Free First Thursdays
February
Thursday, February 2, 2023
3 - 9 pm
THROUGHOUT THE MUSEUM
Thursday, February 2, 2023
3 - 9 pm
THROUGHOUT THE MUSEUM
Enjoy an evening of discovery and community during this extra special Free First Thursdays: Spades Night! Players of all levels are welcome to learn more about the history of spades as a staple of Black culture and how the inspiration for the evening came from a century-old playing card in the Museum’s archives. Try your hand at a game of spades and join local creative and Gardner Museum Salon Luminary James Adius Pierre with collaborators Marvin L. Venay and Wynndell Bishop.
The dress code is black and all are invited to come dressed to impress in their best outfits. Explore art, architecture, and seasonal horticulture displays in the Palace. The Café is open late for dinner and drinks. Museum admission is free from 3 pm through 9 pm and interactive programs kick off at 5 pm.
Try your hand at a game of spades and join local creative and Gardner Museum Salon Luminary James Adius Pierre with collaborators Marvin L. Venay and Wynndell Bishop to learn more about the history of spades as a staple of Black culture and how inspiration for the evening came from a century-old playing card in the Museum’s archives.
Explore art, architecture, and seasonal horticulture displays in the Palace. The Café is open late for dinner and drinks.
Living Room
Learn the rules of engagement, playing terminology, and the history of the game of spades as a staple of Black culture.
Bertucci Education Studio
Join a game and try your hand at a beginner or mid-level table. Rules, cards, and guidance will be provided. No prior experience is necessary at the deuce level.
Calderwood Hall
Catch a screening of a short film that details the origins of Spades Night and the card from the Museum’s archives that started it all. Stay afterward for a talkback with collaborators and creatives James Adius Pierre, Marvin L. Venay, and Wyndell Bishop, as they share about the making of the night. Together, speakers will reflect on the importance of passing down knowledge through generations and gathering and creating spaces to connect around culture.
Calderwood Hall
The tournament begins! Sign-up is for serious players only. This tournament will be overseen by the evening’s co-hosts.
Free with General Admission. Advance registration is required for General Admission, and timed entry tickets.
HOW TO BUY
ACCESSIBILITY
To request accessible or companion seating, or to inquire about other accommodations, please call the Box Office at 617 278 5156 in advance of the program.
Free days are supported in part by the Wallace Minot Leonard Foundation and the Liberty Mutual Foundation.
Education and community programs receive support from the Vertex Foundation, Rowland Foundation, the Yawkey Foundation, The Beker Foundation, Liberty Mutual Foundation, The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation, Thomas Anthony Pappas Charitable Foundation, and Janet Burke Mann Foundation.
Studio activities are generously sponsored by the Polly Thayer Starr Charitable Trust.
The Neighborhood Salon is supported in part by the Barr Foundation ArtsAmplified Initiative and the Polly Thayer Starr Charitable Trust.
The Museum also receives operating support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which is supported by the state of Massachusetts and the National Endowment for the Arts.