About CAAD

CAAD Mission

The mission of Cornerstone Academy of Art and Design [CAAD] is to provide a professionally constructed learning experience modeled on the knowledge of industry professionals while enhancing student’s specific interests and talents. Our purpose at CAAD is to provide the Central Georgia Community with a comprehensive foundation in fine arts education intended to inspire students' educational journey in the arts and enhance a students’ existing artistic skills and interests. CAAD strives to provide art instruction which supports transferable skills like critical thinking, problem solving, and intellectual curiosity.

CAAD History

With a name derived from the personal spiritual journey of our founder Beth Smith with God as her cornerstone, Cornerstone Academy brings  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.