VBMA Circle Ensures Art Education is Accessible for Indian River County School Children, Veterans, and Seniors

The Circle 2025–26 Steering Committee Members (l-r) Robin Jones, Diane Wilhelm, Diane McGinn, Mary Wright, Stuart Weismiller, Leigh Sudbrink, Cindy Mochel, Karen Nuccitellli, and Jean Spaulding. Not pictured: Joan Semmer, Catharine Sturgess

Posted April 23, 2026

During The Circle’s closing ceremony on April 9, 2026, at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, President Stuart Weismiller announced that the 158-member-strong group raised more than $52,000 this year in support of Museum programming. Following her remarks, VBMA Director of Education and Visitor Experience Sara Klein reported on the impact of several Museum education programs that The Circle is considering funding in the 2026–2027 season.

Ultimately, Circle members voted to fully support two programs: VBMA’s Museum Explorations on the Go, an in-classroom, curriculum-based learning experience in which VBMA Teaching Artists introduce thousands of students—ranging from two-year-olds to sixth graders—to artworks from the Museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions, and free Classes for Veterans. The Circle also elected to partially support Artful Engagements/Movement in the Moment, a program presented in partnership with the Center for Memory & Movement (formerly Alzheimer & Parkinson Association) and Senior Resource Association.

“The VBMA Circle continues to thrive, with membership growing from just a few dozen women in 2009 to 158 members today,” shares Stuart Weismiller. “Correspondingly, our impact has grown. This year, by pooling members’ gifts together, we’ve directed more than $52,000 toward critical educational and access initiatives for our community.”

The Circle welcomes women of all ages across Indian River County who share a passion for “Enhancing Lives Through Art.” Membership meetings, artmaking events, and social events, including private tours of Museum exhibitions, art galleries, and individual art collections, round out their annual events calendar. Many members also volunteer at the Museum.

“We are grateful for the women who make up the VBMA ‘giving’ Circle,” remarks Sara Klein. “In addition to the friendship and fundraising in support of the Museum’s mission, many members also give of their time, assisting children and their families at events like Holidays at the Museum, Children’s Art Festival, and other Second Saturday programs.”