The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA) at Cal State San Bernardino presents a new monthly event called “Cocktails with the Collection” beginning Thursday, March 25, at 5 p.m.

In Cocktails with the Collection the museum takes attendees into the vault (virtually) and discusses objects from collections that are not on display. The art and topics range each month and are set up to be rather informal. This allows attendees to learn more about the collection at RAFFMA.

This month RAFFMA will dive into the Egyptian collection to meet the Bes-image (aka Aha, Ipy, the fighter, and Protector) and explore the many forms of this supernatural being. The host is Kasia Szpakowska, the third annual W. Benson Harer Egyptology Scholar in Residence. This position brings one of the world’s distinguished experts in the field to CSUSB to serve as a visiting faculty member for a semester. 

Szpakowska’s research focuses on ancient Egyptian private religious practices, dreams, gender and cognitive archaeology. Currently she is investigating the role of apotropaic devices and images of supernatural beings as mechanisms for coping with physical and mental health afflictions, and as evidence of “ages of anxiety” in ancient Egypt.

The event is free and open to the public. Register for the event at the Cocktails with the Collection registration page.

For questions, contact raffma@csusb.edu.

About RAFFMA
The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art, nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, houses a collection that includes Egyptian antiquities, ceramics and contemporary art, and hosts 10-12 temporary exhibitions a year. Located at California State University, San Bernardino, RAFFMA presents one of the largest public displays of ancient Egyptian art in Southern California.

The museum offers a variety of opportunities providing valuable hands-on work experience and preparation for future museum-related careers for CSUSB students. RAFFMA is a great location for hosting corporate events, networking events, meetings, social gatherings and K-12 school field trips. During the temporary physical closure of RAFFMA due to the COVID-19 pandemic, guests are invited to participate in RAFFMA @ Home!

Visit the RAFFMA website for more information.