Courthouse Galleries
Corner of High Street and Court Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth
Sunday, June 8, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Fee: Free admission as part of Portsmouth Museums’ First Weekend Series
Registration: No registration required

Enjoy free admission to the Courthouse Galleries’ exhibits, and a special program with artist Martine Strohmeyer whose work is featured in the exhibit The Seduction of Hot Wax: Encaustic Painting. For more information, please call the museum at (757) 393-8543.

Summer Camp Offerings at the Museums

Click here for the registration form.

Camp Name: Made in the Shade
Address: Courthouse Galleries, 420 High St., Portsmouth, VA 23704
When: June 3-5, 2008, 10 a.m.-12 noon
Who: ages 3-6
Cost: $35
Description: Create a full body costume, mixed-media collage, and pop art in this parent-child program.
Call: April Boyd, 757-393-5397, ext. 19


Camp Name: Art in the City
Address: Courthouse Galleries, 420 High St., Portsmouth, VA 23704
When: June 23-26, 2008, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Who: Ages: 13-17
Cost: $75
Description: Through sights, sounds, and symbols, produce your own visual art with guidance from local artists.
Call: April Boyd or John Grassmick, 757-393-5397, ext. 19


Camp Name: World Time Travelers
Address: Courthouse Galleries, 420 High St., Portsmouth, VA 23704
When: July 15-17, 2008, 9 a.m.-12 noon
Who: ages 7-12
Cost: $45
Description: Travel through time and place creating paintings and sculptures using art techniques of various cultures.
Call: April Boyd or John Grassmick, 757-393-5397, ext. 19


Camp Name: World Time Travelers
Address: Courthouse Galleries, 420 High St., Portsmouth, VA 23704
When: July 22-24, 2008, 1-4 p.m.
Who: ages 7-12
Cost: $45
Description: Travel through time and place creating paintings and sculptures using art techniques of various cultures.
Call: April Boyd or John Grassmick, 757-393-5397, ext. 19


Camp Name: Made in the Shade
Address: Courthouse Galleries, 420 High St., Portsmouth, VA 23704
When: August 12-14, 2008, 10 a.m.-12 noon
Who: ages 3-6
Cost: $35
Description: Create a full body costume, mixed-media collage, and pop art in this parent-child program.
Call: April Boyd, 757-393-5397, ext. 19

Seeing-The-Art SOL programs for school groups at the Courthouse Galleries.
The Courthouse Galleries is introducing a series of SOL based programs called Seeing-The-Art. These Programs are designed for grades K through 6 and range from photo collage to 3 dimensional sculpture. These are Make-and-Take classes so everyone goes home with a masterpiece. Due to space constraints we must limit these classes to 40 students. The cost is $3.00 and you may make reservations by calling us at 393-8543. Be sure to visit the Children's Museum of Virginia Web Site for the  to see their educational programming as well.

Kindergarten program SOLs K1, K 2, K 3, K 4, K 5, K 6 and K 11.
Picture Yourself
Participants should bring a photo of themselves either a full body or portrait. We will make copies. With these copies, geometric cut out shapes, textured objects and 3-D objects the students will construct a collage that depicts an event in their lives - i.e. vacation, field trip, first day at school, birthday, etc.

Grade 1 SOLs 1.2, 1.3, 1.9, 1.8 and 1.10.
Make It Flat
The students will set up a still life model, using 3-dimensional geometric shapes. They will then create a 2-Dimensional picture based on their view of the model.

Grade 2 SOLs 2.1, 2.3, 2.5 and 2.9.
Stacking Shapes
By using cut out colored shapes, geometric and organic the students will create a 3 dimensional work of art. The piece can be abstract, representative or figurative, students may bring in small objects to incorporate into their works.

Grade 3 SOLs 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.8 and 3.9.
Cut it out
Photo-montage, by using images cut out of magazines, newspapers and copies of pictures from books the student will construct a photo-montage that will demonstrate the illusion of depth on a two dimensional surface using overlapping and size variations including far, middle and background perspective.

Grade 4 SOLs 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.8, 4.9 and 4.10.
A real page turner
The students will learn how to build a stitched-bound book. With colored shapes, both geometric and organic, the student will create a series of illustrations that will be bound into the book to tell a story.

Grade 5 SOLs 5.3, 5.4, 5.12 and 5.14.
3-D Space, 3-D thinking
The students will first view examples of sculpture and relief. They will then examine materials provided and develop a design based on materials provided. With the material the students will create a 3-dimensional sculpture and a relief.

Grade 6 SOLs 6.2, 6.5, 6.3 and 6.7.
If it moves it must be Art
The students will first examine the materials provided to them. They will then develop a design by first creating sketches and, if time permits, project models. From these designs the students will then create a full-scale 3-D kinetic work of art.

*All programs scheduled on the First Sunday of each month are free and open to the public.

For more information please contact the Education Department at 757-393-5397
or the Courthouse Galleries at 757-393-8543.
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