Become a Patron
Becoming a patron is not just a way of supporting us, it is also a key step toward creating a stronger community. Your commitment enables us to fulfill a growing need in educating young people and in enhancing the region’s quality of life.
The Patrons Program
In service of our mission, and in recognition of the support of the commonwealth of Virginia, all exhibitions at the Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center are free and open to the public.
As a Patron, your support enables us to present engaging and thoughtful exhibitions and educational programs, both within our facility and in the community. Your patronage is essential to fostering lifelong learning, encouraging creativity, advancing cultural dialogue and elevating the quality of life in our region and in Virginia.
In recognition of your generosity, you will receive Patron benefits and special access to opportunities designed to enrich your personal experience of the center, including special discounts on classes and camps.
If you become a member anytime through September 1, 2022, you will earn the special distinction of being a Charter Patron. You will be recognized as part of this visionary group for every year that you renew, and you will be invited to participate in once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that unfold as the center begins its voyage.
Exclusive Charter Patron benefits during our first year include:
- Insider email updates from the executive director
- Behind-the-scenes virtual tours of the center as it nears completion
- Exclusive special event for all Charter Patrons prior to the public opening of the center
- Invitation to the grand opening exhibit and celebration event
- Special recognition through a variety of communications, including the website, newsletter, special program guides and other print and electronic media, as well as a plaque at the center
- Membership card that denotes your Charter Patron status
- Car decal that recognizes you as a Charter Patron
- Invitation to special hard-hat tours of the building prior to opening for Patrons at the Directors level and above
Levels of Support
We encourage all members of our community to find the Patron level of participation that works best for your family, business and life.
- Advance notice for and invitations to special previews, tours and events
- Early registrations and 10% discounts on summer camps, classes, programs and events
- Quarterly newsletters
- Free unlimited access to the interactive children’s Art Explorers Gallery
- Patron rate for ticketed special events
- Invitation to annual Patrons Program special event
All of the above benefits, plus:
- Free admission to over 800 reciprocal museums across the country through the North American Reciprocal Museum Association
- Early registration and 15% discount on summer camps, classes, programs and events
- Two complimentary snack or beverage vouchers for the center cafe
All of the above benefits, plus:
- Early registration and 20% discount on summer camps, classes, programs and events
- Virtual conversations offering an engaging opportunity to discuss and explore topics related to the visual arts with center staff and Christopher Newport faculty
- Four complimentary snack or beverage vouchers for the center cafe
All of the above benefits, plus:
- Membership in the Christopher Newport University President’s Circle donor society, affording special access opportunities and invitations to university events throughout the year, as well as an all-access parking across campus
- One complimentary voucher for one-day educational workshop for two family members
- Fifteen percent discount on two tickets to the Ferguson Center performance of your choice
All of the above benefits, plus:
- Two complimentary vouchers for one-day educational workshop for two family members
- Opportunity to designate four Arts for All Scholarships for local children to attend summer camps at the center
- Invitation to private events with the executive director and visiting artists throughout the year
- Opportunity to schedule private exhibit tours with the curator and/or executive director*
*Arrangements must be made at least two weeks in advance, for a time and date mutually agreeable to the Patron and the executive director.
The Benefactor Society
Members of the exclusive Benefactor Society will receive extraordinary privileges and opportunities at the Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center. Contributions from benefactor donors provide a bedrock of support that enables the center to present dynamic exhibitions, innovative programs and enriching experiences that elevate the quality of life in our community.
Levels of Support
All of the patron benefits, plus:
- Opportunity to designate eight Arts for All Scholarships for local children to attend summer camps at the center
- Twenty percent discount on rental of center entertaining spaces
- Reserved seating for all special lectures, events and programs
- Opportunity to schedule a private exhibit tour, including hospitality, for you and 10 guests with the executive director*
- Two complimentary vouchers for full educational class for two family members
*Arrangements must be made at least two weeks in advance, for a time and date mutually agreeable to the patron and the executive director.
All of the benefits above, plus:
- Opportunity to be listed as a sponsor of a selected exhibit and invite 20 guests for a private exhibit tour with the executive director, with hospitality*
- Fifty percent discount on rental fee for center entertaining spaces
- VIP concierge assistance through the advancement staff for special requests related to center and for any events across the university
- Invitation to VIP events and opportunities at the university throughout the year
- VIP invitation to participate in destination travel tours through the university
- All access to educational classes for two family members
- Opportunity to designate 10 Arts for All Scholarships for local children to attend summer camps at the center
*Arrangements must be made at least two weeks in advance, for a time and date mutually agreeable to the patron and the executive director.