The Spring 2025 Powell-Edwards Lecture Series explores the interconnections among spiritual practice, scholarly inquiry and artmaking.

Richmond-based artist, Zen practitioner, and teacher Blythe King will be in conversation with Mimi Winick, Powell Edwards Chair in Religion and the Arts at VCU, on the intersections among art, Zen practice and the role of women in her work. A Q&A will follow the conversation. 

There will be a 5 p.m. reception, followed by the program at 5:30.

Register here.

Speaker

Blythe King’s work is exceptional for its moving revelations in image transfer, collage, and the ancient art of gold leafing. She gives expression to her ongoing deconstruction of images of women through the lens of Zen Buddhist practice. Her work has exhibited regularly throughout Virginia and beyond. She works as an educator, collaborator, program director and practicing artist. In 2021, Blythe launched Open Space Education in response to the growing need for access to nature, art, and alternative modes of learning for young people in Richmond, VA. Blythe’s academic background combines an M.A. in Buddhism and art from the University of Colorado, with undergraduate studies in Japanese religion and art from the University of Richmond. She currently serves as president of the board of Richmond Zen.