Some people plan entire vacations around visiting a first-class art museum, but you don’t even have to leave Roanoke to explore the stunning Taubman Museum of Art. There’s so much to explore with 11 galleries, a permanent collection, and temporary exhibits. If you’ve yet to visit or it’s been a while, make plans to stop by to soak up the art. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Plus, it offers extended hours from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. And no matter which day you visit, admission is free.
Take a Tour
If you want to make the most of your experience, consider scheduling a tour. A private tour guide will take you through the collections and exhibits so you can see and learn about the awe-inspiring pieces.
By mixing the art history with the visuals, you’ll gain a new appreciation during the tour. And since it’s a private tour, you’ll have a bit of freedom to linger at your favorite stops. For instance, if you’re drawn to the Virginia Arcadia: The Natural Bridge in American Art exhibit, you can spend a few extra minutes taking it in.
Attend the 64th Annual Sidewalk Art Show
If you find yourself mesmerized by the works of art inside the museum, you can take in some more by attending the 64th Annual Sidewalk Art Show on June 4-5. It’ll take place on the sidewalks outside the museum and will be full of fine art for sale. That includes photographs, original paintings, etchings, and sculptures.
Displaying magnificent works is just one thing the art show and museum have in common. Both also share the free admission policy, so head over to browse even if you don’t think you’ll buy anything.
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Make Your Art
It’s easy to get inspired when viewing the exhibits at the Taubman Museum of Art. You can channel that inspiration into your work to display at home.
First, you can take part in the Paint Your Pet event. The next one is on May 21, with additional dates on most Saturdays. You’ll start by placing your order and paying the fee. It’s $55 for members and $60 for visitors. Then send the museum a picture of your pet, and a painting instructor will use the image to prep the canvas. Next, you’ll pick up the canvas, paint, brushes, and an instructional video to take home. Then you’ll be able to watch the video and paint the picture from home.
Do you prefer to watch your kids tackle artistic endeavors? They can unleash their creativity by attending one of the museums’ upcoming events, such as Play with Clay on July 11 or Paint Spectacular on July 18. And if you have an artistic genius just waiting to break through, the Paint a Masterpiece class on Aug. 1 is the place to be.
It will be a fun-filled summer when you add trips to the museum to your calendar. After all, it’s easy to fill the days when browsing, buying, and creating art.
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