Dear Friends of Mountainside Arts,

It is with a heavy heart that I share some news. ❤️‍🩹

My beloved Art school, a sanctuary for creativity and connection, finds itself in a challenging situation. Dominion Energy will be building a new 4-acre Walnut Creek substation just 45 feet from our property. We have fought passionately to protect our beautiful space and my little school. While I feared this chapter was coming to an end, thanks to the support of several Albemarle County Board of Supervisors members and our generous C’ville arts community, we are choosing to hold on. We’ll use our creative force field of love and see what the future holds. In the meantime, I will continue offering private Art Events and teaching Special Ed. & Elementary Art in the public schools.

To process the pain of watching our beautiful neighborhood be permanently destroyed, I’ve poured my heart into several new passion projects—songwriting and retail.
10000 Trees Music features all-original and educational Art and Nature songs for children, teens & adults.
10000 Trees Art Co. brings to life my dream of fashion design for Art, Music & Earth-inspired fashion and decor.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being a part of this journey.
May you always find health, happiness, and inspiration in the years to come. Trust in karma.

With love and HOPE,

Rachel McLaughlin
Mountainside Arts
C'ville
2/16/2025