An enthusiastic advocate for the arts, Loretta Walz has always sought opportunities to pursue her passion. So when she relocated to Annapolis from Elizabeth City, North Carolina, she wanted to continue to support the arts. During her search for volunteer activities, Walz stopped by the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County to introduce herself. She felt an immediate connection with April Nyman, executive director of the Arts Council, and after an hour they were still talking. Inspired by the organization, Walz decided to become a volunteer and has been actively supporting the Arts Council for the past 10 years.
“I have always been involved in the arts, so the Arts Council is a perfect fit for me,” Walz says. “Annapolis is a hub for the arts. There are so many opportunities to experience and enjoy. And it’s exciting to be a part of this vibrant city.”
Walz performs a variety of clerical tasks for the Arts Council, a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to encourage and invest in the visual arts, performing arts, and historic preservation for the people of Anne Arundel County.” Some of her responsibilities include organizing mass mailings, preparing materials, writing thank you cards, and answering phone calls. She also helps with event planning for exhibits and the annual gala.
In addition, Walz strongly supports the Arts Council’s Arts in Education Program, which is instrumental in introducing the arts into the curricula in Anne Arundel County schools. A retired elementary school counselor, she realizes that the arts aren’t always emphasized in schools. To address this need, the Arts in Education Program offers the opportunity for schools to apply for grants to fund programs that expose students to the arts. Walz believes that it is important to integrate the arts into schools and spark students’ interest. And she is excited to be a part of the process.
“Loretta is the type of volunteer that every organization dreams about,” Nyman says. “She happily completes any job—no matter how big or small—to support our organization. We appreciate and salute her contributions to the Arts Council.”
“Loretta is such a wonderful volunteer,” adds McKenna Kennedy, program manager for the Arts Council. “She is a big supporter of the arts and always makes time to reach out to see if she can lend a helping hand to the Arts Council. I feel very fortunate and grateful for Loretta’s support.”
Obviously, the COVID19 health crisis has impacted the way that organizations operate on a day-to-day basis. To meet the challenges presented by the pandemic, the Arts Council has successfully adapted to fulfill its mission and is utilizing virtual opportunities to serve the public during this difficult time.
According to Nyman, a virtual platform has become a key component for the arts. The Arts Council has expanded the use of its website to promote and inform the public about performances, exhibits, and artist opportunities and to connect with them regarding relevant news, information, and updates. In addition, Nyman says that virtual performances and exhibits as well as live streaming of fundraising events have become the norm.
“COVID19 has greatly affected every aspect of our lives, and like everyone, I am looking forward to better times,” Walz says. “I am a people person with a history of volunteerism. Before the pandemic, I was volunteering for 15 to 20 hours a week for five organizations. Now I am only volunteering for about five hours a week. I miss the hands-on interaction and connecting with other people. I am looking forward to getting back into my routine.”
Walz lives in Park Place with her husband, Stan. The couple has been married for 51 years and have two sons, Damien and Christian, and three grandchildren, Ethan, Mara, and Chloé. Since her husband is a veteran, the couple moved a lot during the duration of his military service. But no matter where they lived, Walz sought opportunities to become involved in the arts. Not only does she love attending events, but she has also performed in productions throughout the years. She played Marmee in Little Women while they were living in Puerto Rico, where she was a substitute teacher and the assistant director of the drama department, and even the Grinch while she was teaching in North Carolina.
“The arts have been such a big part of my life,” Walz says. “I love volunteering for the Arts Council and working with the awesome staff members to support the arts in Anne Arundel County. It’s such a great opportunity that really enriches my life.”
For more information about the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County or to make a donation,
visit acaac.org. And save the date for the Arts Council’s virtual fundraiser on May 6.
Do you have a volunteer to nominate? Send What's Up? an email to editor@whatsupmag.com.
