Shut Up and Art: New Year, New Self-Portrait

"I'm even inclined to believe that the portrait will tell you better than my letter how I am" - Vincent Van Gogh

Van Gogh believed that the self-portrait was the deepest form of introspection. Therefore, in honor of the new year, we invite you to gather at the VMFA to think deeply about who you are and who you might become in 2026.

Artists will start gathering at 10am in the VMFA cafe (we’ll have a sign) where we'll chat and socialize while waiting for everyone to arrive. At 10:30, we will remain in the cafe to shut up and make art. Afterwards, we'll debrief before adjourning.

Since we will be staying in the cafe, you are welcome to bring the medium of your choice, though it's recommended you keep the oil paints at home. Additionally, for those who enjoy collages, the host will provide magazines, scissors, and glue sticks along with some prompts to help get the artistic gears moving.

Not interested in making a self-portrait? No worries! Feel free to join us anyways and create art of your own choosing.