News Summary
Beverley Street Studio School (BSSS) in Staunton, Virginia, has announced its closure after 33 years of providing art education to the community. The decision was made due to ongoing financial challenges, decreased enrollment, and rising operational costs. Originally founded as a vibrant hub for artistic exploration, BSSS will hold a farewell celebration and silent auction before its final closure, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and community engagement. Other local art organizations will continue to offer programs for art enthusiasts.
Staunton, Virginia – Beverley Street Studio School (BSSS) has announced its closure effective December 12, 2025, after 33 years of operation primarily focused on providing art education to the community. The decision was made following a period of significant financial struggles, and while it aims to honor the legacy and spirit of the school, it signals the end of an important artistic institution in the area.
Board President Dana Quillen explained that the decision was reached after careful consideration and reflects the challenges the school has faced in recent years. BSSS has been dealing with a rising operational cost, increased competition from other arts organizations, reduced funding, and a declining pool of volunteers. As a result of these struggles, the school has not been profitable for nearly a decade.
Originally founded in 1992 by five artists, the school was a vibrant hub for artistic exploration and education. It became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2002, emphasizing non-degree, studio-based art instruction. The school offered a range of five classes and six workshops per session, catering to a diverse array of artistic interests. However, a significant decline in its volunteer base during the late 1990s and early 2000s contributed to its financial difficulties.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these issues, leading to a drastic drop in enrollment, with participation decreasing by 40 percent. This reduction in students severely limited financial inflow and further challenged the sustainability of the school’s programs.
BSSS has provided the community with a unique opportunity for serious art study outside the traditional academic context. Over the years, it has operated from various locations, eventually settling at 217 W. Beverley Street, where it has built a strong relationship with local artists and community members.
In anticipation of its closure, BSSS will hold a farewell celebration and silent auction on November 11, 2025. This event will feature artwork created at the school and will provide community members with a chance to pay tribute to the institution’s legacy. Following its closure, the BSSS Gallery will remain open through February 2026, allowing visitors to continue appreciating the art produced within its walls.
As a nonprofit organization, BSSS is required by law to disperse its financial assets to other nonprofit entities upon closure. The specifics of this financial distribution are scheduled to be decided in 2026. Meanwhile, community members looking for alternative art education options will still have access to the Staunton Augusta Art Center, the Shenandoah Valley Art Center, and the McGuffey Art Center, which offer various programs and resources for artists and art enthusiasts.
The closure of BSSS represents not only the end of an era for the organization itself but also for the many individuals who benefited from its programs and vibrant community atmosphere. As the school prepares to bid farewell, it leaves behind a rich legacy of artistic endeavor and community engagement that will not be easily forgotten.
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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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