Blog
Announcing VisArts’ 2026 Distinguished Service Awardee
Every spring, the Visual Arts Center of Richmond recognizes a longtime friend of the organization who has demonstrated a sustained and extraordinary commitment to our mission. A beloved member of our community since 1988, VisArts is honored to present this year’s Distinguished Service Award to Frankie Slaughter.
Frankie is a mixed-media artist who works with a variety of materials including paint, encaustic, textile, paper, and porcelain. Over the years, she’s taken countless classes at VisArts—in every studio but the wood shop. “I see myself as a lifelong learner and student of the arts,” shared Frankie, “and VisArts has allowed me an open space for that learning—offering me that exposure to new art forms, always allowing me the chance to experiment, and to make those art ‘mistakes’ which oftentimes lead to those magical, accidental creative discoveries. I can and have taken all that I learn there in classes back to my studio to continue my exploration and process-based approach to my art practice.”
Beyond her involvement as a student, Frankie has been a friend to the organization in many other ways: She has served on our board of directors, volunteered on our Craft + Design and Collectors’ Night committees, welcomed our community into her home for artist and donors events, and has donated work to our annual auction. (Frankie’s artwork will be featured in this year’s auction, too!)
Frankie’s perspective as a professional artist, VisArts student, and Fan neighbor equips her with an invaluable perspective to champion our mission, and we are so grateful for her steadfast support. When asking her what receiving the Distinguished Service Award means to her, Frankie replied:
“I am humbled as I review the list of past recipients of this service award and to be in their company is truly an honor. I am absolutely delighted that VisArts is the thriving art place that it is, and it has been my privilege to be a part of such a creative and welcoming community. It is especially meaningful as someone who values the arts and the practice of making, and to be in association with a space which values art and art community is my privilege. Art is about individual thought and action, and I praise the VisArts organization for valuing the creative process which has always been of utmost importance in our world, and is especially in these trying times.”
To formally celebrate Frankie’s service to VisArts, please join us at the 40th Annual Collectors’ Night on Saturday, May 2, 2026.