Jeffrey Allison, the Paul Mellon Collection educator at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, will present an illustrated lecture, “Brilliant Disorder: The Works of William Blake,” Sunday, Feb. 20, at 3 p.m. at the Esther Thomas Atkinson Museum, 274 College Road, on the Hampden-Sydney College campus. This lecture is sponsored locally by Central Virginia Arts, a partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, in cooperation with Angela Way, Director-Curator of the museum.

This lecture will explore the life and work of William Blake, English poet, mystic, and artist by focusing on his illuminations, prints, and paintings. From his early visions as a child to his later prints and poems, Blake saw the world through the vivid lens of his personal theology. He influenced countless artists and writers, most of which worked longed after his death. Blake's' imaginative genius still enthralls viewers today. Though most often known for his poetry and prose, Blake was also an accomplished artist, regarded as seminal and significant within the history of both art and literature.

Allison, a professional working artist, holds a BA in photography and film from Virginia Intermont College and an MFA in photography from Virginia Commonwealth University. He currently teaches at VMFA Studio School and has taught for over 25 years at institutions across the Commonwealth. He has curated numerous exhibitions, including Through Different Eyes: The Faces of Poverty in Virginia, Unbroken Circle: Unto the Generations, and Egypt Through the Drawing Room: 19th Century Stereographs of Egypt; as well as the Mellon exhibitions, Faces at the Races: Equine Culture in Virginia, Portraits from the Mellon Collection, and A Horse of Course! Equine Images in Art at VMFA, currently traveling throughout the Commonwealth.

Jeffrey was series consultant for the five book series, Show Me America, which focused on artists who have shaped the way we see our nation. Most recently, Jeffrey was consultant on the upcoming Discovery Channel series Ancient Origins of Native Americans and the New York Times Magazine article, Horace Bristol and the Grapes of Wrath. Awards include the 2010 John Kent Shumate Advocate of the Year.

This program, which is free and open to the public, has been organized by the VMFA Office of Statewide Partnerships and is supported by the Paul Mellon Endowment. It is sponsored locally by CVA, a partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, in cooperation with Angie Way, Director and Curator of the Atkinson Museum.

For more information, call Marianne Dennison, (434) 392-6804. A reception will follow the lecture.