Last week, visitors to the John F. Peto Studio Museum enjoyed an engaging panel discussion, Inspirations as a Continuum, presented as part of the museum’s Peto Presents lecture series. The event complemented the ongoing exhibition, Inspirations: A Global Cascade of Influence — From Old Souvenirs to New Voices, which remains on view through August 30, 2026.
The discussion featured ÀNI Art Academies Co-Founder and Curriculum Designer Anthony J. Waichulis, ÀNI General Manager and Creative Director Anya Dribas, and ÀNI Art Academies apprentice Ava Ash. Together, they explored how artistic influence can be cultivated through structured education while still encouraging each artist to develop a distinct creative voice. Topics included mentorship, observation, technical training, and the many ways artists interpret shared ideas through their own experiences.
Although the panel discussion has concluded, there is still plenty of time to experience the exhibition itself. Featuring the work of 34 artists from the ÀNI Art Academies network across the United States, the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Anguilla, Inspirations examines how a single source of inspiration can ripple across cultures, communities, and generations while giving rise to deeply personal artistic expression. At the heart of the exhibition is John F. Peto’s Old Souvenirs, the painting that profoundly influenced Anthony Waichulis and ultimately helped inspire the educational philosophy behind the ÀNI Art Academies.
ÀNI Art Academies extends its sincere thanks to the John F. Peto Studio Museum for hosting both the exhibition and the panel discussion. We are grateful to everyone who attended and encourage anyone who has not yet visited to take advantage of the remaining weeks of this remarkable international exhibition.
Inspirations: A Global Cascade of Influence — From Old Souvenirs to New Voices remains on view at the John F. Peto Studio Museum through August 30, 2026.
