Appreciating Our Creative Community and Welcoming New Friends
Last weekend, we kicked off Friends Appreciation Month, an annual event so big that it starts in mid-August and lasts through the end of September. Founded in 1971, the Friends of the Georgia Museum of Art is an association of individuals, companies and corporations who share an interest in the visual arts and desire to contribute to the growth of the Georgia Museum of Art.
Five years ago, the Friends shifted to a new organizational model that allows people to become a Friend at no cost but encourages donations to the museum’s Annual Fund. Donors in the amount of $125 or more receive benefits including invitations to exclusive events, a discount in the Museum Shop, the museum’s print newsletter mailed to their home and reciprocal membership at more than 1,000 other museums throughout North America. Friends Appreciation Month not only shows our appreciation for the people who care about and volunteer at the museum with a fun party, but it also offers opportunities to win prizes while becoming a Friend. Every new Friend who joins before September 30 is entered into a door prize drawing.
This year’s Friends Appreciation Month kick-off began with the Friends annual meeting, which introduced the2024 – 25 Friends Advisory Board, reviewed the past year’s accomplishments and previewed the year ahead.. The Friends exceeded their goal for annual fund revenue by nearly 14 percent and their goal for revenue from other sources by more than 90 percent (!).
Another exciting facet of the annual meeting is the recognition of a museum volunteer with the M. Smith Griffith Volunteer of the Year Award, lovingly known as the “Smitty.” The “Smitty” was envisioned in 1998 to honor the many enthusiastic volunteers who have given their time and talents over the years. It is named for M. Smith “Smitty” Griffith, a founder of the Friends, one of the museum’s most dedicated and generous patrons and the first recipient of the award.
This year’s award recipient was Sarah Peterson, currently past chair of the Friends Advisory Board, but someone who has worn many hats as a volunteer at the museum. Peterson gracefully balances support and volunteerism at many nonprofits and organizations throughout our community, but her cheerleading for the museum is especially notable. She routinely attends events with her family and invites friends, colleagues and family members to receptions and fundraising events in an effort to introduce as many people as possible to the museum.
Peterson has served in almost every capacity available as a museum volunteer. She was an Elegant Salute event co-chair and chair, helping to plan our biggest fundraiser, as well as president-elect, president and immediate past president of the Friends Advisory Board. Even as an immediate past president, a position that has historically been more of an advisory role, she has continued to be actively engaged as a volunteer, serving as chair for both the Elegant Salute dance party committee and the Collectors committee.
Peterson’s commitment and devotion to the museum is an inspiration. Her ability and willingness to step in whenever and wherever needed made her a stand out choice as the recipient of this year’s M. Smith Griffith Volunteer of the Year Award.
Following the annual meeting and a well-earned round of applause for Peterson, attendees joined the Friends Appreciation Month kick-off party, which incorporated this month’s Family Day but also included refreshments, a photo booth (you can see pictures here), door prizes, special discounts in the Museum Shop, an art-button scavenger hunt and gallery activities. Around 300 people, including families, University of Georgia students and long-time Friends members, attended the event and enjoyed our annual celebration.
To become a Friend of the Museum, head to jointhemuseum.com(opens in new tab).
Authored by:
Hillary Brown
