Next in the series is Vera Wilson, founder of Astral Artists.
Background & Career: Early on in life, Vera Wilson became fascinated with music. During her childhood in Argentina, she played the piano and attended concerts featuring young musicians. At 17 years old, she realized that she wanted to work with young musicians.
After graduating from high school, she spent a year in Switzerland specializing in languages, then returned to Buenos Aires, worked for a few years with the Friends of Music Association, and got married. After living in Argentina, Australia and England, Wilson’s desire to work for a musical organization was affirmed.
When she and her family moved to the United States, she stayed home for 12 years with her three young children, and then began volunteering at the Curtis Institute of Music. As her children entered school, she also began working part-time for other multicultural organizations.
Several years later, she was invited to run a major choral Philadelphia festival for six weeks. After successfully delivering the event, she saw an ad in the paper to work for a private (family) foundation that supported the arts, specifically music and dance. She earned the job and before long the family asked her to join the board and run the foundation!
After several years, the foundation closed its doors. She began to envision a successor organization that would provide direct services to young musicians. Seeing the need for direct support and with the foundation’s endorsement, she founded a successor organization that kept the Astral name.
It took time to convince the community of the importance and legitimacy of Astral Artists, but Wilson’s leadership over a 30-year period helped to grow and sustain the organization into what it is now – an organization that has provided support to more than 110 outstanding musicians.
How she learned about The Presser Foundation: A development consultant associated with Astral had a connection with Phil Young, a former Presser Foundation Board member. Young introduced Wilson to the Foundation, and she submitted a grant proposal. Not only was the initial request granted, Astral continued to receive funding as members of the Foundation’s Board recognized the quality of the Astral musicians. In addition, receiving this leadership grant from the Foundation helped Wilson network and make connections with other music funders in the area.
Over time, Wilson befriended Trustee and then-Board President Henderson “Woozy” Supplee, III, who attended several Astral performances for several years. Later, subsequent President Robert Capanna invited Wilson to officially join the Foundation’s Board.
For the past 24 years, Wilson has faithfully served as a Trustee on the Advancement of Music Committee and Special Projects Committee, chairing the latter from 2006 to 2016. She brings a unique viewpoint to the Board from her position of also having served as the leader of a grantee partner for many years.
Board Member Since: 1999
Role at the Foundation: Advancement of Music Committee, Special Projects Committee
Favorite part of serving on the Board: Wilson said that The Presser Foundation is a welcoming Board where all suggestions are considered.
“Everything (about my experience) has been so positive. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to share my views. It is truly a privilege to be a part of this Board.”
Impact of the Foundation: Wilson explained that the Foundation has a unique standing on the funding scene with its accessible and approachable manner.
“Overall, the Foundation has instituted a thoughtful process, with Teresa (Rodgers, Executive Director) bringing a broad perspective as well as an open and accessible way of speaking with current and potential partners.”
“In my experience, no funder matches the openness and sincerity that grantee partners enjoy. In addition, Teresa has a great deal of knowledge about the sector.
“The Foundation balances the need for nonprofit accountability with an understanding of current nonprofit realities and trends.
“It also supports general operations, which is rare these days.”
Where she sees the Foundation in the next 5-10 years: She’s eager to see how the Foundation’s DEI Committee and other initiatives will be strengthened over time.
What does she do in her free time: After her retirement from Astral Artists, Wilson has stayed busy and involved in the music community. She’s on the boards of both Tri-County Concerts and the Kingston Chamber Music Festival (which is run by a former Astral artist). She works as artistic consultant with a manager in Boston to help with bookings for musicians. And she hosts approximately seven concerts per year in her home – “an intimate way to listen to music,” she explains.
She also enjoys gardening, exercising, and being a member of a Spanish book club. She’s currently working on her memoirs and spends lots of time with her children and grandchildren.
