About the Director
Sherry Overton Wendling
Academy of Fine Arts Owner/Director
After graduating from Rock Bridge High School in 1975, Sherry attended the University of Missouri-Columbia where she received a degree in elementary education with an endorsement in preschool. While at Mizzou, Sherry was a twirler with Marching Mizzou and a Golden Girl. During this time she traveled to Peru and Japan as a delegate and ambassador for the United States in twirling and dance. During her time at Mizzou, Sherry met and later married Steve, who was the Tiger mascot and a cheerleader.
Our goal is to help each child develop self confidence, poise and individual personality expression in an enjoyable atmosphere.
After graduation, Sherry continued to teach twirling and upon moving back to Columbia opened the Academy of Fine Arts in 1987. In 1999 the growth of the Academy and a move to our present location prompted the opening of the Academy of Early Childhood Learning.
These businesses have received numerous competition awards for twirling and dance, as well as Small Business of the Year award.
In 2004 Sherry was inducted into the National Baton twirling Hall of Fame and recognized at Notre Dame University at the annual America's Youth Parade Competition.
With many years of experience Sherry is still very motivated and aspires to help each child and teacher develop to their fullest potential.