Founded in 1992 by a group of area artists who sought to establish a studio art school that would provide an opportunity for those in the region to engage in art training in a collaborative and nurturing fashion. A non-profit organization, it is lead by a volunteer Board of Directors who work with other volunteers to plan and implement its programs and events. Part-time office manager provides vital support for day-to-day operations. There are over 300 members, over 50 volunteers, and approximately 140 active students.
Currently housed in the 1890 Crowel building in downtown Staunton with office, studio on the second floor, a large classroom studio space and printmaking studio on the third floor. The building also contains a number of private artists’ studios. The BSSS gallery is located in the adjacent Beverley Street Galleries, which also houses CoArt Gallery, an artists’ cooperative gallery.