Grams of Faith

Joan Rhodes Copeland, a native of Hampton Roads, was born in Portsmouth, VA, and graduated from I.C. Norcom High School. She received her B.S. Degree from Norfolk State University and went on to earn her Master’s Degree from Columbia University in New York City. While she majored in business, everyone who knows her can attest to the fact that her “passion is in the arts.”

Joan tells us a bit about her background:

I have a very small family with many cousins, my sisters, my niece and nephew. I have a daughter, Michelle (Milbert), and they have two children—Victoria and Raymond. I am blessed to have two stepfamilies: one who lives in Raleigh, Vincent (Karen), with three children—Vincent Jr., Tyler, and Kasidy; and the other who lives in Atlanta, Damon (Beatrice), with two children—Davis and Dylan. They all provide much support for me, especially since the loss of my husband, Wayman, two years ago.

I had a very fulfilling career in school management and administration. The opportunity to assist students on the road to employment and see how education and training can change their lives was a great satisfaction for me. I spent many years in NYC working in education administration and school administration and returned to Virginia as the Director of Kee Business College. I then moved to ECPI College of Technology where I retired as an administrator from there after 16 years.

After my official retirement from ECPI, I worked as the Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Hampton Roads for several years, worked as a grant writer for the Food Bank, and now I am working as the Gallery Director for the Aspire Art Gallery.

Let’s talk about your new venture:

Aspire Art Gallery has been open a year—we are a new gallery located at 645 Church Street in Norfolk, VA. It is in the new apartment building that replaced the old “Willis” building. This, however, is my second gallery—I ran the Art Atrium Gallery in Portsmouth years ago. Our Gallery has had several community exhibitions: the Naval Shipyard Workers, photography by Glen McClure; a Japanese Sumi-E exhibition; a Juneteenth exhibition; and currently has an exhibition featuring the men (and woman) of the Negro Baseball Leagues. This exhibit features photo by Dr. Milbert Brown, of Maryland, and our local Negro League Icon, Samuel Allen.

Upcoming Events at Aspire Art Gallery:

Future exhibitions will include a Breast Cancer Exhibition in October and exhibitions by the Gallery artists. Many holiday activities and programs are planned monthly. We encourage you to view our website (aspireartgallery.org) to keep up with the gallery events. Aspire is available for you to bring your groups for meetings, Paint and Sip parties, for adults and children, book signings by local authors; and to bring your youth groups and seniors for painting and artistic classes.

Joan’s Church affiliation and hobbies:

I attend the Historic First Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA. My pastor is Reverend Jerry Holmes (Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Robert Murray). Over the years, I have been active in the choir, Women’s Ministry, and the Missionary Circles.

My hobbies are cooking and baking, going to arts events, and completing a daily crossword puzzle (have to keep the brain ticking!!!) I also love to entertain and plan events for friends and family.

What would you like to share with GRAMS readers?

In our lives and in our work worlds, you always need some passion or interest outside of the job! At the end of the day, your soul and mind need refilling with something that will offer a balance in your life and strength for your soul and mental stability. The arts have always provided that for me, and I thank God that He has allowed me to grow and flourish through the arts. Reading His daily word is my strength and guide to living under His wings with His overwhelming blessings.

One more thing:

Joan adds that she has been blessed to have many volunteers among her patrons at the Gallery! She said she is delighted to have Michael Logan as Educational Director, who has planned a variety of successful programs.

Congratulations, Joan, and may God continue to bless you in your endeavors!