Christina Wytko Marchington, education and communications coordinator at the Gregg Museum of Art & Design, and Katy Walls, studio technician and photography studio manager at the Crafts Center, were the recipients of the Arts Service Above and Beyond Award.

This award was created by Arts NC State to recognize the outstanding work done by Marchington and Walls. Arts NC State honored the two temporary employees, who are not eligible to be nominated for campus-wide awards, with the presentation of a plaque and support toward a professional development opportunity.

Christina Wytko Marchington

Left to Right: Roger Manley, Christina Wytko Marchington & Rich Holly (former Executive Director for the Arts)

According to Roger Manley, former director of the Gregg Museum of Art & Design, “Ever since Christina Wytko Marchington began working at the Gregg Museum in October 2019, she has had a transformative effect on both the museum as a campus institution, and on her fellow staff. A whirlwind of energy and activity, endlessly cheerful and respectful of others, she always exudes a ‘can-do’ attitude no matter what is asked of her. No matter how large or daunting the many tasks she faces… Christina is a living example of employee excellence for the rest of her colleagues.”

Manley offers other highlights of Marchington’s work such as during the pandemic, Christina was instrumental in getting the Gregg Museum’s current exhibitions documented in 360 virtual reality. Within two weeks after the shut-down, the exhibitions were virtually open again and available for remote visitors anywhere in the world to visit and explore. The Gregg was the first museum in the Southeast and one of the very first in the country to do this and won gold awards from museum associations for the achievement.

Christina giving a tour of the Gregg, 2022.

Marchington also gives numerous tours of all the museum’s exhibitions, organizes film festivals, workshops and visiting artist talks, collaborates with professors and area K-12 teachers to facilitate class visits, serves as the webmaster, and the list continues.

Katy Walls

Katy and Rich celebrating the award.

Katy Walls, NC State alumna, has served as the Crafts Center’s photo studio manager and studio technician for six years.

Carol Nix, director of the Crafts Center, said “Katy epitomizes the spirit and attitude that aligns with the university motto: Think and Do. She goes the extra mile to ensure that our programs and studios are running safely and efficiently.”

In addition to programs, events and regular classes, Katy has also led several key campus-wide initiatives, including the 2017 project titled “PostSecret” that brought Frank Warren, the originator of the project, to campus and made national news on the CBS Morning Show. This past year Katy spearheaded a collaboration with Nomadic Photo Ark resulting in an campus exhibition of stunning, large-scale black and white photographs.

Katy Walls sharing the many projects in her office.

Outside of her work at the Crafts Center, Katy is known affectionately as “Coach Red” as she co-coaches the NC State University Women’s Club Rugby team. Katy’s team won the Volunteer Club Sport of the Year by NC State Wellness and Recreation; yet another reason to celebrate Katy’s contributions to NC State University.

Arts NC State extends a heartfelt thank you to Christina and Katy for their amazing contributions!