News Summary
The Beverley Street Studio School in Staunton, Virginia, announced its closure after 33 years due to ongoing financial difficulties. Established in 1992, the nonprofit art institution has struggled to maintain operations amid rising costs and declining enrollment, intensified by the pandemic. The school, known for its commitment to community art education, plans a farewell event before shutting down. While its closure marks the end of an era, local organizations will continue to offer art classes and opportunities for emerging artists.
Beverley, Virginia — Beverley Street Studio School to Close After 33 Years Due to Financial Difficulties
The Beverley Street Studio School (BSSS), a longstanding community art education institution in Staunton, Virginia, announced that it will cease operations effective December 12, 2025. After more than three decades of fostering art education and creativity, the school has encountered persistent financial challenges that ultimately led to its decision to close.
Reasons for Closure and Financial Struggles
BSSS has faced increasing operational difficulties in recent years. These include rising costs associated with maintaining facilities, increased competition from other art programs, and a decline in funding. Additionally, the school has experienced a shrinking base of volunteers, which previously played a crucial role in supporting activities and operations.
Chronic financial sustainability issues have persisted for nearly a decade, with the school not turning a profit for approximately 10 years. This long-term financial strain has made it difficult to sustain program offerings and cover operational expenses. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these difficulties, leading to a significant reduction in enrollment—approximately 40 percent—diminishing the school’s revenue and community engagement.
History and Mission of the School
Founded in 1992 by five local artists—Frank Hobbs, Ron Boehmer, Rosalee Day White, Daniel Dempsey, and Ryan Russel—the Beverley Street Studio School was established with the goal of providing space for art teaching outside traditional academic environments. The school became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2002, emphasizing non-degree, studio-based art instruction.
Over time, BSSS grew into an important regional center for serious art study, offering five classes and six workshops per session. Its presence served as a vital outlet for serious and emerging artists in the area, providing a dedicated space for creative development and community engagement.
Locations and Community Engagement
Throughout its history, BSSS operated from various locations within the community before ultimately settling at 217 W. Beverley Street. The school maintained a vibrant community presence and was supported historically by a robust volunteer base, which declined significantly in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Despite these challenges, the school remained committed to its educational mission for over three decades.
Upcoming Closure Events and Remaining Opportunities
A farewell celebration and silent auction featuring artwork from BSSS will be held on November 11, 2025, allowing community members to say goodbye to the institution that has contributed to local arts for more than thirty years. Following the closure, the BSSS Gallery will remain open through February 2026, giving visitors a final opportunity to enjoy the school’s artistic legacy.
Financial Asset Disposition and Future Art Resources
As a nonprofit organization, BSSS is legally required to distribute its remaining financial assets to other nonprofit entities. The dispersal plan will be finalized early in 2026, though specific recipients have not yet been announced. The closure of BSSS leaves a gap in the local arts scene but also opens opportunities for individuals interested in alternative art programs.
Former patrons and aspiring artists can turn to other regional art organizations, including Staunton Augusta Art Center, Shenandoah Valley Art Center, and McGuffey Art Center, which continue to offer diverse art classes and exhibitions in the area, helping sustain the vibrant local arts community despite the closure of BSSS.
The decision to close marks the end of an era for a school that contributed significantly to arts education in Staunton. Community members and supporters will have the opportunity to reflect on its legacy and the future pathways for arts engagement in the region.
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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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