BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2015 SPPA Officers

Dr. John Joyce

President

Bio Support Portsmouth Public Art was formed by volunteers in 2010 with a mission dedicated to purchase and install public art, to educate citizens in art appreciation and to create outreach to the neighborhoods in Portsmouth. SPPA believes that cities gain value through public art – cultural, social, and economic value. Art is a universal language that traverses racial, educational and economic barriers, enhancing cultural appreciation, awareness and health and overall well being. Our goal is to create a positive and visual presence of art of all kinds historic Portsmouth.

David Jordan
Vice President

David Jordan has been involved in the arts for numerous years and has fundamental involvement in the launch of several businesses.

The Elizabeth River Ferry Service, started in 1983. David Jordan operated the service for the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia, provided the vessels and sold his successful 150 passenger paddle wheeler to the local transit authority in 1985. The ferry service is presently operated by Mr. Jordan’s company, Norfolk By Boat, Inc.

The Colony Theater, which according to the Virginia Historic Landmark Commission is the finest example of art deco theater in the Commonwealth of Virginia, was restored and brought back to life after decades of darkness and decay by David Jordan in 1986. The large theater reopened to house live theater, movies, dancing and a supper club.

Jordan Classic Furnishings, LLC was launched by Mr. Jordan in 2006 to create furniture masterpieces and re-create museum masterpieces. Masters in Italy and France hand carve and apply gold gilt gesso to execute the blue prints he provides them.

David Jordan has also been involved in the restoration of residential and commercial real estate in two Portsmouth historic neighborhoods.

Barbara Vincent

Secretary

Barbara Vincent, Secretary of SPPA, is a long-time resident of over 20 years to Portsmouth. She has represented over 250 local artists through the years, and a former gallery owner herself, has taken an active role in leading efforts in community art events, staging exhibits, auctions and fundraisers to benefit the community and artists for many years.

She has served on the Portsmouth Museum and Fine Arts Commission for six years, lead the Commission as Chair for two years—during which time she was saw the Commission through the name change to the Arts and Cultural Center, renovated the gallery shop, and assisted in the opening of the gift shop of the Children’s Museum of Virginia.

An active member of the Portsmouth Museums, Olde Towne Business Association and Olde Towne Civic League, Barbara has also received several awards for her contributions to the Tidewater community. She has received the Gladstone M. Hill Friend of the Arts Award, the ALLI for Outstanding Contributions to the Cultural Life in Hampton Roads presented by the Cultural Alliance of Hampton Roads, and the Strong, Smart and Bold Award by Girls, Inc.

Now retired from retail, she devotes her time to being an advocate for the arts in Portsmouth, and creating her own art.

Keith Byers

Treasurer

Keith Byers, Treasurer, is a Retired Navy Nuclear Qualified Surface Warfare Officer and former 5th grade school teacher. He is currently an Office Manager for a vocational consulting firm, Executive Director for a professional association of real estate appraisers (non-profit), bookkeeper for a professional association of rehabilitation providers (non-profit) and a bookkeeper for an Episcopal church.

He served over 10 years as a board member of the Sewall Art Show, a non-profit and 4 years as its treasurer, as well as 4 years as the treasurer for the Olde Towne Civic League, also a non-profit.

2015 Board Members