The LCPS Office of Special Education hosted a unique art exhibit, titled The Power of Purpose, Place, and Human Connection: Our Stories Matter, on Thursday, Dec. 4 at A Place to Be in Leesburg. The event featured nearly 40 works of art created by four adult learners with disabilities who are incarcerated at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center and who are pursuing their diplomas. While the student-artists could not attend the event, their messages, experiences and hopes shone through their art and the accompanying artist statements.
Christina Schmitt, Special Education Dean for the Non-Traditional Schools, shared that last spring, she recognized some of her students needed an arts credit to meet their diploma requirements. With this in mind, Schmitt, who serves not only as dean but also as instructor and, in her words, a “coach of new beginnings,” set out to help students fulfill this requirement.
These art classes, born out of a need to fulfill a graduation requirement, became an outlet for self-expression. Over the course of several weeks, students poured their experiences, emotions and hopes into their artwork, meeting Virginia Department of Education standards while telling their personal stories.
Because detention center policies prevented the students from keeping their work, Schmitt sought a way to ensure their efforts could be seen and valued. She reached out to the Loudoun County Arts Council, which connected her with A Place to Be, a music therapy provider, arts performance center and long-time LCPS partner. Together, they ensured that the student’s work could be viewed and appreciated.
Schmitt also said that she hoped the art exhibit would enable attendees to see beyond the artist’s criminal records and recognize their talent, humanity, and potential. Her hope was that the exhibit would help break the stigma surrounding incarceration.
During the exhibit’s opening presentation, Schmitt reflected on the transformative power of art: “For individuals with disabilities, art enhances memory, attention, sequencing, and fine motor skills. It also helps develop executive functioning by requiring students to plan, think critically, make decisions, manage their time, and problem-solve.”
She emphasized that the exhibit was not about producing the “best” art, but about honoring the stories behind each piece. Art, she explained, allows individuals to express themselves, reduce stress and anxiety, and find healing in creative expression. For incarcerated learners with disabilities, many of whom carry complex trauma histories, art can provide a safe space to be seen and heard.
During the exhibit, Schmitt spoke about her role: “It is a true pleasure to work with each of these individuals. I find purpose in helping students discover their own potential, guiding them toward growth, competence and hope. Tonight’s exhibit is not just an art show. It is proof that their experiences matter, that they are valued and seen. It is an act of liberation, healing and a testament to the positive impact education can have on a learner’s life.”
During the event, nearly 50 attendees were invited to engage with the artwork and write notes to the student-artists. Each piece was framed and accompanied by an artist’s statement that shared the inspiration behind the art, as well as elements of the student-artist’s personal story. The collection reflected the art history and technique instruction incorporated into Schmitt’s classes.
One particularly popular piece, a dog rendered in a pointillist style, drew considerable attention, while others showcased the creative use of mixed media. Schmitt noted that detention center policies restricted the materials available to students, requiring them to adapt and innovate with limited resources.
The evening concluded with gratitude. Schmitt thanked Theresa Clancy and Brian Kirk of the Loudoun Arts Council, Kim Tapper, co-founder and executive director of A Place to Be, Dr. Paige Carter, LCPS Director of Special Education, and Nykea Purnell, LCPS Assistant Director of Special Education, for their support in bringing the exhibit to fruition.
Though the students could not be present physically, their spirit filled the Hall of Hope. Through their art, they shared stories of resilience, identity, and possibility, reminding the community that every learner has value, and every story matters.