News Summary
Beverley Street Studio School (BSSS) in Staunton will close its doors after over 30 years of contributing to the local arts community. The decision results from financial struggles and declining community support. BSSS, founded by local artists, faced increasing challenges, including diminished volunteer participation and rising operational costs. Although the school has helped many artists develop their skills, the financial viability became unsustainable. A farewell celebration will be held before the closure, giving the community a chance to honor its legacy.
Staunton Announces Closure of Beverley Street Studio School After 33 Years
Staunton, VA – Beverley Street Studio School (BSSS) has announced it will cease operations effective December 12, 2025, after serving the community for more than three decades. The decision to close reflects ongoing financial struggles and recent declines in community support, ending a long-standing center for art education in the area.
Reasons Behind the Closure
The school, founded in 1992 by five local artists—Frank Hobbs, Ron Boehmer, Rosalee Day White, Daniel Dempsey, and Ryan Russel—has faced increasing financial hardship over recent years. While originally vibrant and supported by active volunteers, BSSS has seen its volunteer base diminish significantly since the late 1990s and early 2000s. This decline impacted its ability to sustain operations and maintain its educational programs.
In addition to volunteer reductions, the school has struggled with rising operational costs and decreasing funding sources. Since approximately 2013, BSSS has not been profitable, even though it continued to operate as a nonprofit organization. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these challenges by causing a significant drop in enrollment—reducing participant numbers by roughly 40 percent during this period.
Historical Background and Community Role
Originally established as a space for serious art study outside traditional academic settings, BSSS became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2002. It offered a variety of classes and workshops, typically running five classes and six workshops per session, emphasizing studio-based, non-degree art instruction. Over the years, the school became a vital resource for emerging and established artists seeking dedicated space and mentorship outside formal institutions.
The school operated out of various locations over its history, ultimately settling at 217 W. Beverley Street, where it maintained its main facilities and gallery. Despite its reputation and community importance, the ongoing financial difficulties made it impossible to sustain operations without significant external support or funding renewal.
Upcoming Events and Future of the School’s Assets
Community members will have the opportunity to bid farewell to BSSS at a farewell celebration and silent auction scheduled for November 11, 2025. The event will feature artwork created and curated by students and instructors, celebrating the school’s legacy. Despite the closure, the BSSS Gallery will remain open through February 2026, allowing visitors to view ongoing exhibitions and support local artists.
As a nonprofit organization, BSSS is required to disperse its remaining financial assets to other nonprofit entities, with decisions on these allocations expected in 2026. The closure of BSSS leaves a void in the local arts community, but other nearby resources such as the Staunton Augusta Art Center, Shenandoah Valley Art Center, and McGuffey Art Center are available for artists and learners seeking art education and exhibition opportunities.
Community and Future Art Opportunities
While BSSS’s closure marks the end of an era, the community will continue to have access to art programs through other regional centers. These institutions provide various classes, exhibitions, and artist support, ensuring that the spirit of creative learning persists despite the school’s absence.
Overall, the decision to close BSSS reflects the complex challenges faced by small arts organizations nationwide—balancing creative mission with financial sustainability. The community’s support in upcoming events and the ongoing operations of alternative art centers aim to foster continued artistic growth in Staunton and the surrounding area.
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Additional Resources
- WHSV: Beverley Street Studio School Announces Upcoming Closure
- Wikipedia: Art Education
- News Leader: Staunton’s Beverley Street Studio School Closes
- Google Search: Beverley Street Studio School closure
- Augusta Free Press: Staunton Beverley Street Studio School to End Classes & Workshops in December
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nonprofit organization
- Rocktown Now: Beverley Street Studio School in Staunton Closing in December
- Google News: Staunton art education
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