After nearly a decade of planning and a year of construction, the new Visual Arts and Design Academy (VADA) building has finally been completed. The project, spearheaded by VADA Director Daniel Barnett, has been long in the works, fulfilling a vision that began with the program’s creation in 1999. The idea for the art building has been in the works since the very first Visual Arts and Design team started the program. For years, they lacked the funds to make it a reality. 

“It’s a neat combination of people that came together to make it happen,” Barnett explained. “It’s important for people to know that. It’s not like the district came forward to give us the funding.” 

The breakthrough came when VADA won a competitive state facilities grant, securing $2.2 million. The grant required matching funds from the school district, and an anonymous donor generously matched the grant, enabling the project to move forward.

The building is a carefully thought-out space designed to support a range of artistic disciplines. It houses advanced painting, AP and honors studio art, digital photography, and advanced drawing. One of the most innovative features of the building is its dual design; one side is dedicated to traditional analog arts, like painting and printmaking, while the other side is equipped with digital technology for photography and computer-based projects.

“We wanted a space that could either be one big room or two separate classrooms. It’s a really purposeful placement,” Barnett said.

Bringing this vision to life was no easy feat. The VADA team took the lead in the design process, consulting with industry partners and creative business leaders for advice. The proposal took three years to put together, culminating in an 80-page grant submission. The plans for the building spent an entire year in review before receiving state approval. 

“The design process was really driven by us. The district didn’t come and say, ‘Hey, do you guys want a new building?’ We saw this opportunity, this grant that the state was offering, and we went for it,” Barnett shared.

The new art building offers several unique features, with a flexible and dynamic workspace for both students and teachers. One of the standout aspects of the design is its adaptability. The building opens up on three sides, and most of the furniture is on wheels, allowing the space to be shifted easily. 

“The building is in a way kind of a shell, and we can reconfigure it and move everything around. Practically nothing is bolted down, so if we don’t like the way something is, we can change it. Everything is flexible,” Barnett explained.

The new building isn’t just a win for VADA students; it’s designed to benefit the entire community. The faculty hopes to create a space that invites students to gather, whether for art-related events or simply to eat lunch. This marks the first academic building constructed at the high school since the 1970s.

“I’ve seen student productivity increased. The kids are taking their creative work more seriously because the building is taking them seriously,” Barnett said of the benefits of the building.

The new VADA building is more than just some classrooms. It’s a space that encourages creativity, and it stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. After years of planning, the future of arts education at SBHS looks brighter than ever.

Image Credit: Avalon McElroy