VCU news

By Pamela DiSalvo Lepley and Carrie Culpepper

Virginia Commonwealth University announced today the naming of the first-floor gallery in the Markel Center of the Institute for Contemporary Arts in honor of Beverly W. Reynolds, a longtime VCU School of the Arts advocate and a passionate leader in the arts.

“It is appropriate and wonderful that one of the most prominent spaces in the ICA be named for Bev Reynolds, one of the most prominent supporters of the arts in our city’s history,” VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., said. “Bev has been a catalyst in bringing innovative and inspiring works of art to Richmond for many years, and her impact on the campaign for the ICA has been just as profound. Her generosity, vision and spirit have inspired so many others, and I am proud that her transformative and indelible legacy will be permanently honored at the ICA.”

This lasting tribute to Reynolds was made possible by generous gifts to the ICA fundraising campaign in her honor from more than 80 donors and a recent significant contribution by her close friends, Harmon and George Logan of Charlottesville. Campaign co-chairs Pam and Bill Royall and ICA donors Carolyn and John Snow directed a portion of their gifts also be made in her honor, bringing the total gifts and pledges in Reynolds’ name to $3 million.

“There is no more fitting tribute to Bev Reynolds than the naming of the first-floor gallery of the ICA in her honor. It is just perfect. Bev, who has worked longer and harder than any other single person to make the VCU Institute for Contemporary Art a reality, has been the greatest source of inspiration to everyone involved in this important project,” said Pam Royall. “Her efforts on behalf of the ICA have reached VCUarts students and faculty, her clients and colleagues, friends, neighbors and family. In recognition of her tremendous personal commitment and ability to engage others, Bev will forever be linked to this very special and inspiring space.”

Nearly $33 million has been raised to date toward the ICA’s capital campaign goal of $35 million. An endowment campaign is ongoing.

“Bev’s extraordinary vision and leadership sparked this project nearly 15 years ago, and her tireless, quiet efforts behind the scenes have ensured the ICA would move from a dream to reality,” said ICA Director Lisa Freiman, Ph.D. “Our first-floor gallery has been named in Bev's honor through the generosity of countless people who wanted to recognize the importance of Bev's leadership in fostering a community that supports and enjoys contemporary art in Richmond. We are grateful to all of the donors who generously gave to this campaign."

The ICA, expected to open in 2016, will be a noncollecting institution. It will initiate programming and collaborate with institutions around the world on traveling exhibits and events. Offerings will include art and design exhibits, lectures, film screenings, performances, educational experiences, children’s programs, artists’ residencies, symposia and community events and outreach efforts. ICA programming will be designed to engage the wider community and its events and programs will serve area audiences.

For more information about the ICA, please visit ica.vcu.edu.