In the Ann White Academy Gallery, Wax, Wind, & Fire brings together five encaustic artists whose works are rich in texture, atmosphere, and layered storytelling. Amanda Smith, Christine Rooney, Giselle Gautreau, Gina Louthian-Stanley, and Gail Haile each approach the medium in distinct ways—whether through photography, monotype printing, or abstract forms—yet all share a sensitivity to nature, memory, and transformation. This group show offers a contemplative experience, inviting viewers to look closely and reflect. The result is a beautifully curated collection that highlights the elemental quality of wax and the emotional depth it can hold.

Both exhibitions speak to the power of process and material, and together they offer a wide range of artworks that would make thoughtful additions to any space. Whether you’re drawn to the raw strength of wood or the quiet richness of encaustic, these pieces are available for purchase through the Academy’s online art sales platform, Artistica.shop. Explore the collections, support local artists, and find work that resonates with you.

On view from August 1–29, the Academy Center of the Arts invites you to explore two new exhibitions during gallery hours: Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM and Saturday, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM.

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During Kershner’s tenure, the Academy Center of the Arts underwent unprecedented growth and transformation. The centerpiece of his leadership was the $30 million restoration of the Historic Academy Theatre, now a landmark destination for the arts in Central Virginia. Under his guidance, the organization grew by over 400%, significantly expanding its programming, outreach, and community impact. This growth included the launch of Academy in Motion, a subsidized mobile arts instruction program serving Lynchburg and surrounding counties, as well as the opening of The Music Hall at 722 Commerce Street—a small-capacity venue dedicated to showcasing local music.

“It has been a great honor of my life to lead the Academy Center of the Arts and to work alongside such an incredible team of staff, board members, and community partners. But just as artists know when to leave space in a composition, leaders must also know when to pass the baton,” said Kershner. “Together, we have transformed the Academy into a vital cultural institution for Lynchburg and the region. The organization’s evolution over the last 10 years is evidence of what our community can be. Our buildings, in their restoration and use, and our programming have been all about coming together when so much pulls us apart. The Academy is evidence of our best selves.”

For his next act, Kershner will expand his focus to the national stage, continuing to advocate for small, community-based arts initiatives through his Small Town Big Arts platform, which features a website, blog, podcast, and online forum. “I’m passionate about using my experience in Lynchburg to support a broader community of arts and nonprofit leaders across the country,” he said. “This national work is more important than ever.” This winter, Kershner will join Ryan Ripperton Consulting, a Richmond-based, nonprofit strategy and leadership company, and additional professional opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks. Kershner will serve as Chairman of the Board for Virginians for the Arts and will join the Board of Directors of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. Geoffrey, his wife, Ashley Kershner, and their son will remain Lynchburg residents. 

The Board of Directors has already begun the succession planning process and will work closely with Kershner over the next few months to ensure continuity and stability. The Academy will provide regular updates to stakeholders as the succession process moves forward. In the meantime, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to foster arts and culture in Lynchburg and beyond.

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We kicked off April with a special MOMIX Student Matinee, welcoming over 150 middle and high school students from public, private, and homeschool communities to the Historic Academy Theatre. MOMIX, an internationally renowned company of dancer-illusionists led by Moses Pendleton, is celebrated for its stunning fusion of movement, light, and illusion. Students experienced a Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL)-aligned performance that connected dance with science, visual art, and physical expression—broadening their understanding of how the arts intersect with education. For many, the highlight was a post-show Q&A session with the performers, offering a rare and exciting chance to engage directly with international touring artists.

The performance of MOMIX was made possible thanks to generous corporate support from Schewel Home and Bank of the James. In addition, funding from the Al Stroobants Foundation directly enabled us to offer this dynamic and engaging student field trip opportunity.

Later in the month, our Academy Youth Theatre program brought magic to the stage with a full-scale production of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. This beloved program invites young people from across Central Virginia to take part in a professional-style theatre experience, from audition to final curtain call. Through guided instruction in acting, movement, choreography, and stagecraft, students gain valuable performance skills while building confidence, teamwork, and creative expression.

At the heart of the Academy Youth Theatre is a deep commitment to access. Thanks to generous donors and corporate sponsors—including Foster Fuels, IWT, and Runk & Pratt—the Academy offers tuition assistance to ensure that no child is turned away due to financial barriers. Dozens of students participated in Alice in Wonderland this season through our Tuition Access program—ensuring that all young artists have the opportunity to learn, grow, and shine on stage.

This spring also marked the launch of the Young Storytellers: Script to Stage program at Amelon Elementary School in Amherst County, reinforcing our mission to expand rural arts access.

The program paired 5th grade students with trained college-age mentors who guided them through a 10-week journey of writing their own original plays. With the support of Centra and Financial Designs, the Academy was honored to be the first organization to bring this dynamic program to Virginia.  Suzanne Halka led this program as the Head Mentor. She is a seasoned teaching artist, director, and youth mentor with a strong background in theatre education and community engagement. Under her thoughtful guidance, students explored their creativity, found their voices, and saw their words come to life—performed by professional actors in a culminating staged reading. For many participants, it was their first time seeing their ideas fully realized on stage.

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Selected from a highly competitive pool of submissions, this year’s award-winning works were chosen by Juror Jeffrey Allison, Director of Statewide Programs and Exhibitions and Paul Mellon Collection Educator at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. With a deep knowledge of visual art and a commitment to recognizing artistic excellence, Allison’s selections reflect the remarkable craftsmanship and innovation found throughout the exhibition.

We invite you to explore the featured works below and join us in celebrating the artists whose vision and creativity continue to move and inspire.

Best in Show, Aldo Muzzarelli’s “From Extemporaneous Menina Series: La Otra Señorita”, was selected for its rich symbolism and contemporary take on historical portraiture. The juror admired the way Muzzarelli combined oil, nails, and gold leaf to reflect on beauty, freedom, and social constructs—delivering a powerful message with elegance and conviction.

Elizabeth Weber’s “Nesting”, our First Place recipient, was chosen for its stunning transformation of natural materials—pine needles, wool, and wood—into an intricately constructed visual narrative. The juror was especially impressed by its geometric composition and how it celebrated nature through craftsmanship.

Second Place, “Belloise” by John Shuptrine, caught the juror’s eye through its clever use of antique camera parts and wood to build a sculpture that balanced nostalgia, humor, and technical precision.

David Eakin’s “Scottish Clouds”, awarded Third Place, was recognized for its poetic use of gouache. The painting’s vibrant sky and soft reflections captured a fleeting, peaceful moment with sensitivity and skill.

The Juror’s Choice Awards honored works that exemplified originality and a deep engagement with material and theme:

• Laren Baum’s “Blueprint View Area Tabulation” was noted for its inventive mix of collage, drawing, and blueprint, creating a layered, architectural narrative.

• Lisa Downey’s “From My Window” offered a quiet, painterly view into daily life, using oil paint to communicate mood and personal reflection.

• Robert Hunter’s digital print “The House of Remus” stood out for its symbolic resonance and storytelling through digital means, proving the medium’s artistic depth.

As we present these works to the public, we celebrate the artists’ ability to communicate across materials and moments. Each piece in this exhibition represents a unique voice and perspective—and we are thrilled to share them with our community.

#NationalJuried Awards

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On March 12, the Academy Center of the Arts welcomed students, families, and educators to the BWXT Student  Gallery for the LCS Youth Art Show Reception, an evening dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of LCS students. Seeing these young artists take pride in their work and share their creative journeys was truly special. Their talent, imagination, and dedication are a testament to the importance of arts education in local schools. Those who have not yet had a chance to visit can still view the exhibit, which remains open through March 31.

Artist in Residence Program at Bass Elementary: Bringing Art into the Classroom

Through the Artist in Residence Program, the Academy Center of the Arts connects professional artists with students to engage in hands-on learning experiences. This year, Christina Davis, a talented muralist and educator, is working with students at William Marvin Bass Elementary.

Supported by Centra, Davis’  residency has provided young learners with the opportunity to explore new artistic techniques while discovering the power of creative storytelling. Students have embraced the process, gaining confidence in their abilities and learning how art can be a meaningful form of expression.

Breakfast with the Superintendent: Advocating for the Arts

On March 13, the Academy Center of the Arts participated in the LCS Breakfast with the Superintendent, where the theme, “Inspiring Achievement Through the Arts.” Hosted by the Education Foundation,this event focused on the essential role of arts education in student growth and success. Michelline Hall, Chief Programming Officer, spoke alongside Taylor Wissikirchen (Heritage High School Theatre Teacher) and Kayla Jones (Sandusky Middle School Visual Arts Teacher), sharing the ways theatre, visual arts, and community partnerships help students develop creativity, critical thinking, and confidence. The event brought together educators, administrators, and community members in support of the arts. Special thanks go to Centra for their continued support of the Artist in Residence Program, making these experiences possible for students.

Continuing the Celebration

Youth Art Month is more than just a moment—it’s a movement that highlights the importance of arts education in shaping the next generation. The Academy Center of the Arts remains committed to providing students with opportunities to explore, create, and grow through the arts. Whether through exhibitions, field trips, in-school residencies, or community programs, the organization will continue working to ensure that all students have access to meaningful arts experiences. Thank you to Lynchburg City Schools, educators, and community partners for making this such a special month. 

#YouthArtMonth #LCSYouthArtShow #ArtsInEducation #VCA #SupportYoungArtists

Sponsors:

AIM: BWXT

BWXT Student Gallery: BWXT

AIM at LCS: First National Bank

Artist In Residence: Centra

Field Trips: IWT, Al Stroobants Foundation

If include Young Storytellers: Financial Designs

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Empty Bowls Supported by Centra.

Steven Hill Workshop: Throwing Relaxed, Gestural Forms

From February 7-9, we welcomed nationally renowned ceramic artist Steven Hill for an in-depth workshop focused on creating expressive, gestural forms on the wheel. Designed for intermediate and advanced students, this workshop encouraged participants to move beyond rigid precision and embrace fluid, natural movement in their work.

The hands-on portion of the workshop included alteration techniques on drinking vessels and bowls, culminating in a large platter demonstration. Participants left feeling inspired and equipped with new tools to bring a sense of life and movement to their pottery.

“By the end of the workshop, I felt a deep sense of gratitude toward Steven, Ted and the Academy for giving us all this amazing opportunity. Not only had I learned invaluable techniques, but I also gained a fresh perspective on my own work. I left the studio totally inspired.”  – Workshop Attendee

Freedom Quilt Trivet Workshop: Art, History, and Storytelling

The Freedom Quilt Trivet Workshop was an impactful and engaging experience for all ages, blending art-making with African American history and storytelling. Participants explored the legacy of Underground Railroad Quilts, which were used to send coded messages to enslaved individuals seeking freedom. Each quilt block carried a distinct meaning—symbols like “Safe House Ahead” or “Follow the North Star” provided crucial guidance along the way. 

Led by artist Anna Ellis, students created Freedom Quilt-inspired trivets using a mono-print technique, transferring painted designs onto clay before shaping their pieces.A highlight of the workshop was an  art talk by Veronica Jackson, who shared insights on the codes and communication methods used by enslaved individuals. She also explored how African American creativity and artistic expression flourished during this time in American history, reinforcing the power of art as a tool for resilience, storytelling, and cultural identity.

Steampunk Clay Workshop: A Blend of History and Fantasy

Led by Kim Clarke, the Steampunk Clay Workshop invited participants to step into a world of gears, cogs, and Victorian-inspired design. This five-hour immersive session allowed artists to sculpt Steampunk-inspired heads or fish, integrating mechanical and industrial elements with organic clay forms.

Throughout the workshop, students experimented with new sculpting techniques while discussing the visual and conceptual themes of Steampunk aesthetics.

This event provided creatives an opportunity for community-building and artistic exchange, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the Pottery Studio.

This workshop was inspired by the Aluminum Show performance hosted in the Historic Theatre. Ted Batt, Director of Visual Arts, shared how excited he was to provide innovative programming that blends artistic themes from the stage into the studio. We are grateful for the support of Innovative Wireless Technology and Foster Fuels in supporting our arts education and access opportunities.

What’s Next in the Pottery Studio?

We’re excited to share that the Pottery Studio is expanding! Thanks to the generous support of Sally & Davis Von Oesen, we are adding more square footage to accommodate our growing ceramics community.

With 135 students enrolled weekly, our classes have outgrown the available space for works-in-progress. To address this, we are constructing a climate-controlled storage building measuring 8’-6” by 20’-9”, adding 160 square feet of dedicated space for student pieces during the crucial curing process. This new structure, featuring metal-framed walls and comprehensive shelving systems, will be located on the east end of the building.

But this expansion is about more than just storage—it’s about opportunity. By relocating student works to this newly designed space, we are freeing up room in the main studio, making it possible to welcome more students and expand our class offerings.

More Classes, More Opportunities!

With this additional space, we are excited to add two new midday classes in March, responding to the high demand for evening pottery sessions. This will allow us to increase weekly enrollment to 175 students, bringing even more creative energy into the studio.
To further support our growing community, we’ve also added three new pottery wheels, bringing our total to 17 wheels—ensuring more students can participate in hands-on learning.

This expansion represents an important step forward for the Pottery Studio, allowing us to continue fostering a welcoming, accessible, and innovative space for ceramic artists of all levels.
Stay tuned for updates as we grow our community and bring even more creative opportunities to the Academy Center of the Arts!

Interested in joining us for a class or workshop? Check out our upcoming Pottery Studio offerings and discover the joy of working with clay!

The Academy offers discounts on classes and camps. To learn more and submit an application for reduced arts education tuition, please visit here

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