Photography by Steve Buchanan
Rockbridge Academy magna cum laude graduate Lilia Bailey sometimes needed a peaceful break from her rigorous athletic and academic schedule. When she needed respite, she painted. Bailey has been painting for as long as she can remember—back to elementary school. And she’ll continue painting this fall at Massachusetts’ Gordon College, where she plans to study anatomical figure art while majoring in kinesiology. Bailey will also play Division III lacrosse on an academic scholarship.
“I do find it relaxing,” she explains of her artwork. “It’s nice to just slow down, focus on one thing, and see the beauty in it.”
The Annapolis resident focuses on acrylic paintings and honed her skills in art classes at Rockbridge in Crownsville. “Through my art, I can express different things, show the beauty of creation, and reflect the beauty I see in nature around me or in people,” she says.
Bailey recently had two paintings on display in Gallery 57 West in downtown Annapolis. One was a still-life painting featuring oranges and jars with unique designs on them. The second depicted hydrangeas paired with a single rose. Rockbridge recognized this accomplishment by awarding her the Metropolitan Art Award for Excellence in Art, which is given to a student with an exemplary dedication to artistic excellence and for sharing their talent and time with the local community.
Bailey also has been a selfless volunteer within the community. For several years, she dedicated time to Students for Life of America, Vacation Bible School Recreation, Annapolis Pop-up Pantry Covid relief program, Lighthouse Shelter homeless relief program, and served as a youth group leader at her local church.
Beginning this fall at Gordon College, she’ll focus on painting as an element of her studies within the A.J. Gordon scholars program—created for students who are driven to pursue their emerging talents in step with professional development. Through this program, one has the opportunity to create a major. “I’m interested in medicine and the human body,” Bailey says. “I will complete the normal kinesiology major, but will also, hopefully, have the experience in the art department. I will have the science knowledge of dissections and cadavers, while having the anatomical knowledge through my art studies.”
Lacrosse at Gordon will soon become a big priority for the 5-foot-6 Bailey, who played midfield in high school. “When I visited the college, the lacrosse team was so welcoming,” she says. “The coach was very eager for me to be there. Coach (Lily Jones) really cares about each player. I think I will be really pushed and grow athletically.”
Jones says Bailey will have a chance to compete for a starting position next year. “She is a great athlete,” Jones says. “She’s very coachable and I am excited to see her develop as a player.”
Bailey started three years for the Rockbridge Academy girls’ lacrosse team and led the 2021 squad to the Capital Area Lacrosse League championship game. She earned First-Team All-Conference honors and racked up 37 goals. Bailey co-captained the lacrosse team as both a junior and senior.
“She’s a real leader,” Rockbridge Athletic Director Tim Stewart says. “She worked with the younger players and really got the team focused.”
Bailey also excelled in soccer. She played as a goalie or defender and was named Second-Team All-Conference as a senior, while the team won the MISAL Championship. “She has a go-getter attitude,” Rockbridge Girls’ Soccer Coach Becca Knoll says. “She has boundless energy and was very competitive. She’s just a natural athlete.”
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