Celebrating the Legacy of Frida Kahlo with The Paramount Theater and The Fralin Museum of Art
THE PARAMOUNT THEATER, FRALIN MUSEUM OF ART AT UVA, AND VIRGNIA THEATRE FESTIVAL JOIN FORCES THIS SPRING AND SUMMER TO CELEBRATE ICONIC ARTIST AND CULTURAL FIGURE FRIDA KAHLO
The Paramount Theater To Present Exhibition on Screen: Frida Kahlo on Wednesday, May 20
The Fralin Museum of Art at UVA To Host “Art Together Paint and Sip” Event on Thursday, June 18
Virginia Theatre Festival To Present Frida…A Self Portrait From July 23-26
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – May 13, 2026 – This summer in Charlottesville, everything is coming up Frida!
A trio of the area’s leading arts organizations, including The Paramount Theater, The Fralin Museum of Art at UVA, and the Virginia Theatre Festival, are joining forces to celebrate the life, work, and legacy of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo with a series of phenomenal presentations and events.
The celebration begins with a special Paramount Theater event – Exhibition on Screen™ — Frida Kahlo at The Paramount Theater on Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00 PM. The award-winning film, directed by Ali Ray, was first released to a restricted audience during COVID and takes audiences on a fascinating journey through the life of an icon, uncovering the true story of her rebellious, passionate, and turbulent life. The film will feature exciting new additions from the blockbuster transatlantic exhibition from Tate Britain and MFA Houston, Frida Kahlo: The Making of an Icon. The event will be introduced by Karen E. Milbourne, J. Sanford Miller Family Director of The Fralin Museum of Art.
“We are proud to work alongside other community arts organizations, the Fralin Museum of Art and the Virginia Theatre Festival. Honoring an artist who continues to captivate generations of art and culture lovers like few artists ever have in three different formats is a treat. Kahlo’s work and her extraordinary, passionate, and rebellious life, is truly remarkable” said Paramount Theater Director of Operations & Programming Matthew Simon.
Tickets for Exhibition on Screen™ — Frida Kahlo are currently on sale at theparamount.net.
The Fralin Museum of Art will also host a hands-on experience, “Art Together Paint and Sip,” for the community on Thursday, June 18 at 6:00 PM. The event, which will be held on The Fralin Museum’s outdoor plaza, will welcome art lovers and Kahlo enthusiasts to learn watercolor techniques inspired by the legendary artist’s vibrant florals. Frida-inspired drinks and light bites will be served!
“Having The Fralin Museum of Art join forces with the Virginia Theatre Festival and The Paramount Theater—two outstanding Charlottesville arts organizations—makes each of us stronger. The motto of The Fralin is “art together,” Fralin Director Karen Milbourne said. “We invite Charlottesville and communities beyond to come together with us and find inspiration in the life and legacy of Frida Kahlo. See the play and unleash your own creativity!”
Pre-registration is available here, and non-member tickets are $25.00. Fralin Museum Members receive complimentary tickets and priority registration through May 18.
The summer-long celebration will conclude when the Virginia Theatre Festival presents Frida…A Self Portrait, from July 23-July 26 in the Ruth Caplin Theatre.
The show, written and performed by acclaimed actor and playwright Vanessa Severo and directed by Joanie Schultz, brings to life one of the world’s most iconic and enduring cultural figures. It is an unfailingly original and boldly theatrical experience that sheds light on the artist as well as the performer while exploring how we shape ourselves through the art we love. Severo unlocks moving parallels between herself and Frida Kahlo while crafting a poetic performance that explores Kahlo’s breathtaking life and astonishing genius.
On Friday, July 24, Karen E. Milbourne will lead a post-show Community Conversation with members of the cast and creative team.
“We are proud to be a part of this celebration of one of the most remarkable artists of the 20th century, who continues to captivate generations because of her work, her passion, and the way she lived her extraordinary life,” said Virginia Theatre Festival Artistic Director Jenny Wales. “This powerhouse, poetic performance by Vanessa Severo offers remarkable insight into the life Frida lived, and also explores how we shape ourselves through the art we love.”
Tickets for Frida…A Self Portrait start at $15 and are on sale now at virginiatheatrefestival.org.
