In February, 2014 the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection sponsored collaboration between Aboriginal composer and musician William Barton and the Charlottesville High School Orchestra String Ensemble directed by Laura Mulligan Thomas. They performed two of Barton's original compositions, Petrichore and Birdsong at Dusk (with poetry written and performed by Delmae Barton), and Danzas de Panama composed by William Grant Still at the University of Virginia's Culbreth Theatre. This concert was co-sponsored by U.Va. Parents Committee and the McIntire Department of Music.
The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia is the only museum outside of Australia dedicated to the exhibition and study of Indigenous Australian art. Whether onsite or online, we aim to amplify Indigenous perspectives and foster inspirational cross-cultural experiences to deepen appreciation and understanding of our shared humanity. We believe the most inspiring journeys are personal, immersive, uplifting and enlightening, with twists and turns we can’t predict. We provide platforms for you to chart your own path as you explore our unique collection of art and stories that are embedded with deep historical and cultural significance.
We are located in Charlottesville, Virginia and came to exist through the generosity of two prominent American collectors, Edward L. Ruhe and John W. Kluge. To learn more, visit us at kluge-ruhe.org.