There is always something great happening at VADA! Check back soon for our current events calendar, and see below for descriptions of the events that you can expect within the VADA community.
Welcome Back Picnic
The whole family is encouraged to attend this welcome back to school event, held at the beginning of the Fall Semester. Following a parent meeting where parents learn what is coming up for the year, everyone enjoys free tacos, music and coming together as a community. This is a great time to meet teachers and Friends of VADA board members and sign up for volunteer positions for the year.
Orientation and Team Building Design Challenge
Held during the school day in the first few weeks of school, this event further strengthens the VADA community with a day of team building focused on a design challenge for the students.
Field Trips
VADA gets students out of the classroom and into the art world with visits to museums and businesses in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Each year of the program, students will take different field trips to places like the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Los Angeles Contemporary Arts Museum, Getty Center, Norton Simon Museum, The Broad and more.
Monthly Student Lunches
The Student Leadership Council works with parent volunteers to host monthly student lunches. These are fun gatherings of the entire VADA family with a different theme each month, featuring free lunch, entertainment and activities.
Guest Speakers
Our guest speaker program brings the art and design world onto campus through a variety of experts speaking to the VADA students.
First Thursday Events
In conjunction with Downtown Santa Barbara’s First Thursday gallery walk, VADA partners with galleries downtown to showcase student artwork.
Parent Happy Hours
Parents are invited to a casual happy hour each month at a different location. It’s a great opportunity to connect with other parents and make new friends!
New York City Trip
Seniors have the opportunity to travel to New York City with program administrators during college admission season to tour schools and galleries. It’s a great chance to look ahead to art school after graduation. This is an optional trip, with some scholarships available.
Spring Show
Each Spring VADA Student Artwork is showcased at the Community Arts Workshop during this very special event. Every grade level displays work that has been done throughout the year, with an opening reception and a week-long show. Prospective families are invited to see a great overview of the program and current families attend to celebrate the work done throughout the year.
The VADA Draw
The Draw is our main fundraiser of the year, and a GREAT party! Original works of art are donated by more than one hundred professional and amateur artists, local and national celebrities, current VADA students, and talented VADA alumni. At the VADA Draw, ticket holders are entered into a raffle and get to choose a coveted art piece to take home. In addition, attendees are treated to food, drinks and music making for a fun evening to support VADA.
VADA Prom
Led by VADA Student Leadership, the VADA Prom is a highlight of the year. This student-run dance puts an artistic spin on the traditional prom and is not to be missed.
VADA Graduation
The VADA Graduation is a wonderful event honoring the graduating seniors. Each senior is recognized for their hard work and dedication to the program, surrounded by their families and teachers.
