2011 Dominion
Volunteers in the Arts (VITA) Awards

Dominion and WQED Multimedia Partner to Promote the Arts in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

The Dominion VITA Awards program is a joint community partnership between Dominion and WQED Pittsburgh. It is funded by an annual grant from Dominion. Dominion is one of the nation's largest fully integrated electric and natural gas holding companies. The Dominion VITA Awards are coordinated by WQED Pittsburgh, the nation's first community-owned public broadcasting station. Today, WQED Pittsburgh is a leading regional, public multimedia enterprise that creates and distributes quality products and services to engage, inform, educate and entertain the public within its community and around the world.

The 2011 VITA Award honorees are:

Ann Benzel – Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art
Ann Benzel’s tenure on the SAMA Board of Trustees dates to 1986 and during that 25 year span, she has served in various positions, including Board of Trustees’ President. She has chaired the Gala, SAMA’s signature fund-raising event and served on numerous committees. Her support has been impactful from publication of the SAMA Permanent Collection Catalogue to carpeting the main gallery to sustaining the Arts Education Program. Ann has earned a stellar reputation in the arts community; she exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism. Watch videoClose video

J. Michael Edwards – Fayette County Cultural Trust
Working cohesively with city and municipal governments, community organizations, churches, clubs, authors, and inspiring volunteers to make a difference are the traits that set J. Michael Edwards apart in the town of Connellsville. Michael, along with his partner Dan, started the Cultural Trust to enhance art, history, culture and education in the area. Once Michael organizes one program, he finds enthusiastic people to make the project their own and let it grow as he moves on to yet another venue. He has the social, executive, and organizational skills to attract, welcome and enthrall people from so many varied walks of life to come together for a common interest. Watch videoClose video

Corinne S. Kraft – Edgewood Symphony Orchestra
In the ten years that Corie has been a member of the Edgewood Symphony Orchestra she has served in many capacities and has been vital in all of them. She has been Board President, Librarian and Chair of the extremely important Publicity Committee. She is currently serving in that capacity as well as Board Vice President and is also a member of the Fund Development and Strategic Planning Committees. Corie is constantly brainstorming new ideas for audience development and publicity and working tirelessly to sell out the house. Her leadership has enabled the orchestra to broaden its reach in the community by doing extensive musical outreach programs. Watch videoClose video

Ann M. McGuinn – The Andy Warhol Museum
Ann McGuinn has been a supporter of a wide range of arts organizations in Pittsburgh and has been a board member of the Andy Warhol Museum since it was founded in 1996. Ann’s involvement is not only as a donor but as a hands-on advocate for the arts, insisting on understanding the underlying principles of an organization so that she is able to actively pursue its mission. In recognition of The Warhol’s 15th Anniversary, Ann decided last year to spearhead the development of a fund that would consistently support The Warhol’s Education Department. Ann continues to be involved in making sure that the education department is a good steward of the funds received and that the department continues to evolve to respond to community needs. Watch videoClose video

Kathe Patrinos- Carnegie Museum of Art
In her 15 dedicated years as a Museum of Art docent, Kathe has given her time and intelligence freely and selflessly. Watching her delight and satisfaction while engaging with visitors in the galleries--from parents and young children to school groups and casual adult visitors--it becomes clear how perfect a match she and the museum truly are. In generously sharing her love of art with others, she finds her reward in achieving the goals of the museum, and does not even consider how great a gift she gives to the institution. Kathe's volunteer work was instrumental in the development of the museum’s “In the Moment” tours for people living with dementia, a new program that represents a significant advance in the museum’s goal of accessibility and attention to diverse audiences. Watch videoClose video

Joe Wos – The ToonSeum
Joe Wos is the founder and executive director of the ToonSeum. His commitment to the cartoon arts and the Pittsburgh community has led him to act as a volunteer director for the past three years. As a leader of the ToonSeum, Joe is responsible for the stability and growth of the organization. In a short time he has taken a small organization and garnered it national attention. Joe’s vision is the basis for the ToonSeum, from the moment of conception, to the formation of the board, and hiring of staff. His continued leadership is the guiding force behind the ToonSeum’s continued success. Watch videoClose video