November 2014 E-Newsletter

In This Issue

New Closing Time

Intern News

Roots House Request

Thank You

Blog Posts

Calendar of Events

Donors

Holiday Open House

Trip Advisor

Preschool Palette

New Closing Time
November 1 through March 31, the Museum will be closing at 4 p.m. Staff offices and the Stafford County Visitor Center's closing time will remain 5 p.m. In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Museum and Stafford County Visitor Center will be closed November 27.

Intern News
My name is Carolyn Tarne and I'm a senior at the University of Mary Washington. I'm a Classical Civilization major with a Museum Studies minor. As an intern here at Belmont, I am working on cataloging and archiving the museum's collection; currently, I am working on objects located in the Library. After graduation, I hope to have a career in the museum field.

Roots House Request
Additional funding is needed to complete termite treatment, prune the walnut tree in front of the Roots house, and cap the well and repair its concrete apron. Anyone interested in helping support these projects should contact Beate Jensen at 540/ 654-1839 or Director David Berreth, at 540/654-1840

Thank You

Left to right Joan Gaston, Karen Anderson, Jack Greene. Not present: Skip Smith and John Wiltenmuth.

We would like to thank our Master Naturalists for their continued support maintaining our trails and leading the last Sunday of the month guided tours.

The next Master Naturalist-led Woodland Hike is Sunday, November 30 at 2pm.

Blog Posts
A Plein Air Artist's Paradise Artists of all types and ages are encouraged to use Belmont as the backdrop for their artistic pursuits. Gari Melchers enjoyed plein air painting his entire career. Of special note to us are the pictures he produced at or around Belmont, his Virginia country home from 1916 to 1932.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Film Screening The Great Confusion: The 1913 Armory Show Sunday, Oct 26, 2pm Introduction with Q & A afterward by Executive Producer Terri Templeton Thousands of Americans pushed their way through the doors of the 69th Regiment Armory on the east side of New York City while a battle was waging "for or against" Modern Art for the first time. What they saw would annoy and infuriate some...and captivate, delight, and inspire many. Film Preview, free. [Read More...] Wet Your Whistle Wednesday [CANCELLED] Wednesday, November 5, 5pm Tour of the Roots House Sunday, Nov, 9, 2pm Site Preservation Manager Beate Ankjaer-Jensen will present findings on the restorations of the Fannie Roots House, which adjoins Belmont at its entrance. A tour of the site will be given, free. [Read More...]

DONOR PLAQUE ADDITIONS
A number of long-time Belmont supporters have recently reached a cumulative giving amount ($10,000 or more) that qualifies for permanent listing on our major donor plaque hanging in the Studio Pavilion's lobby. Thank you to the following Friends who have helped us so much over the years. Paul A. Dresser, Jr. Carolyn Engelhardt Lucy and Wayne Harman Linda and John Janney The Mosaic Foundation Alice and Gary Nuckols Janel and Joe O'Malley Mary Wynn and Charles McDaniel Kathleen Sullivan and George Fish Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Rosner

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY
JOIN US Annual Holiday Open House Wednesday December 10 6-8 pm The evening offers the chance to tour the house and studio and enjoy the delightful interior decorations inspired by Corinne Melchers and see the exterior decorated by the Fawn Lake Garden and Home Club. In the Pavilion, members and guests will enjoy light refreshments, seasonal music and a cash bar for beer, wine and a festive signature cocktail, the Melchers Cosmopolitan, inspired by Gari Melchers' membership in New York's Cosmopolitan Club, where the popular drink originated. Admission to the Holiday Open House is free for Friends of Belmont and $10 for accompanying guests and the general public. Reservations are required at 540/654-1830 or sweinste@umw.edu, by Wednesday, December 3.

TRIP ADVISOR
Our Latest Trip Advisor Reviews

PRESCHOOL PALETTE
Children ages 2-5 with an adult enjoy a story, garden walk, hands-on art project, and a visit to the art gallery or historic house. Classes run from 10-11 am. November Class Dates: Nov 11, 13, 14 $10/child (Members $8) NEW! Register Online Questions? Contact Education and Communications Manager Michelle Crow-Dolby at 540/654-1851.

Michelle Crow-Dolby, Editor

Education and Communications Manager

Past e-newsletter issues can be found on our website.

Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont was the home and studio of prominent portraitist and American Impressionist painter Gari Melchers (1860-1932) from 1916 until his death. The 18th century Georgian mansion, outbuildings, and formal gardens were modified and expanded to serve as an elegant country retreat for the artist and his wife, who had left their longtime European home at the outbreak of WWI. Melchers was one of the most respected artists of his generation. Upon Corinne Melchers' death in 1955, the property and all its contents were deeded to the Commonwealth of Virginia, making Belmont one of the most complete and authentic artists' homes in America.

Administered by the University of Mary Washington, the museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a National Historic Landmark, and is included in the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Historic Artists' Homes and Studios consortium.