VCUarts hosts a mixer at the Depot.
Blair Clemo’s “Today I Am a Boy Cocktail,” inspired by mixologist Danny McDermott (Acacia).
Photo by Heather McCAlla
Acacia mixologist Danny McDermott crafts his cocktail “For Today I am a Boy.”
Photo by Terry Brown
Adam Whitney’s “Silver Diamond Cup Set”
Photo by Adam Whitney
Gregg Brooks with Belle Isle Craft Spirits crafts his cocktail, “A Rough Night with the Eagles.”
Photo by Terry Brown
Heather McCalla’s “Over Under Punch” bowl and cups inspired by mixologist T. Leggett (Roosevelt).
Photo by Heather McCalla
Katey Murphy’s “Black Mirror Cocktail” glasses, inspired by mixologist Derek Solerno (Shagbark).
Photo by Heather McCalla
Ted Elmore, Katie Ukrop and Adam Dorland submit their silent auction bids by smart phone.
Photo by Terry Brown
Craft/Material Studies faculty member Bo Yoon and Music faculty member Justin Alexander, perform Yoon’s teapot helmet piece, “Music, Craft, and Communication through objects.”
Photo by Terry Brown
Marcia and Harry Thalhimer discussing Bo Yoon’s “Glass Helmet” piece in the silent auction.
Photo by Terry Brown
University of Richmond president, Dr. Ronald A. Crutcher and first lady, Dr. Betty Neal Crutcher with VCUarts Craft/Material Studies chairperson, Sonya Clark, and VCUarts Music chairperson, Darryl Harper.
Photo by Terry Brown
On Friday, Oct. 28 the Craft department at VCUarts, led by fiber professor and department chair Sonya Clark, hosted “Toast,” a fundraiser that paired local mixologists with students, faculty, and alumni from the program to conceptualize and live-create cocktails and vessels in which to serve them. “Objects ranged from humorous to thoughtful to artful to functional,” says Clark, “with every combination in between.”
Acacia mixologist Danny McDermott’s twist on a classic martini, for example, inspired assistant professor of craft and material studies Blair Clemo to create a collection of white ceramic cups, painted with geometric patterns and entitled, “For Today I Am a Boy Cocktail,” which sold for $500 during the live auction. The collaborations between the mixologists and the artists were a huge hit, says Clark, who explains that the $40,000 raised will allow the department to continue funding student international travel and research opportunities.
Held at the recently renovated Depot on Broad Street, formerly a trolley station and now home to VCUarts programs, “Toast” also featured a silent auction of craft work. More than 100 faculty, students, and community members attended the event. Vendors participating in the event included mixologists from Heritage, the Roosevelt, Acacia, Pasture, Belle Isle Craft Spirits, Reservoir Distillery, James River Distillery, Shagbark, Strangeways Brewery and Saison. Arts.VCU.edu/craft
Here are some other upcoming events at VCUarts: Volume This exhibit centers on sound, space and the rise of the female voice. Nov. 4, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Quirk Hotel, 207 West Broad Street | Richmond Objects + Methods Lecture Morehshin Allahyari, an Iranian-American artist talks about her work in new media, and as an activist and educator. Nov. 10, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. The Depot, 814 West Broad Street | Richmond Visiting Artist Daniel Shea is in residence and available to meet and discuss his work in photography and installation. Nov. 15, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The Depot, 814 West Broad Street | Richmond Jazz Orchestra VCU’s jazz orchestra plays their second show of the season. Nov. 22, $10, 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Avenue | Richmond Annual Holiday Gala VCUarts host their annual gala and concert, with proceeds benefitting the Doorways. Dec. 9, $10, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Avenue | Richmond
