Patti Grimes stepping aside at Joshua M. Freeman Foundation

Joshua M. Freeman Foundation Executive Director Patti Grimes will step aside later this year following the appointment of her successor. Grimes has been a leader at the foundation and its signature venue, the Freeman Arts Pavilion, since its founding in 2007.

The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation was established in 2007 by Michelle Freeman in honor of her late husband, Joshua Freeman, with a mission centered on making the arts accessible to all. Today, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit reaches more than 130,000 people annually through live performances and arts education programs held at Freeman Arts Pavilion in Selbyville, and at schools and community centers throughout Delmarva.

Grimes initially became involved with the foundation in 2007, when Michelle Freeman reached out to share her vision for a new organization. Drawn to both the mission and the challenge of building something that did not yet exist, Grimes joined the effort. With a professional background at the Carl Freeman Companies and long-standing relationships with both Joshua and Michelle Freeman, Grimes saw the opportunity as a natural fit.

“I am a person who loves challenges,” said Grimes.

More than 10,000 people attended events at the Freeman Arts Pavilion in its first year in 2008.

“We learned in just that first year, which was very rudimentary and simple, that people did want the arts to be part of their community,” Grimes said. “And not only have we learned that people wanted the arts to be part of their community, but that the arts are necessary for this region.”

Under Grimes’ leadership, the foundation has grown steadily, guided by a vision of legacy, community and impact. Supported by its engaged board, dedicated leadership team, talented staff and committed volunteers, the organization has reached more than 1 million people since its founding through live performances, arts education and community-based programming. 

“It represents community,” said Grimes. “The sum is greater than one individual. To be able to attract 1 million people to be able to enjoy the arts, it takes the support of a lot of people behind the scenes, staff that are just ardent, passionate people who will move mountains to make sure that the arts are vibrant. It is such a special place to be able to come and work with a group of people who are centered on the mission of the organization.” 

Through the Arts Access Initiative, the foundation provides year-round, high-quality arts experiences at no cost, reaching nearly 30,000 participants annually. The initiative serves students in every school district in Sussex County, as well as Worcester and Wicomico counties in Maryland. The initiative includes four programs designed to reach different audiences, including children, their families and the underserved community at large, including Arts Education, Community Partners, Young Audience Series and free evening programming at Freeman Arts Pavilion. Each year, more than half of all the foundation programming is offered free through the Arts Access Initiative. 

“To see a child experience live arts for the first time, it’s indescribable, the joy you receive when you see the connection that a young child makes from that experience,” said Grimes. “They will come back and tell me in the summertime that they remember seeing me when they were at the school performance, and they take full responsibility for bringing their family back to the Freeman Arts Pavilion. That is a moment that you know your mission is in motion, when you have a young child who’s taken full credit for the arts, and we know we’re going to continue to sustain ourselves with children like that.”

Throughout her career, Grimes has received numerous accolades. However, she considers her service to the community to be her most meaningful accomplishment, defining success by the impact of the foundation’s work and the people it serves.

“For me, serving almost 30,000 people a year in our communities who otherwise wouldn’t enjoy arts experiences would be my No. 1,” said Grimes. “Each child, through their academic career, has the opportunity six times to see live arts performances, and prior to us being here, that was nonexistent. I’m very proud of that accomplishment.”

Nineteen years in the making, the new permanent stage and back-of-house facilities at Freeman Arts Pavilion are scheduled to open in July. The expanded outdoor venue will seat up to 4,000 guests, extend the performance season and is expected to welcome more than 150,000 visitors annually, delivering transformative arts experiences to the community while generating significant economic and cultural impact across the region.

“Serving as executive director for so many years has been an extraordinary privilege,” Grimes said. “The timing is right for me to step into my next leadership chapter. Since day one, we have been growing and creating arts experiences that inspire and connect people. Our work has always been grounded in our mission, and I remain committed to supporting the board and the next executive director during the leadership transition. This is an exciting time for everyone in the organization, as new leadership brings fresh energy, ideas and relationships.”

Grimes speaks very highly of the opportunity to work alongside the Freeman family, the board, staff and volunteers over the years. Her time with the foundation has been deeply rewarding and influential, shaping both her career and the organization’s growth while providing her with daily fulfillment. 

“I cannot express how much I love what I get to do, and what a privilege and responsibility it is,” said Grimes. “To be able to work side by side with people that represent who we are as an organization, that’s a rarity. This work family that we have is a very special reason why we are successful today; that family also extends not only to staff and board of directors, but also to our volunteer corps. That is something that brings me joy on a daily basis.”

Board Chair Michelle Freeman and the entire Joshua M. Freeman Foundation board expressed deep gratitude for Grimes’ leadership, dedication and enthusiasm.

“It’s been a privilege to witness Patti’s extraordinary impact as she built a vibrant arts hub for Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic,” they said. “Her conviction that the arts unite and uplift communities has transformed our region. Patti is a consummate professional and changemaker whose influence will continue far beyond the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation. With her support, a dynamic team and the board’s guidance, the Freeman Arts Pavilion is poised for even greater success as we look ahead to our 2026 season and an inspiring new chapter for the foundation.”