“Thank you Stefanie,” VisArts Board Sends Heartfelt Thanks to Stefanie Fedor for Service and Leadership

Dear VisArts Community,

After more than seven years as the Executive Director of the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, Stefanie Fedor has resigned from her position, effective early 2023. While we are sad for this chapter to end, we are grateful for her visionary leadership and dedication to VisArts’ mission. During her tenure, VisArts achieved incredible growth and success, helping us to reach more than 45,000 people each year through exceptional programming. 

Fedor led an ambitious strategic plan that focused on organizational growth and increasing community access to world-class programs and studios. Over the past seven years, VisArts reduced its debts, grew its reserves, and increased its operational budget by 40%; grew its annual class catalog by 50%; doubled the number of teaching artists hired; moved Craft + Design to Main Street Station, growing the event to reach 10,000 visitors; expanded free-of-charge community partnership programs by 30%; launched innovative new artists’ residencies serving more than 30 artists per year; and acquired Granby House to host artists-in-residence.  

“It has been such an honor to serve this creative community and to champion a truly special organization like VisArts. I will forever be humbled by the artists and makers who come together under this roof and put their hearts on the line to make our world more inspiring,” Fedor said. “And I am equally proud to look back on the achievements we’ve made together to make VisArts a place that celebrates the creative life of all people. While this decision was incredibly hard to make, I did it knowing that the dedicated staff and board are positioned for continued success. I cannot wait to see all the ways VisArts will continue to grow!” 

Fedor is leaving VisArts in one of its strongest positions in its almost 60-year history, and the organization is embracing the possibilities for growth and change with optimism.  

VisArts has named Jordan Brown Interim Executive Director. Brown has served as Director of Education + Programs for the past five years. VisArts will assemble a search committee to define the hiring process and recruitment for VisArt’s next Executive Director.  

On behalf of the entire staff and the Board of Directors, we express profound appreciation to Stef for her years of skilled and passionate leadership. 

With gratitude, 

 

Kate Ackerly and Karen Kelly 

Chair of VisArts Board of Directors and Vice Chair of VisArts Board of Directors