Joy Peterson Heyrman is New VCCA Executive Director

William E. Hunt, Jr. President of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA), one of the leading artists communities in the world, which has hosted over 5,500 writers, visual artists and composers during the creation phase of their work, has announced the appointment of Joy Peterson Heyrman, Ph.D. as Executive Director. She will begin September 6, 2016.

 “Dr. Heyrman’s personal and professional skills, passion for the arts and commitment to our mission make her the ideal candidate to lead VCCA into the future,” said Mr. Hunt. “Her experience working closely with boards, volunteers, arts advocates, and donors made her the VCCA Board’s unanimous choice after a competitive national search.”

Photo: Courtesy the Walters Art Museum
Dr. Heyrman was most recently Deputy Director for Museum Advancement at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, where she worked for 23 years. On projects as varied as audience development initiatives, international exhibitions, and three ambitious capital campaigns which raised over $74 million, she worked with varied constituencies to build a culture of philanthropy and teamwork. A specialist in 19th century American Art, she also organized New Eyes on America: The Genius of Richard Caton Woodville exhibited at the Walters and the Mint Museum (Charlotte, NC) in 2013.

Dr. Heyrman holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Art History and Archeology from the University of Maryland, as well as a B.A. in English from Amherst College (Amherst, MA). She speaks French and German, a great asset, given VCCA’s international partnerships and established residency program in Auvillar, France.

 “I am thrilled to come to VCCA, which plays such a vital role as a forum for artists,” said Dr. Heyrman. “It is an honor to take my place in this pastoral place of retreat for intensive individual creativity in Amherst and in Auvillar as well as in VCCA’s global network of artist Fellows and people who care about what they have to say. I look forward to working with a great staff and committed Board and Fellows to build on the strong foundation already in place at VCCA.” 

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