News Summary
Beverley Street Studio School has announced its closure effective December 12, 2025, after 33 years of providing art education. Financial challenges have led to this decision, with a significant decline in enrollment and volunteer support. A farewell celebration and silent auction will be held on November 11, 2025, allowing the community to honor the school’s legacy. BSSS’s commitment to art education has made it a vital resource for aspiring artists, and while it will close, other local organizations will continue to provide artistic opportunities.
Staunton – Beverley Street Studio School (BSSS) has announced its planned closure, effective December 12, 2025, after 33 years of operation. This decision comes as the school faces numerous financial challenges that have worsened in recent years, prompting a reassessment of its future.
The school, which has served as an important center for contemporary art education, was founded in 1992 by five local artists with a vision of providing studio-based instruction in various artistic disciplines. However, Board President Dana Quillen noted that the school has struggled to remain financially viable, failing to turn a profit for almost a decade. The operational costs have risen sharply, while competition has increased and funding sources have diminished.
Challenges have been compounded by a significant decline in volunteer support since the late 1990s and early 2000s, when the school experienced a vibrant community backing. In more recent years, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has also taken a toll, resulting in a stark 40 percent drop in enrollment, which further pressured the school’s finances.
Details on Closure and Farewell Event
As part of the announcement, the community is invited to a farewell celebration and silent auction scheduled for November 11, 2025. This event will feature artwork from the school, allowing current and former students, faculty, and supporters to say goodbye to BSSS and its mission. After the school’s closure, the BSSS Gallery will remain open until February 2026, allowing visitors to continue to appreciate the artistic contributions of the school.
Historical Significance
BSSS was formally established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2002. The school offered a range of educational opportunities, including five classes and six workshops per session, focusing solely on non-degree courses. This model provided a crucial educational space for serious art study outside traditional academic institutions, fostering creativity and artistic development within the local community.
Throughout its history, BSSS operated at various locations before settling at 217 W. Beverley Street, where it became a fixture in the community. Its commitment to providing art education and accessibility has made it a cherished institution for many aspiring artists in the area.
Future of BSSS Assets
As a nonprofit organization, BSSS is required by law to disperse its remaining financial assets to other nonprofit entities after its closure, a process that will be determined in 2026. This measure is intended to ensure that the school’s legacy continues to support the arts in Staunton, even after it ceases operations.
Continuing Art Education in the Area
Despite the closure of BSSS, several other organizations in the region continue to offer art education and engagement opportunities. Notable alternatives include the Staunton Augusta Art Center, the Shenandoah Valley Art Center, and the McGuffey Art Center, which are all poised to fill the void left by BSSS and serve the creative needs of the community.
The closure of Beverley Street Studio School marks the end of an era for many involved in its community and reflects the broader struggles facing nonprofit arts organizations amid changing economic conditions. As the farewell event approaches, those connected with BSSS will have the chance to celebrate its legacy and discuss the future of art education in Staunton.
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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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