Radford University has been chosen by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to kick off its 75th anniversary celebration by hosting the “Van Gogh, Lichtenstein, Whistler: Masterpieces of World Art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts” exhibition beginning Jan. 21, 2011 in the RU Art Museum at the Covington Center for Visual and Performing Arts. An opening night reception will be held in the museum that evening from 5-8 p.m. and the public is invited to attend. The VMFA special exhibition is supported by Altria Group and will run through March 4, 2011.

Built in Richmond in 1936, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) was designed with one purpose in mind: to serve as the state's flagship art museum and headquarters for an art educational network bringing masterpieces from throughout the ages to every corner of the commonwealth.

“We are thrilled to be able to share the treasures of the museum with the Radford community and inaugurate our 75th anniversary,” said Robin Nicholson, VMFA deputy director for art and education. “As the largest statewide art museum in the country, VMFA is always looking for opportunities to share its collections and programs throughout the state.”

Radford University is honored to earn the exclusive distinction of representing VMFA's first special exhibition showcasing its storied 75-year history as the pinnacle of artistic excellence in Virginia, according to Richard Bay, associate professor of art/art education and co-director of the RU Art Museum.

“What we’re truly getting is a microcosm of their entire collection,” said Bay. “Other than making a special trip to Washington, D.C., or Richmond, some of the students and people in southwest Virginia may never get a chance to see anything like this again.”

The timeless exhibition showcases some of the finest works from more than 30 artistic masters worldwide, such as Post-Impressionistic icon Vincent Van Gogh, American impressionist James Abbot McNeil Whistler, pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, contemporary artist and Virginia-native Sally Mann, and much more.

Bringing the collection to Radford University was a year-long process which required a dedicated campus-wide effort, according to Bay. The RU Art Museum underwent significant renovations during this time, including the installation of new bamboo floors, an improved climate control system, museum-standard lighting and enhanced security measures throughout.

“We have a long history of working with partners who are upgrading their museum and gallery facilities to ensure they meet the standards necessary to display our collections,” Nicholson said. “VMFA staff consulted on many aspects of the new (RU Art Museum) facility—security, interiors, storage, HVAC—in the hope that these upgrades would enable Radford to become one of our museum partners.”

“Van Gogh, Lichtenstein, Whistler: Masterpieces of World Art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts” could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for RU, the community, historians and art aficionados alike, according to Bay.

“A museum is about educating our students, faculty and the public as to how to view and appreciate art at the highest level,” said Bay. “It's about planting that seed in someone’s mind and in their heart about the beauty that’s truly in the world and created by these individual artistic masters across time.”

RU Art Museum hours are Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For additional information, please call 540-831-5754.