Heaven is a Place on Earth This Month at the Gardner Museum

Photo credit: Natasha Moustache

The monthly Third Thursday event at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum continues on March 15 with “Heaven is a Place on Earth.” Inspired by the current Fra Angelico: Heaven on Earth exhibition running through May 20, the event brings together college students and young professionals for a night of performances, gallery activities, and hands-on art making.

Setting the scene for the evening, local artist Black Venus will DJ in the courtyard, spinning a set of songs in celebration of National Women’s History Month from iconic femme artists of the past and present.

“I’m curating a playlist inspired from women throughout history,” says Black Venus. “I play a lot of jazz and soul music, pulling soothing sounds from artists like Sade, Anita Baker, India.Arie, Erykah Badu, and others who have been big influences in my life, personally, as an artist.”

Black Venus leads a conversation about personal response to the special exhibition “Close Up: Piermatteo D’Amelia’s The Annunciation,” during a Third Thursday in February 2017. // Photo credit: Leonardo March

Working with the Gardner Museum since 2016, Black Venus was brought in as a Neighborhood Salon Luminary, performing and initiating dialogue about connecting with the community. They say Third Thursday is their favorite museum even – and with good reason.

“It’s one of my favorite nights because the museum just comes to life,” they say. “Whenever I go, I feel super energized. It’s all about the spirit of celebrating the community and art. It’s just magical.”

Photo credit: Natasha Moustache

Additionally, the evening will feature performances by Gardner artist-in-residence Ana Prvački and the Boston-based Verona Quartet with “Tent Quartet, Bows, and Elbows,” a sculpture and sound piece with the musicians playing inside a fabric structure. Associate Curator Nathaniel Silver will lead a spotlight talk on the Fra Angelico exhibition, and Director of Public Programs Jessie Smith will take the reins on a gallery activity. Attendees will also participate in a museum-wide scavenger hunt.

Black Venus says they prefer to leave each Third Thursday a mystery.

“I like to be surprised,” they say. “I’m really just going in excited for the experience overall and for all of the things I’ll encounter throughout the night.”

Photo credit: Natasha Moustache

For Boston art lovers who have never attended a Third Thursday, Black Venus urges everyone to experience this month’s event.

“It’s all about beauty, art, and good vibes,” they say. “I’m really thankful to the Gardner Museum for allowing me to share my craft. As always, I’m looking forward to what this Third Thursday is going to be like and I’m so happy to be a part of it.”

“Heaven is a Place on Earth” graces the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on March 15, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets are only $5 for students, $12 for seniors, and $15 for adults. Children under 18 receive free admission. Purchase online or pay at the door. 

Black Venus in the Gardner Museum galleries. // Photo credit: Natasha Moustache

For more information, visit gardnermuseum.org.