Campaign Spotlight: Sherrill and Joey Smith

Like many longtime members, Sherrill and Joey Smith’s relationship with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has been shaped as much by the people with whom they shared those experiences as by the works of art in the galleries. The couple recently made a major gift to name the Gallery for Featured Acquisitions in the Atrium in honor of the role the museum has played in their lives, particularly Sherrill’s 25 years as a Council volunteer.

Sherrill’s mother, a talented artist and member of the Virginia Watercolor Society, instilled a love of the arts in her children through time spent in museums and everyday discussions of color, shadow, and light. When her own three children were small, Sherrill’s visits to VMFA were usually prompted by her younger son’s fascination with the Egyptian mummy. Those early experiences are one reason VMFA’s educational mission is important to Smith. “Unless children are brought to a museum when they’re young, they won’t come as adults or pass that tradition on to their children,” she notes. “Mothers will tell you that even a very young child responds to a vibrant painting.”

As a couple, the Smiths enjoy visiting special exhibitions with out-of-town friends, meeting for dinner in Amuse, and exploring the American galleries. Joey’s term as President of TheatreVirginia, which was based at VMFA until its closure in the early 2000s, is another highlight. “TheatreVirginia was Richmond’s first Actor’s Equity Company and their productions attracted first-class actors and producers. Hosting their cast parties was a memorable experience,” he recalls.

Much of Sherrill’s time at the museum has been devoted to The Council. Beginning with her first position in the Shop, where a friend was already volunteering, Sherrill’s 25 years of service have included co-editing The Councillor, managing the Hirschler floral displays in the Atrium with another Council member, and co-chairing this year’s Fine Arts & Flowers gala.

“The Council volunteers have always been a huge draw for me; they are such a smart, enthusiastic and dedicated group,” Sherrill remarks. “When the museum reopened in 2010, the President of The Council asked me to head up the volunteers, which brought me to VMFA every week. It was a great opportunity to get to know other volunteers as well as the staff and pretty soon the museum felt like a family.”

With such a long history at the museum, making a planned gift was a natural next step for the Smiths. “At this stage of life, you begin thinking about your estate,” said Joey. “Once you’ve provided for your children, you can consider other things. Making a bequest allows you to live as you want but still make an impact on the organizations that matter to you.”

“Our hope is that this gift will encourage others to consider including the museum in their estate plans,” remarked Sherrill. “That’s certainly how it worked for us. Seeing so many Council members make planned gifts in recent years planted the seed.”

We invite you to learn more about the Campaign for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts by visiting this page or contacting Jasmonn Coleman, Assistant Deputy Director of Development, at campaign@VMFA.museum or 804.340.5529.