A new year of Museum Reads, the Newport Art Museum’s Art-Themed book group for adults, begins on Thursday, January 21, 2021.

Museum Reads, which is sporting a fresh new name, promises engaging conversations with authors and each other on the third Thursday of each month from 12 – 1 pm. Meetings will take place virtually on Zoom, and registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Museum Reads is free for Newport Art Museum members and $5 for non-members. Learn more and register at www.newportartmuseum.org/events.

More about the events from Newport Art Museum;

 
 
January 21 at 12 pm (via zoom):
Murder at Kingscote, A Gilded Newport Mystery
by Alyssa Maxwell

In the late 19th century, Newport, RI is home to some of America’s wealthiest citizens. It’s also the beat of society reporter Emma Cross, a less well-heeled cousin to the illustrious Vanderbilts, who occasionally moonlights in solving murders. This is a fictional mystery with a good amount of historical detail, showcasing the newest form of transportation as the newest type of weapon.The author, Alyssa Maxwell, will join in the discussion. 
February 18 at 12 pm (via zoom):
The Whitney Women and the Museum They Made: A Family Memoir
by Flora Miller BiddleThis fascinating book explores the life of (Art Association of Newport member) Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and her family in their remarkable effort to change the way art was cultivated in America. It is a tale of high ideals, extraordinary altruism, and great dedication that stood steadfast against inflated egos, big businesses, intrigue and greed.Note: This book is for sale at the Museum!
 
March 18 at 12 pm (via zoom):
House of Secrets: The Many Lives of a Florentine Palazzo
by Allison Levy

House of Secrets tells the remarkable story of Palazzo Rucellai from behind its celebrated facade. The story begins in the fifteenth century and continues to the present, when the author, an art historian, serendipitously discovers a room for let in the palazzo, landing her in the vortex of history. This scholarly thriller takes us on a tour of the palazzo, the city of Florence and the lives and drama of the people who lived there.The author, Allison Levy, will join in the discussion. 

Ryan Belmore

Ryan Belmore is the Owner and Publisher of What'sUpNewp.  He has been involved with What’sUpNewp since shortly after its launch in 2012, proudly leading it to be named Best Local News Blog in Rhode Island by Rhode Island Monthly readers in 2018, 2019, and 2020 and an honorable mention in the Common Good Awards in 2021.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Potter League For Animals. He previously served on the boards of Fort Adams Trust, Lucy's Hearth, and the Arts & Cultural Alliance for Newport County.

In 2020, he was named Member of the Year by LION and won the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County's Dominque Award.

He is a member of Local Independent Online News (LION) Publishers, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the North American Snowsports Journalists Association.

Born and raised in Rhode Island, he spent 39 years living in Rhode Island before recently moving to Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife and two rescue dogs. He still considers Rhode Island home, and visits at least once a month.