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Old Dominion University will welcome the community to its new art museum starting Wednesday, November 14 from 4 to 7 PM. The 24,000-square-foot space is located at the corner of Hampton Boulevard and 43rd Street in Norfolk.
The museum currently exhibits gifts from the Barry collection in three main areas: international glass sculpture, 20th-century American modernist paintings, and historic fashion dolls and European automata.
Under the guidance of Executive Director Jutta Annette-Page, Ph.D., the museum will focus on glass pieces from internationally renowned artists like Dale Chihuly, Lino Tagliapietra, Don Dailey, Harvey Littleton, and more. Works by former and current ODU faculty members will also be featured, along with a gallery space for educational activities for children and young adults.
Annette-Page has curated art with similar intentions, but from different time periods and in contrasting mediums in the four galleries. The museum has installed glass art alongside paintings on the walls, creating an engaging visitor experience and multi-level journey. At the preview event on Monday, artist Laura Donefer remarked she’s “never seen diversity like this,” adding that “students will learn to think outside of boundaries” and “about art and glass in the same breath.”
The stunning space houses surprising and eye-catching works. The ground floor is fashioned with a permanent large fountain, titled “Fountain of Inspiration,” by artist Ben Tré. Artist David Small designed projections that make words appear from the water, floating onto the floor and walls, and becoming phrases and quotes.
Perhaps the most unusual piece is the museum’s collection of dolls from the 18th and 19th centuries, many of which were showcased at World’s Fairs. The doll gallery also displays a number of European automata, often used as parlor entertainment in the 19th century. Because automata are difficult to operate, the museum commissioned a contemporary one to serve as a demo.
According to Annette-Page, the Barry Art Museum is meant to “resonate with us on an emotional level.” The space is free and open to all, encouraging play, connection, exploration, and innovation. See for yourself starting Wednesday, November 14.
Learn more at odu.edu/barryartmuseum.
