February 22, 2008 — This month's "Final Friday" reception at the University of Virginia Art Museum, to be held Feb. 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., will provide guests an opportunity to meet Elizabeth Turner, the University's vice provost for the arts and interim director of the museum. Turner will say a few words and be available for informal conversation about plans for the museum's future — its academic mission, public programs and exhibits that enrich the community.

Turner, an expert in American art, joined the McIntire Department of Art as University Professor in September. Prior to coming to U.Va., Turner was senior curator of the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., where she created groundbreaking exhibitions and scholarly publications in a career that spanned almost two decades at that institution. A Charlottesville native, Turner is also a "triple 'Hoo'," having earned bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in art history at U.Va.

Guests will also be able to tour the current museum exhibit, "Landscape of Slavery: The Plantation in American Art," which is on view through April 20.

Admittance to "Final Fridays" is free to museum members and students and $3 for non-members. Parking for this event will be available at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Rugby Road in addition to the A6 parking lot across the street from the museum.

The museum is open to the public free of charge Tuesday through Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m.

For information, call (434) 924-3592 or visit the museum Web site at www.virginia.edu/artmuseum.