October 31, 2011— Benjamin Ray, adjunct curator of African art at the University of Virginia Art Museum, will give a Lunchtime Talk on the African art on view in the museum's Object Study Gallery on Nov. 15, from noon to 1 p.m.

Ray is a professor of religious studies in U.Va.'s College of Arts & Sciences. For the past 30 years his teaching and research has focused on the indigenous religions of sub-Saharan Africa and African forms of Christianity. He teaches courses on African art and religion, Yoruba religion and death and the afterlife. His publications include "African Regions: Symbol, Ritual and Community" and "Myth, Ritual and Kingship in Buganda."

In his talk, "How to Talk About African Art," Ray will cover general information about the variety found in African art and the history of collection of these objects, then will discuss the specific pieces on view in the Object Study Gallery in greater detail.

The museum's Lunchtime Talks, free and open to the public, are usually held on the second Tuesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. These lectures offer the opportunity to join curators and faculty as they explore topics related to museum collections and exhibitions.

Visitor and handicap accessible parking is available directly behind the Museum on Bayly Drive, off Rugby Road. Additional parking is available in the surface lot on Rugby Road directly across from the museum, adjacent to Madison Bowl. Parking permits for these lots are available at the museum's front desk.
 
For information, call 434-243-2050 or e-mail museumoutreach@virginia.edu. The museum is located at 155 Rugby Road, one block from the Rotunda.