In the winter of 1892 Claude Monet painted from a room overlooking the west fa‡ade of the Rouen Cathedral. He worked on several canvases throughout the day to capture the changing effects of light on the cathedral’s fa‡ade. From the series of about 30 views, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has acquired one to be on view for the next nine months. “Rouen Cathedral, Facade” is on loan to the museum from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. In exchange, Monet’s “Camille at the Window, Argenteuil” is on loan to Boston from the Virginia Museum.
The winds have shifted at Richmond public radio. WCVE 88.9-FM recently added two National Public Radio shows to its lineup. “People expect N.P.R. to bring more depth to news,” explains Director of Communications Sarah Bartenstein. In response to listener requests, the award-winning “Fresh Air with Terry Gross” now airs at 3 p.m. weekdays, and “Fresh Air Weekend” airs 4 p.m. Sundays. The hour-long news and information program features Gross’ provocative interviews with current-events experts as well as with cultural figures. Also new to the schedule is “This American Life,” which presents host Ira Glass’ uncommon look at contemporary America. Each episode explores a weekly theme through a mix of radio monologues, minidocumentaries, “found tape,” original fiction and nonfiction. The new shows replace national classical music programs.
Reynolds Gallery is doing its part to help relief efforts. Its latest exhibit, “Reflections,” pulls together works from local and national artists that reflect how art affects our lives. The benefit exhibit includes a wide range of works from 25 local and national artists — from photographs by the internationally known Sally Mann to drawings by Richmond’s Theresa Pollak. All works have been discounted 20 percent as incentive. Then, depending on the artist’s cut, the proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross. “We haven’t tried this before but we haven’t really been in this situation before,” says Gallery Director Bev Reynolds. The show runs through Nov. 3.
