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VisArts’ 2024 Distinguished Service Award winner continues family legacy of supporting the arts
If you have attended the Visual Arts Center’s Craft+Design event in the last few years, you have likely seen Stephanie McGrath there, behind the scenes, coordinating, training and guiding volunteers. McGrath is a marketing and organizing professional and an art enthusiast who has volunteered at many VisArts events over the past eight years. Her dedication has earned her the 2024 Distinguished Service Award from VisArts.
She also will be presented with her award May 11 at 38th Annual Collectors’ Night presented by Dominion Energy. The Distinguished Service Award honors a longtime friend of the Visual Arts Center of Richmond who has demonstrated a sustained and extraordinary commitment to the organization.
“It’s my favorite time of year, “ she says. Raised with a love of art under the guidance of her mother and grandmother – both artists – Stephanie developed a passion for the visual and performing arts. She took a few classes at VisArts before being recruited as a volunteer and has also served on the Collectors’ Night committee, volunteered her time at VisArts’ Chili Throwdown and helped organize historic photos for VisArts’ 60th anniversary in 2023.
“Stephanie is one of the most passionate volunteers we’ve ever had and we’re thrilled to honor all of her years of work,” expressed VisArts Executive Director Jordan Brown. “Her love for Craft + Design shows in all she does and her commitment to support the staff and everyone at the show is incredible.”
Beyond VisArts, Stephanie has several other organizations where she donates her time. She is a third-generation member of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Council, where she has served as the treasurer and chair of the Technology Committee. She also is an active member of the Richmond Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and volunteers on the state and regional level for her sorority, Phi Mu.
Professionally, Stephanie is a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing professionals (NAPOP), where she has served as president of the Richmond chapter and national chair and co-chair of the group’s research committee. Honoring her love of photography, she is a member of The Photo Managers, an organization for professional photographers.
VisArts has presented the Distinguished Service Award since 1987 and past recipients include Pam and Bill Royall, Brian Jackson, Carter Reid, Priscilla Burbank, Rhona Arenstein and Kathryn Gray, Patty Wilkerson, among many others.
Consider making a donation to the Visual Arts Center of Richmond in honor of this year’s Distinguished Service Award recipient, Stephanie McGrath. All donations are 100% deductible. After making your donation, click “Pay” and select “Click Here to Pay” to finalize your payment. You will be receive a confirmation email once the payment is processed.
Have you purchased your Collectors’ Night tickets yet? Buy them today because they are going fast!