September 10, 2025

Beverley Street Studio School to Close After 33 Years

News Summary

Beverley Street Studio School in Staunton will shut down by December 2025 due to ongoing financial struggles. Founded in 1992, the nonprofit has contributed significantly to local arts but has faced challenges, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. The school’s final event will be a farewell celebration in November 2025, and its gallery will remain open until early 2026, providing a chance for the community to reflect on its legacy as the organization plans for asset distribution.

Staunton’s Beverley Street Studio School to Close After 33 Years Due to Financial Difficulties

Staunton, VA — Beverley Street Studio School (BSSS), a longstanding art education institution in Staunton, has announced it will cease operations by December 12, 2025. The decision comes after 33 years of service to the local arts community, amid ongoing financial challenges that have made continuation unfeasible.

Details of the Closure

The school’s leadership indicated that the closure was the result of careful planning aimed at preserving the school’s legacy and spirit. According to the Board President, Dana Quillen, the decision was driven by multiple factors that have accumulated over recent years, including rising operational costs, increased competition from other art programs, declining funding sources, and a significant reduction in volunteer support.

It was noted that BSSS has not been profitable for approximately a decade. Despite efforts to sustain the organization, economic pressures intensified, especially over the last few years. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, had a notable negative impact, leading to a 40 percent decrease in enrollment, which further strained the school’s resources.

History and Growth of BSSS

Founded in 1992 by five artists—Frank Hobbs, Ron Boehmer, Rosalee Day White, Daniel Dempsey, and Ryan Russel—the school was established with the purpose of providing a dedicated space for art instruction outside of formal academic settings. Its mission was to offer serious, studio-based art education for students of all ages. The school became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2002, emphasizing community-oriented, non-degree art training.

Throughout its history, BSSS offered five classes and six workshops during each session. It gained recognition as an important regional hub for serious art study, attracting students and artists seeking professional-level instruction in a welcoming environment. The organization operated from various locations over the years before settling at its final site at 217 W. Beverley Street, where it continued to serve the arts community until the decision to close was made.

Community Engagement and Farewell Events

In preparation for its final days, BSSS will host a farewell celebration and silent auction on November 11, 2025, offering artwork created by students and faculty. Community members are encouraged to participate in this event as an opportunity to honor the school’s legacy and to bid on artwork. The BSSS Gallery will remain open through February 2026, providing a final chance for the public to view and appreciate the work produced during the school’s operational years.

Post-Closure Plans and Future Options

As a nonprofit organization, BSSS is required to distribute its remaining financial assets to other nonprofit entities, with the dispersal plan scheduled for 2026. The organization intends to determine the recipients of these assets in the coming months. Meanwhile, residents interested in continuing their engagement with the arts can explore other local art centers, including the Staunton Augusta Art Center, Shenandoah Valley Art Center, and McGuffey Art Center, which offer various courses and exhibitions to the community.

Background Context and Community Impact

BSSS has played a significant role in Staunton’s arts scene for over three decades, serving as a vital space for aspiring artists and experienced creatives alike. Its decline reflects broader challenges facing arts organizations nationwide, such as financial sustainability and shifting community support. The closure marks the end of an era for the local arts community but also opens opportunities for new initiatives to emerge in the area.

Despite the closure, the school’s physical space and art legacy will be preserved through its gallery and ongoing exhibitions until early 2026, allowing the community to honor its contributions and ensure that its artistic influence endures through future endeavors.

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