040: Behind the Scenes at Barry Art Museum: Expansion, Education, and Exhibits

In the heart of Norfolk, a burgeoning art oasis known as the Barry Art Museum stands as a testament to the power of creative spaces and the impact they can have on a community. At the forefront of this cultural hotspot is the museum's dynamic executive director, Charlotte Potter Kasic.

Among the most talked about exhibitions is the groundbreaking show on Martha Chase, a pioneer of sanitation dolls. This exhibition weaves together the narratives of medicine, global health, and the unfolding stories of pandemics in an era when these themes resonate more deeply than ever before.

Artistic endeavors at the Barry Art Museum refuse to remain static or conventional. A testament to this sentiment is the discussion of rare dolls through photography, a forthcoming spectacle on the history of automata, and a provocative look at the Barbie doll — a figure both celebrated and scrutinized for its cultural implications.

The Barry Art Museum isn't just expanding its influence through exhibitions and memberships; it is growing, quite literally, with plans to double its gallery space. Expected to open in spring 2026, the expansion will afford an even grander stage for its vast glass collection and incorporate new galleries for dolls, permanent paintings, and versatile third-story changing galleries to showcase a range of art, events, and performances.

This expansion aligns with Kasic's desire to fostering more glass art experiences, capitalizing on Norfolk's historical connection to glass — tracing back to its days as one of Jamestown's first exports. Through outdoor public art exhibits, including celestial installations representing the moon and Mars, the Barry has pushed boundaries, engineering spectacles that tie the arts to the fabric of campus research and partnerships, reiterating the theme that art and education go hand in hand.

In addition to expanding physical space, the latest "Message in a Bottle" exhibit aims to expand minds by delving into the maritime culture integral to Hampton Roads, flawlessly blending historical and contemporary perspectives. This showcase mirrors Kasic's aim of spotlighting homegrown brilliance.

Understanding the significance of nurturing local talent, Kasic wants to re-establish a master's program in partnership with Norfolk State University. This initiative would offer specializations in glass, sculpture, painting, and graphic design, elevating the region as an arts education hub unmatched in the area.

The museum's embrace of community manifests in more than just exhibitions and academic pursuits. It materializes in their inclusive attitude towards visitors, the serene contemplative environment it offers amidst hectic city life, and in the camaraderie and constructive rivalry it maintains with neighboring institutions.

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