February 2015 E-Newsletter

In This Issue

In the News

New Video

Annual Appeal

UMW Intern

Blog Post

Spotlight Exhibition

Events Calendar

FOB Trip

Preschool Palette

Video
Thanks to Marc Allred of Precision Resource Management Imagery for capturing this amazing aerial footage of Belmont!

In the News
Romance Alexandria and Fredericksburg: Just A Train Ride Away 20 Virginia Attractions, Scoutology

Annual Appeal
In addition to those listed in the January e-news, the following Friends have made contributions to our first Annual Appeal. We have now received over 60 contributions totaling over $9,000. Thank you to all who responded so generously! Kathleen & Phillip Atkins Elizabeth Daly Natalie & Ray Davis Ann & Basil Doumas Catherine Green Ann & Joseph Howard Evelyn Kealey Mary Cary Kendall Beverly King Louise & Bill Morton Alice & Gary Nuckols Janel & Joe O'Malley Jackie & Tom Rorrer Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Saller Mr. & Mrs. Charles Schwartzman Barbara & Thomas Segar Jean & Charles Sniffin Nancy Snyder Norma & Robert Starkweather Liz & Chip Sudduth Monecia Taylor Barbara & C.M. Williams Sylvia Woodcock Alan Zirkle

UMW Intern
University of Mary Washington senior Brianna Nieland is majoring in art history with a minor in museum studies. Under the supervision of Curator Joanna Catron, the Fredericksburg resident will finish the project of photographing and cataloging the house furnishings. Welcome Brianna!

Blog Update
Winter Gardening Winter is a good time to settle down with seed and plant catalogs and a nice cup of hot tea. [More...]

SPOTLIGHT EXHIBITION
Crimson Rambler To Visit The Crimson Rambler, a painting unique to Gari Melchers' body of work, will make a special appearance February 28 through June 7, thanks to a generous loan from private collectors. Read the press release.

EVENTS CALENDAR
Sweetheart Wine Pairing Dinner Saturday, February 14, 5:30 pm Celebrate this special day with a four-course dinner catered by Dori Farrell, featuring wines chosen for each course by Ingleside Winery. Members $75/non-members $95 (no tax or gratuity!); Reservations required by February 7, 540/654-1848 or blabar@umw.edu. DINNER FLYER 'Rappahannock' Film Screening Sun, Feb 15, 2 pm Belmont is partnering with Friends of the Rappahannock for a showing of their new 45-minute film, 'Rappahannock.' This historic and cultural film about the Rappahannock River is produced by Oscar-nominated Bailey Silleck. John Odenkirk of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will give a short presentation about the river's health in our area and the impact of the Embrey Dam removal; a Q&A will follow. This is a family-friendly, free event. Rob Hedelt's review. Woodland Hike Sunday, February 22, 2pm Conducted by Virginia Master Naturalists, these informative hikes cover a mile of trails in both woodlands and fields and touch on Belmont's historic ruins. Meet outside the Visitor Center, free. Director's Tour for Members Sunday, March 1, 2pm, free Behind-the-scenes tour led by Director David Berreth. Open to Friends of Belmont and guests. Space is limited. Please reserve your spot via email or by calling 540-654-1840.

FRIENDS OF BELMONT TRIP

Bryant Park (Twilight)

by Gari Melchers

Friends of Belmont Trip

New York City

March 5-8

We will travel to the Bellarmine Museum in Fairfield, Connecticut for a special presentation by curator Joanna Catron at the opening of the exhibition, "

Gari Melchers: American Impressionist at Home and Abroad."

Highlights include:

3 Nights at the Marriott Upper East Side on 49th St., midtown Manhattan
Personal tour of Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing
Visit to the Frick Collection

Reservations by February 10; TRIP FLYER

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. February Classes: Feb 10, 12, 13 $10/child (Members $8) 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.