Ryan

GARY RYAN, Director & CEO, Norfolk native, Gary joined Virginia MOCA in 2019 after spending the bulk of her professional career in the New York City metro area. A graduate of Dartmouth College and the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University, Gary began her professional career working in packaged goods marketing at Unilever. She made the transition to magazine publishing; back when there were magazines, working at Time Inc. on new print and digital new business ventures for People and Real Simple magazines, among others. She moved to arts administration first at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, followed by the Metropolitan Opera and the Katonah Museum of Art where she ran the institution as Interim Director for eight months. Through these positions, Gary learned how to couple her business knowledge with her deep appreciation for creative production.

Leading Virginia MOCA is her self-described dream job, an opportunity to contribute to the community in which she was raised by helping to provide access and engagement with locally relevant, nationally resonant contemporary art that is exceptional. Gary lives in the Shadowlawn neighborhood of Virginia Beach and has a daughter, Isabel, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in political science at the University of North Carolina.

Why did you decide to work in the arts?

I grew up in Norfolk, just down the street from the Chrysler Museum of Art and owe my lifelong love of the arts and culture to the area’s creative community. My family is full of creative talent, me not so much, so I decided to use my business skills in service of the art and artists.

What is your favorite part of being an arts entrepreneur? I work with passionate and interesting people from whom I am constantly learning.

Tell us about a challenge you are proud that you have overcome.

Leading Virginia MOCA through COVID and coming out the other side presenting the work of Maya Lin, one of the most important contemporary artists of our time.

What is one thing you do every day?

Drink coffee every morning while reading the paper.

Who/what is your biggest inspiration?

I’m inspired by artists and their bravery to share their truth through their work. Artists are compelled to create, regardless of who might see their work or how it may be received. As a result of this dedication and courage, which is to understand how we are more similar than different–to connect through our shared humanity gives us a means.

What is the best thing that has happened to you in your journey in the arts?

I finally figured out what I wanted to do when I grew up.

What does being a part of the Virginia Beach community mean to you?

It means contributing to the quality of life in a meaningful way–giving back to the place that formed me.

What is your favorite thing about living and working in Virginia Beach?

The natural beauty of this place, and the fact that I only have a 5-minute commute.

How did you persevere through the tough times? Exercise that transports me, friends who support me, and The Great British Baking Show.

What do you want to achieve next?

To continue to lead a museum noted for its compelling exhibition and education program, its ability to connect our communities to each other and the world, and its nurturing and supportive work environment.

WOMEN OF THE

MARGARET FOLTZ Like many others, the military brought me to Hampton Roads. I grew up in a Marine Corps family, and our last assignment was Virginia Beach. What a gift! I loved the area immediately. After graduating from college, I started my career in the non-profit sector. After almost 20 years working in health and human service organizations, I stepped into the world of art at the Virginia Beach Art Center. I quickly learned how this impressive organization serves our area in ways that I did not imagine. The local art scene here is thriving. I am consistently amazed at the quality of work submitted to our monthly exhibitions. On any given day, I witness art and pottery classes being led by instructors who teach in a fun, welcoming environment. Sometimes the work that is made in our classrooms ends up in our exhibitions! It’s amazing to witness so many aspects of the artistic process under one roof. The sense of belonging, inclusiveness, and creativity permeates our building, and I consider myself lucky to be a part of it.

Why did you decide to work in the arts?

I remember being really excited at the prospect of working to engage our community with local art. The talent in the 757 is incredible and I wanted to help support these amazing artists and work to ensure that every member of our community had the chance to experience local art.

What is your favorite part of being an arts entrepreneur?

The omnipresent potential for collaborations with other organizations and non-traditional partnerships.

Tell us about a challenge you are proud that you have overcome.

The Pandemic. Personally and professionally! I found it very stressful working to follow guidelines, adhere to policies and making people feel safe. We were all fighting an invisible enemy and the thought of something slipping by and affecting family and friends was overwhelming. I am so lucky to work with a wonderful group of people who supported me through all the ups and downs.

What is one thing you do every day and why?

Walk. Getting outside is vital to a clear mind for me. If I am stressed, a walk calms my nerves. If I need to process information or am stuck in a decision, a walk helps me to figure out solutions.

Who/what is your biggest inspiration?

My mother. She was an artist who had the very best attitude, even in her death. She was strong willed, compassionate, creative, and a fierce supporter of her family and friends. I work every day to be just like her.

What is the best thing that has happened to you in your journey in the arts?

Learning. Truly, at the Virginia Beach Art Center there are so many people who are willing to share their inspirations, processes, techniques and so much more. Even after two years, I feel as though I learn something new every day.

What does being a part of the Virginia Beach community mean to you?

Community is everything! I am so grateful for our arts community, for personal and professional community, and for the consistent forward motion of our community. I love that we are all working together in some way to pave the way for the next generation.

What is your favorite thing about living and working in Virginia Beach?

I have always loved Virginia Beach! We have so many activities to enjoy, you really can’t get bored. Our local leadership in businesses, schools, and the city government do such a great job working to improve our area. Additionally, I realized young that this is the biggest small town ever! I love how we are all somehow connected.

How did you persevere through the tough times?

With the help and support of those around me. I am so lucky to have supportive family, friends and coworkers. They make all the difference during the tough days.

What do you want to achieve next?

We have grown so much as an organization! I would love for us to have a larger space for our monthly exhibitions and more room for our artists and students to develop their skills and experiment with art.