You searched for: “vernissages
vernissage (s) (noun), vernissages (pl)
1. A private showing or a preview that is held before the opening of an art exhibition: Nicholas was invited to the vernissage of his friend’s art work on the weekend before the official opening of the art gallery for the public.
2. Etymology: vernissage has its origins in the old practice of setting aside a day before an exhibition's opening for artists to varnish and to put finishing touches to their paintings.
This entry is located in the following unit: English Words in Action, Group V (page 1)