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.

Functional Fitness Class!
2026-08-20 11:30 - 12:30 | MIddletown Campus: SUB 217, VA, United States
Join Fitness Instructor Chris Scholl for a FUNctional Fitness Class. Mondays and Wednesdays 4:45pm-5:35pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30am-12:20pm. Open to All Faculty, Staff, and Students in the SUB RM 217.

New Student Gear Up: Service Members and Veteran Students
2026-08-20 11:30 - 13:00 | VA
Are you a service member or Veteran student? This Gear Up session is for you!

Ready for Day One? Your 10-Step Game Plan.

Designed specifically for our service member and Veterans students, highlighting Canvas, Navigate, and the Student Help Hub while reviewing class schedule, syllabus, and tech resources. Bring your questions! Presented by the Laurel Ridge office of Military and Veteran Services.

Sign up for this session!

New Student Welcome Day @ Luray-Page County Center
2026-08-20 17:00 - 18:00 | Luray-Page County Center: Jenkins Hall, VA, United States
Welcome to the Laurel Ridge Family and join us at New Student Welcome Days!

Pick up some Laurel Ridge swag

Attend a Ready Up session just for new students

Take care of last-minute TO-DOs – one of our academic advisors will be on-duty to help you

Complete a scavenger hunt for a chance to win some $$$

RSVP at laurelridge.edu/welcome to attend!

New Student Welcome Day @ Fauquier Campus
2026-08-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Fauquier Campus: Wolk & Hazel Halls, VA, United States
Welcome to the Laurel Ridge Family and join us at New Student Welcome Days!

Pick up some Laurel Ridge swag

Attend a Gear Up session just for new students

Take care of last-minute TO-DOs – all offices will be open

Go on a Campus Tour with our student leaders

Complete a scavenger hunt for a chance to win some $$$

Meet with an academic advisor, check on your financial aid, and learn about other campus resources – ALL officers will be open and staff ready to help

Take a selfie with Leo the Lion!

RSVP at laurelridge.edu/welcome to attend!

New Student Welcome Day @ Middletown Campus
2026-08-22 10:00 - 13:00 | VA

Functional Fitness Class!
2026-08-24 16:30 - 17:30 | Middletown Campus: SUB RM 217, United States

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Virtual Information Session
2026-08-26 18:00 - 19:00 | VA
PTA program information sessions are held virtually via Zoom on the last Wednesday of each month.

Attendance at an information session is a required first step in the application process. Advance registration is necessary to attend:

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://vccs.zoom.us/meeting/register/7h–xWFKRVaIEaT9GAymeQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
