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Rappahannock Foundation for the Arts announces board changes

Posted On July 19, 2023
neighbors RFA board
PHOTO BY DONNA MCGRATH The Rappahannock Foundation for the Arts recently bid farewell to two board members and welcomed four new members. Shown at the meeting are, front row from left, president Rita Grinbergs, treasurer Valarie Hayden, Hoppie Cockrell, new member Aleta Hoffman, vice president Barbara Mait, new member and secretary Betty Mill; back row, new members Ana Mae Morrow and Megan Stephen; Greg Kirkbride, Pete Epps, Gus Shelton and Peter Porteous. Not pictured are members Jim Arrison, Brian Dickson, Cindy Dullea and Susan McFadden.

The board of directors of the Rappahannock Foundation for the Arts bid farewell to two retiring members and welcomed four new members at a reception during their annual meeting in late June.

Based in Kilmarnock, the group’s mission is to be a community arts advocate by providing performing arts experiences in the Northern Neck. Its 30th anniversary season begins in December with a concert by BeauSoleil with Michael Doucet. Additional shows are planned for February, March, April and May 2024, all at Lancaster Middle School.

Retiring member Barbara Breeden provided On Stage hospitality for four years, before and after Covid when RFA hosted nine visiting artists/groups in a single season. Despite a busy law practice, Breeden worked before and during performances to ensure all artists’ needs were met, stocking supplies, creating healthy hospitality tables, and packing up leftovers for artists to take for midnight snacking.

Bev Upshur served on the RFA board from 2017 to 2023. She chaired the development, outreach and nominating committees and served as secretary and vice-president. Upshur helped bring in corporate sponsorships for RFA and community business advertisers for RFA Playbills. She also served as Arts for Youth coordinator, working with artists and Lancaster Public Schools to present compelling, educational and entertaining live performances to primary and middle school students. Upshur will continue to serve as coordinator of RFA’s High School Project committee.

“Barbara and Bev have both made lasting contributions at RFA,” said president Rita Grinbergs. “We are grateful for their hard work, insights and collaborative spirit and know they will continue to support arts in our community in the future.”

Incoming RFA board members will serve three-year terms. They are Aleta Hoffman, Betty Mill, Ana Mae Morrow and Megan Stephens.

“RFA can look confidently to the future with the experiences of our new board members and the talents and commitment of our existing officers, committee chairs and volunteers,” said Grinbergs. “We have a thrilling season coming up and exciting plans for the future of performing arts in our community.”

To preview RFA’s upcoming 2023-24 season, visit rappahannockfoundation.org or call the RFA office at 804-438-5555.

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