Name: 3 in 30 | Portraits by Alvin Lester
Start: 2026-03-03T11:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-03-03T11:30:00-05:00
Location: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Join Dr. Sarah Kennel, the Aaron Siskind Curator of Photography and Director of the Raysor Center, as she explores three portraits made by Alvin Lester, who photographed the people and businesses of Richmond’s historic Black neighborhoods between 1989 and 1991. Drawing on his own family’s history of small business entrepreneurship, Lester examines the enduring presence of “Black Wall Streets” as centers of commerce, culture, and community.
Kennel will discuss this important history and explore how Lester collaborated with his subjects to create intimate portraits that honor the dignity and lasting impact of Richmond’s Black professionals and neighborhoods.
Meet in Cochrane Atrium to participate.
Can't make the in-person session? Register for the virtual session of the tour on Thu, Mar 5, at 11 am: https://bit.ly/4bQE3z9
VMFA’s “3 in 30” programs are offered on the first Tuesday of every month. Curators and educators discuss works in the permanent collection and in special exhibitions, considering different themes found across the collection, artistic movements, or a single artist’s body of work.
“3 in 30” programs are free and open to the public.