PArtnership perspective: Sculpting the Future- Newport News Public Art Foundation’s Vision for Art and Community

Executive Director Becca Sidman and her NNPAF staff cleaning "Selene'' by Italian-based sculptor María Gamundí is located at Kettle Pond inside The Mariners' Museum and Park in Newport News.

From major intersections to secluded lakes, the Newport News Public Art Foundation (NNPAF) is a part of the everyday for everyone in Newport News, whether they know it or not. Currently stewarding 23 sculptures throughout the city, NNPAF brings fine art into public spaces for everyone to experience, examine, and enjoy. Along with placing, cleaning, and caring for those physical sculptures around the city, NNPAF is also fostering knowledge and love of the arts in K-12 students through multiple programs. Every year, NNPAF provides booklets on their sculptures to every second-grader in Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) that align with and help demonstrate the art education Standards of Learning (SOLs) for their grade. Students can then explore the city with their families and see their curriculum in their community. ​

Additionally, the sculpture program at the Summer Institute for the Arts is in its inaugural year and provides NNPS high school students an opportunity to work on their own fine art projects and get a feel for what a career in the arts might look like. A third program, for middle- and high-school students, is also in the works, and NNPAF can’t wait to show you how they are partnering with both NNPS and the city of Newport News to bring fresh art in a new medium to a one-of-a-kind city.  

As NNPAF has grown over the past 25 years, so have their needs. As new projects unfolded and new needs arose, it was clear that the foundation’s funds needed to be kept in a way that maximized return even more than the money market account they had been relying on. Through workshops and networking, NNPAF was able to  

Students working on reductive sculpture at the Summer Institute for the Arts hosted by Newport News Public Schools.

​connect with the Peninsula Community Foundation and learn more about our Agency Funds: a promising next-step option with greater yields that could help NNPAF continue to grow and serve the community.

​“We’re so incredibly pleased,” said Beth Moore, retired CPA and treasurer for NNPAF. “The returns in just the last two months have been incredible!” 

​​The Newport News Public Art Foundation is truly focused on the people that make up Hampton Roads. When asked what she would say to our whole community if given the chance, Executive Director Becca Sidman chose to take a posture of curiosity and collaboration: “What do you want to see more of?” she wonders. It was clear that she, along with her whole team and board, are considerate of the community in every decision they make. 

professional conservator Steve Roy repatinating Carambola in front of the Main Street Library.

“I want to invite the community in and ask for their input on what they have enjoyed seeing and take that feedback and say ‘this is where we can go from here.” - Executive Director, Becca Sidman 

​The Peninsula Community Foundation team is honored to have a new partner so dedicated to investing in the Peninsula, both its environment and its people. 

Curious if that piece you pass on your daily commute is brought to you by NNPAF? Check out their digital gallery where you can identify and learn more about the sculptures in your community: https://nnpaf.org/sculptures/. And feel free to explore the website to learn more about NNPAF and their work!

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