The Commission 2014: Unveiled!

From the front porch of Morven's Main House (photo: Helen Hilliard)
Over 200 friends and supporters of VCCA gathered at Morven Farm on Saturday, May 10, for the unveiling of The Commission 2014.  

Coming to Know What We've Always Known, the beautiful installation by poet Sally Dawidoff and visual artist Georgia June Goldberg, ran the length of the front lawn of the historic Main House at Morven. Over 100 brightly painted fallen saplings undulated in a line across the lawn. As guests walked the line of trees, the spoken words of poet Sally Dawidoff seemed to emanate from the trees. It was a magical scene.

The installation was the centerpiece of an evening that included gypsy jazz by the Rick Olivarez Trio, delicious food by L'étoile, and a live auction that offered trips to such locales as a nature preserve in South Africa and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz All-Star Gala and Trumpet Competition in Los Angeles.

Fellows currently in residence at VCCA's Mt. San Angelo also attended, many in elaborate headgear fabricated by Fellow Pat Oleszko.

The success of the event goes to Commission Committee Chair, VCCA Fellow, and board member Helen Hilliard, her amazing committee, and staff. The installation was created with the help of many volunteers, a number of of them gathered with the help of UVA professor Bill Bennett. And special thanks to the UVA Foundation and Morven Farm.

It was a wonderful evening of collaborative, creative energy!  The proceeds of the event will benefit the VCCA, a residency program for professional artists, writers, and composers.

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