Member Spotlight: The McElroys
This month, we chatted with Vanessa McElroy, a Music Hall member at the Supporter level as well as a homeowner for a featured home on this year’s 27th Annual Kitchen Tour. Don’t miss this year’s tour on Sat., May 12, see how local turn-of-the-century abodes have been renovated to showcase dream kitchens of all shapes and sizes.
Q: What drew you to become a Music Hall Member?
A: We feel lucky to live in such a vibrant arts area and want to support that aspect of Portsmouth and the seacoast region. The Music Hall is such a historic and unique arts center that helps to make Portsmouth a rich cultural community.
Q: You have a beautiful kitchen. As a featured home on this year’s Kitchen Tour, what was your design inspiration? What is your favorite design aspect about your kitchen?
A: I love the color and the center island. It’s an open space for entertaining but it’s a practical and functional space for us as well. We wanted to create a space where our family could feel comfortable and spend time together that was kid-friendly. It’s the room that we spend the most time in and we wanted it to be warm and inviting – for us as well as guests.
Q: What has been your favorite show so far at the theater, and is there anyone coming up that you’re particularly looking forward to seeing?
A: Our whole family loved White Christmas! We’re looking forward to making it an annual tradition! I was also excited to attend Shelter: A One Billion Rising Event in February to benefit Haven, a local nonprofit that I support. There are so many upcoming shows that I’m looking forward to… hearing Katy Tur (Writers on a New England Stage) in April, Amy Black: The Music of Memphis & Muscle Shoals, and the Black Lillies coming in June.
Q: What are some of the “unexpected benefits” you’ve enjoyed from being a Music Hall member and what would you tell others who are considering joining?
A: What we appreciate most as members, is that the Music Hall events are something that our entire family can enjoy together and there is a variety of events to see, from live music shows to movies to opera to the Writers in the Loft series. There is always something new and interesting that’s being offered.