What Is Our Living Legacy? Reflections on the 3rd Annual Melinda Vooss Creative Arts Festival

Yesterday was a day filled with meaning, creativity, and joy.

The 3rd Annual Melinda Vooss Creative Arts Festival at Chesapeake Bay Academy was nothing short of extraordinary. Centered around the theme, “What is our Living Legacy?”, this year's event invited students, families, and educators to explore the impact we leave on the world—not just after we’re gone, but in how we live each day.

Through imaginative artwork, powerful performances, and thoughtful interactive displays, the students and the CBA team reminded us that legacy can take many forms. It lives in the stories we tell, the energy we share, the choices we make, and the creativity we nurture. The festival became a celebration of that everyday impact—and an opportunity for students to express how they are making the world a more empathetic, kind, and creative place.

One of the many memorable moments came during a live performance of “The Art Teacher Legacy,” an original poem written and performed by one of Melinda’s former students. Her words beautifully captured how one teacher’s belief in the power of the arts continues to ripple outward.

This year’s festival also carried unique emotional significance, as it marked the final graduating class that includes a student taught by Melinda. In a powerful tribute, students and staff discovered one of her old sketchbooks, complete with a hand-written lesson plan. Drawing inspiration from it, a graduating student created a new work of art filled with symbols that Melinda held dear and presented it to our family as a gift. It was a deeply kind gesture, a reminder of how art connects generations and how her legacy continues to live and evolve through her students.

Later that afternoon, a parent of a young elementary student—someone who never met Melinda, and whose child never had her as a teacher—took a quiet moment to share her thoughts. “I just want to let you know that her name is still spoken here,” she said. “Her legacy is strong. Melinda will always be known at this school.”

That is the living legacy we celebrate.

To the incredible students, families, teachers, and leadership at CBA: thank you. Your passion, talent, and unwavering commitment to the arts continue to honor Melinda in the most meaningful ways. You inspire us to keep pushing forward with our mission—to uplift, support, and celebrate arts education in her name.

Announcing our 2nd ODU Education Scholarship Winner: Rachel Vrendenburg

We are delighted to announce that Rachel Vrendenburg has been awarded the 2024/25 Melinda Vooss Artfully Yours Memorial Fund Education Scholarship. Her dedication to art and art education is truly inspiring—she holds a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art with a minor in English from Old Dominion University (ODU) and is now pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in Art Education with a minor in Art History.

Now in its second year, our scholarship program with ODU reflects our deep commitment to fostering the next generation of art educators. This scholarship is designed to support passionate students who are dedicated to enriching the lives of future generations through art education. By providing financial assistance and recognition, we aim to empower aspiring teachers as they develop the skills, creativity, and leadership necessary to inspire young artists. It also serves as an opportunity to celebrate outstanding achievements in the field, honoring students as they complete their K-12 student teaching internship in Hampton Roads and prepare to make a lasting impact in the classroom and beyond.

Rachel’s artistic journey is a testament to creativity, dedication, and the power of visual storytelling. Her portfolio showcases a range of expressive, thought-provoking works that highlight her technical skill and deep appreciation for artistic exploration. From dynamic portraiture to immersive mixed-media pieces, her art reflects a commitment to both personal expression and inspiring young minds.

Currently completing her student teaching as a preservice educator, Rachel is committed to fostering a classroom environment that nurtures curiosity, inclusivity, and confidence. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that art is a means of self-discovery and empowerment, encouraging students to embrace their unique voices and perspectives. She strives to create a welcoming, engaging space where all students feel valued and supported in their artistic growth. Learn more about her teaching philosophy here.

We are honored to support Rachel as she embarks on her career as an art educator, and we look forward to seeing the impact she will make on her students and the art community. Congratulations, Rachel!

Thank you to our generous donors and supporters who make this scholarship possible. We also extend our deep gratitude to Old Dominion University, with special recognition to the ODU Art Department Chair, the Art Education Program Director, and the ODU Education Foundation development team for their partnership and dedication to helping us fulfill our mission and advance Melinda's legacy. Your commitment to the arts and education ensures that future artists and teachers, like Rachel, have the opportunity to thrive and inspire.

YASS INDEED! Connecting Future Educators with Young Artists Across our Community

The Youth Art Saturday School (YASS) program, a partnership between the Melinda M. Vooss Artfully Yours Memorial Fund and Old Dominion University, exemplifies our mission of fostering creativity and supporting future art educators. Through YASS, ODU’s aspiring art education teachers lead hands-on workshops for young artists, providing an enriching space where artistic expression flourishes. This initiative not only brings high-quality art experiences to the community but also offers invaluable real-world teaching experience to students preparing for careers in art education.

At its core, the YASS program embodies two key pillars of the Artfully Yours mission: expanding access to the arts and empowering the next generation of art educators. By bridging the gap between university art education programs and local youth, YASS fosters meaningful mentorship and learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. This collaboration highlights the power of art to build connections—between students and teachers, institutions and communities, and creativity and education. As we celebrate another successful year, we remain committed to strengthening these ties and inspiring a future where art remains an accessible and transformative force for all.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported the YASS program—our dedicated ODU partners, passionate student educators, talented young artists, and generous donors. Your commitment to the arts and education makes this program possible, and we are grateful for your role in shaping the next generation of artists and educators.