Discover CAAD
A fine arts teaching studio in Macon forming the next generation of artists
Our Mission
The mission of Cornerstone Academy of Art and Design (CAAD) is to provide a learning experience modeled on the knowledge of art industry professionals while supporting our students’ individual interests and talents.
Our purpose at CAAD is to provide the Middle Georgia community with a comprehensive foundation in fine arts education. CAAD strives to provide art instruction that fosters transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and intellectual curiosity in our students.
Meet Our Founder
Beth Smith is a classically trained and internationally recognized professional artist. She believes that mastery of technique empowers individual creative expression.
Like many young artists, Beth grew up expressing her inner life through drawing and painting. Before beginning her journey as a professional artist, Beth worked for the Marion County Sheriff's Department in Ocala, Florida as a criminal composite sketch artist.
During her time at the Sheriff’s department, Beth worked alongside major crimes investigators on the investigation and capture of serial killer Aileen Wuornos. She was given the task of providing the community with a sketched portrait of the suspect. After Beth’s sketch was broadcast on numerous news outlets, Wuornos was taken into custody.
With God as her cornerstone, Beth brings foundational fine arts education to her students in Macon and Middle Georgia.
Our Vision
Currently, CAAD offers intensive, exploratory workshops and art lessons open to the general public ages 8 and above. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered for certificates of completion, and the studio is currently pursuing academic accreditation.
In 5-10 years, we envision our academy growing into a space that provides affordable education for future generations of artists in areas like fine art, photography, fashion, and more. By nurturing our students’ skillsets and confidence, we hope to make employment in their field of study within reach.
“The art instructors at Cornerstone Academy of Art & Design are very skilled. I recommend Cornerstone Academy of Art & Design to anyone who wants to improve their art skills or learn new ones.”
Meet Our Instructors
Craig Hamilton
Instructor, Drawing Fundamentals, Illustration, Figure Drawing, Character Development
Born in Macon Georgia, Craig Hamilton is an accomplished professional illustrator across the fields of comics, licensing, and advertising. Excelling in pen and ink and color pencil techniques, Craig brings his expertise to drawing instruction and teaching at CAAD. His favorite aspect of teaching, no matter the area of study, is showing people new ways of seeing.
Deonna Hendrix
Instructor, Summer Camp Director, CAAD For Kids, Mixed Media, Aqueous Media
Deonna Hendrix is a self-taught, fifth-generation visual artist whose work primarily explores aqueous media, often blending abstract expression with her lifelong love of trees and the sea. Before concentrating on visual art, she worked in the theatrical and literary arts, spending many years as a professional storyteller throughout the Southeast. Since relocating to Macon in 2013, she has taught children and adults in studios, galleries, schools, and community programs while participating in numerous exhibitions and creative initiatives. She finds great joy in helping students discover their creative voice, reconnect with their sense of curiosity, and build confidence—whether they are exploring art for the first time, returning after years away, or learning in ways that differ from traditional approaches.
Prof. Charles Ward
Academic Director, Instructor, AP Studio Art, AP Art History, General Learning Support (AP/IB) Professional Development
Charles Ward is a multi-award winning Educator and Artist from Macon, GA. He has a B.A. in Art from Piedmont College, a M.A.T. in Art from Georgia College & State University, and a M.F.A. in Fine Art concentrating in Two-dimensional Design from Western Carolina University. Charles has taught at Howard High School, Central High School, Middle Georgia State University, and various other colleges in the Middle Georgia area. His favorite aspects of teaching are getting students excited about and interested in the foundations of art and art theory. Charles predominantly works with Pen & Ink, Digital Art, and Medieval Materials and Techniques.
Rachel Harrelson, B.A.
Applied Art and Design, Instructor, Fundamentals of Art (9th-12th grade), 3D AP/Studio, Computer Animation, Oil Painting, 3D and Sculpture
Rachel Harrelson is a multidisciplinary artist whose areas of speciality are painting, printmaking and sculpture, leveraging each of these mediums to capture and bring moments of fairy tales, lore and mythology to life, highlighting the messages and themes of each story. Working post education, she sets her eyes upon obtaining an MFA as well as continuing to enter shows and build her body of work. One of her favorite aspects about teaching is seeing that spark in a student’s eyes as they take the techniques and materials being taught to them and create something of their own vision.