About ShenArts

Mission: Bringing art to the people & people to the art

Our Story

ShenArts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization serving the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Our mission is to make the arts accessible and to enrich our community through diverse and immersive arts experiences for people of all ages.

Our Story & Timeline

1978 – Founded as the Shenandoah Arts Council in Winchester, Virginia by a dedicated group of patrons and visual artists.
Early years – Under the leadership of Marion Park Lewis and others, the organization began fostering connections with regional artists, offering exhibition and programming opportunities.
Hexagon House (530 Amherst St.) – At one point ShenArts occupied the historic Hexagon House, Virginia’s only known six-sided dwelling (built c. 1871-73), which served as office and gallery space and anchored our downtown presence.
Gallery at 128 N. Loudoun St., Winchester – This became one of our core public spaces, hosting member shows, youth exhibitions, and community events.
Today – We continue to serve artists of all ages and skill levels, delivering exhibitions, public art programs (e.g., ArtScape), youth and adult opportunities, and partnerships with local institutions.

What We Do
We provide regional artists of all ages and skill levels with meaningful opportunities to exhibit their work, to connect with audiences and peers, and to grow their creative journey. Our year-round programs invite everyone to explore their creativity and participate in our vibrant arts ecosystem.

Inclusivity & Community
We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all artists, volunteers, visitors, and supporters. Our non-discrimination policy reflects our core belief that the arts are for everyone.

Meet The Board

Kelly McDermott

President

Doug Stallard

Vice President

Katie Landi Jordan

Board Member

Val Kimball

Board Member

Phyllis Briedinger

Immediate Past President

Jill Donelli-Hu

Treasurer

Armin Wessel

Board Member

Maureen Limon

Board Member

Meet our Team

Executive Director

Alyssa Ruby is a Virginia-based artist and the Executive Director of ShenArts. With a background in painting, sculpture, and textiles, her work blends whimsy, storytelling, and immersive design. She earned her BFA in Fine Art from Flagler College and her MFA in Fibers from SCAD, where her thesis installation, The Valley of In-Between, explored transformation through glowing frames, sculptural trees, and playful wooden bunnies.

Previously ShenArts’ Exhibition Manager, Alyssa now leads the organization in expanding creativity and public art opportunities throughout the Shenandoah Valley. In addition to her leadership and exhibition work, she accepts commissions for imaginative murals and children’s room pieces that bring color, wonder, and narrative into everyday spaces. She also collaborates with NOW Art and Walmart to create large-scale digital murals celebrating local communities nationwide.