VRA 32, A Visual Approach continues the rich tradition of offering exceptional opportunities to engage with VRA colleagues around inspiring programs, speakers and special events. With this message, we set our sights on the conference hotel: the elegant, historic and well-situated Pfister.

Continuing the VRA's recent success with independent, boutique-style hotels, the 2014 conference takes advantage of many wonderful aspects of Milwaukee's premier hotel.

Offering a WOW from your first step into the lobby, you will find ample opportunity to wander and appreciate the charms of the Pfister. (Some guests have even indicated the ambience of the Pfister extends to visits from the spirit of its founder, Charles Pfister.) Make time to wander the mezzanine to preview the hotel's renowned Victorian art collection. Another point of pride is the artist in residence program, featuring Stephanie Barenz and her Pfister studio & gallery.

Guest accommodations will be either in the historic 1890s block, or in the 1960s circular tower. While it may be chilly outdoors, bring your swimming suit to take a dip in the pool on the top (23rd) floor of the tower. Wherever you will rest your head, the majority of our conference program is scheduled for the 7th floor, with beautifully appointed large and small meeting spaces.

This year, Valentine's Day not only marks the end of early bird conference registration rates, it is the final date the Pfister is obligated to honor special conference rates for accommodations. Don’t delay! There are rooms available most nights, especially as members finalize their existing reservations. But acknowledging the challenges some have had in completing those reservations, the Pfister has arranged a block of rooms in its sister property, the Intercontinental, a manageable six-block walk from the Pfister. The rate at the Intercontinental will be $129+taxes, single or double occupancy. A link to the InterContinental may be found at the bottom of the accommodations page on the conference website.

Make sure to meet the February 14 deadline for reduced conference registration and conference lodging rates. And if you have already registered, it is possible to reopen your registration to add additional events. Spaces still remain in most special events (walking tours, free & low cost workshops, the Drink & Draw with Stephanie Barenz, etc.)

ARLIS/NA members can register at the VRA-member rate!

Main conference website

http://www.vraweb.org/conferences/vra32/

Conference registration

http://www.vraweb.org/conferences/vra32/registration/

Accommodations

http://www.vraweb.org/conferences/vra32/accommodations/

See you there,
Cindy

Cindy Abel Morris
VRA VP Conference Arrangements
Manager, Bunting Library, UNM
[log in to unmask]

John J. Taormina
Director, Visual Media Center and
Coordinator, Communications & Publications
Coordinator, Exhibitions
Dept. of Art, Art History & Visual Studies
Duke University
Box 90764, Durham NC 27708

Ph: 919-684-2501
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
http://aahvs.duke.edu/

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