Now celebrating its 20th year, the Scottsville Center for Arts and Nature (SCAN) has become an institution in Scottsville. It is on this anniversary that my term as President of the Board of Directors of SCAN comes to an end. I have been honored to serve at the pleasure of the Board as their President for the last two years. It is with a heavy heart that I turn this responsibility over to the newly elected Slate of Officers for the upcoming 2025 term: Beth Clark, President; Nancy Gill, Vice-President; and Lisa Caltiabano, Treasurer. I am assured that the future of SCAN will be secure under their guidance.
For the past 20 years, likeminded folk brought to Scottsville a sensitivity and a passion for the arts and for the natural environment. This work stemmed from their gratitude to have found themselves, their family and community in a place so blessed by natural beauty, rich in colonial history, and unique in every way. When asked where I am from, my standard response is that I live in the Foothills of the Great Blue Ridge on the Banks of the Great Horseshoe Bend of the Mighty James River in the Central Region of the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are indeed fortunate to be here now, fulfilling our mission, based upon the foresight of Mary Hardy our founder, to create a space for exploration of the natural environment through the arts.
What does that mean exactly?
Well, consider joining us in our efforts and find out! We need your help and support as we continue to develop the SCAN Land, a natural environment and playspace for adults, children, and families that is supported by the natural beauty that is Scottsville. Help us bring the performing arts to Scottsville’s historic Victory Hall. Help us bring programming, training, workshops, and events that support continued creativity in the arts and exploration of nature. If a child walking down Valley Street looks into the windows of an abandoned storefront to see a painting, quilt, sculpture, or stained glass, that child might stop for a minute to take it in and be changed forever by the act of art appreciation.
I want to thank the Town and its Council for its unshakeable support of our mission, as well to the Chamber of Commerce for the many opportunities that allowed for SCAN to shine. I am grateful to my fellow directors, past and present who I learned so much from: Erin, Kelly, Kristin, Kinsey, Daisa, Courtney, Ruth, Beth, Liz, Nicki, Nancy, and Luke, for these individuals were the reason for all that SCAN has achieved. To our partners, Persimmon Tree Players, James River Boys & Girls Club, Scottsville Museum, Jefferson-Madison Regional Library – Scottsville Branch, Scottsville Elementary and its Parent/Teacher Organization, the Lion’s Club, Siller Pollinators, Wild Ginger, VDOT, Clean Latrine, Tiger Market, Nealand Farms, the Mushroom Guys from Lynchburg, again so many, too many for this old woman to remember. To our friends and supporters, truly behind the scenes who know who they are. The list is long and I am reluctant to try to list them for fear of unintentionally leaving an important contributor out. To the citizens of Scottsville and our volunteers and artists who made popcorn, picked up litter, guided hikes, sold lemonade, worked backstage, contributed artwork, shared our events on their social media, worked tirelessly behind the scenes, created social media posts there are no words adequate to express what an honor it was for me to be with you.
A special thank you to our generous donors. You saved us in the dark times. You supported our dreams and made them come true.
Join me as I join others to support SCAN in our Twentieth Annual Campaign, please.
It was an honor and a privilege to serve my community – Thank You Scottsville!
See You Around Town!
Stephanie (Stevie) Loebs
Proud Member of Scottsville Center for the Arts and The Natural Environment.