Laurel Ridge Community College

Wildlife Happenings: Celebrating Wildlife Through Art
2026-07-29 08:00 - 2026-10-23 17:00 (America/New_York) | Laurel Ridge Community College 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, United States
An Exhibition Featuring the Artworks of Cindy Kreiman and Simona Bergman

Exhibition Dates

July 29 – Oct. 23

Artist Talk and Reception

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 1– 4 p.m. Meet the artists, learn about their inspiration, and explore the stories behind their works celebrating wildlife and the natural world.

Location: Sekel Art Atrium in Cornerstone Hall

FREE and Open to the Public

Art in Service of Animal Advocacy

Artists Cindy and Simona share a deep commitment to animal rescue, sanctuary work, wildlife conservation, and advocacy. Their dedication extends far beyond volunteer service, finding powerful expression through their artistic practice. For both artists, creating artwork is a labor of love and a meaningful way to support the causes closest to their hearts.

Throughout their careers, Cindy and Simona have donated artwork and directed proceeds from exhibitions and sales to benefit organizations devoted to animal welfare, rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation. Their contributions have supported respected organizations such as the Jane Goodall Institute, For the Cats’ Sake, and numerous rescue groups and sanctuaries throughout the United States and abroad.

For this exhibition, the artists are proud to spotlight Lockwood Animal Rescue Center (LARC), a nationally recognized organization dedicated to the rescue and protection of wolves, wolf-dogs, horses, wild birds, wildlife, and veterans while advancing education, conservation, and public awareness.

Learn more about Lockwood Animal Rescue Center:https://lockwoodarc.org/

“We are speaking through our art to bring about awareness to the plight and importance of our wildlife and their habitats. Once they’re gone, there’s no turning back. When we lose them, we lose ourselves.“ – Cindy Kreiman

Organizations Supported Through Their Work

In addition to LARC, Cindy and Simona have supported and continue to advocate for a wide range of animal welfare and conservation organizations, including:

Sky Wild Horse Sanctuary

Wildlife Center of Virginia

Save A Fox

Fox Tails Rescue

Woods Hole Marine Wildlife

Sky Phoenix Wolf Sanctuary

Virginia Bat Conservation

American Bird Conservancy

Hope and Serenity Farm Sanctuary

Serenity Sanctuary Farm Rescue

Dr. Burwell Wildlife Veterinary Services

Winchester SPCA

Esther Boyd Animal Shelter

Through their art, Cindy and Simona seek not only to celebrate the beauty and spirit of animals but also to inspire compassion, awareness, and action in support of the organizations working tirelessly on their behalf.

About the Artists

Cindy Kreiman

Animals and nature have been central to Cindy’s life from an early age. Through wildlife rescue efforts, shelter work, and a career in education serving children with special needs, she has dedicated herself to helping those most in need. Her artwork reflects her belief that wildlife, natural landscapes, waterways, and the air we breathe are precious gifts that deserve protection and respect. Proceeds from her paintings support the various causes listed above, allowing her passion for art to further advance the organizations and missions she cares about most.

Simona Bergman

For Simona, nature has always been a source of inspiration, peace, and wonder. An educator for more than 18 years, she has used science, art, literature, and music to help children develop a deeper appreciation for every living creature. Through her wildlife paintings, she continues her lifelong mission of promoting kindness, conservation, and awareness. Proceeds from her artwork support wildlife rehabilitation, animal shelters, sanctuaries, and humanitarian causes.

Questions? Contact Professor of Art, Monica James at mjames@laurelridge.edu.
