About CAAD

CAAD Mission 

Cornerstone Academy of Art and Design provides our students with professionally constructed curriculum modeled on the knowledge of industry professionals, targeted towards one's interests and gifts. We wish to dispense the Central Georgia area with an affordable foundation of fine arts applications to kickstart one's educational journey and personal growth with clear, outlined goals and a future career path to be an established member of the industry. CAAD desires for our students to move forward after the completion of courses and provide the same level of expertise knowledge to the future generations that come forth. 

CAAD History

With a name derived from the personal spiritual journey of our founder Beth Smith with God as her cornerstone, Cornerstone Academy brings the elucidation of a firm foundation in Fine Arts. Because Cornerstone Academy supplies the education of the foundation of principles, we identify our students as the walls that emanate out of the corner, building the structural support to provide an ensemble of fine art variations to the future world. We are committed to the belief that the mastery of technique empowers creative expression. To provide our community with the insights of how fine arts can impact the appeal of society, our school centers on an innovative directed arts curriculum. The short term programming of CAAD includes intensive, exploratory workshops open to the general public who are ages 8+. 

Cornerstone Academy of Art and Design was founded by Beth Smith, a classical trained and internationally recognized professional artist, in 2023. Beth, as many other artists, grew up with the ability to express her personal state through drawing and painting. Before beginning her journey as a professional artist, Beth worked for the Marion County Sheriffs Department in Ocala, Florida as a criminal composite sketch artist. During her time at the Sheriffs department, she worked with the FBI on the investigation and capture of the first female serial killer where she was given the task of providing the surrounding community with a sketched portrait of the woman. Because of her sketch being broadcasted on numerous news outlets, Aileen Wuornos was taken into custody. As Beth provided the Ocala community with important information, she wishes to do the same to the Central Georgia community while running one of the few recognized art and design academies in the area.  

In 5-10 years we see our academy growing immensely into a space that educates the future generations in areas like fine art, photography, fashion, etc. at a more affordable cost. Post completion of the courses, we hope to provide our students with employment in their field of study. 

CAAD Goals

6 Month Goals: Obtain more student and develop and offer two more classes with two more instructors.

1 Year Goals: Continue attendance growth and begin market research for a brick and mortar CAAD location.

3 Years Goals: Move into a larger independent location and establish contacts with high school level art instructors and college level professors.