Congratulations to WCAAD student Jonas Ma for his acceptance to Columbia University!

​Additional college offers include----
UC, Berkeley；
USC School of Cinematic Arts  scholarship $16,000/yr $64, 000/4 yrs；
Otis College of Art and Design scholarship $23,000/yr $92, 000/4 yrs；
Pratt Institute scholarship $25,000/yr $100, 000/4 yrs；
California College of Art scholarship $24,000/yr $96, 000/4 yrs；
Art Center College of Design scholarship $15,000/yr $60, 000/4 yrs；
UC, Irvine scholarship $20,000/yr $80, 000/4 yrs；
Washington University，St. Louis scholarship $12,000/yr $48, 000/4 yrs；
UC, San Cruz;
University of Texas, Austin;
University of Washington;
UC, San Diego;
UC, Davis.

​Columbia University is a major private institution of higher education in New York. It is one of the Ivy League schools. Founded in 1754 as King's College, it was renamed Columbia College when it reopened in 1784 after the American Revolution. It became Columbia University in 1912.
 

​Jonas Ma has been a student at WCAAD beginning his freshman year in high school. Initially he majored in design with a concentration in concept art. Early on, Jonas demonstrated great talent and attention to the finer details Jonas spent a very a vast number of hours and dedication in art and design often passing 40+ hours This commitment catapulted him into the students you see today.

​Jonas Ma’s story really begins with his parents supporting his talent early on as a child. They saw his passion and an enthusiasm for the craft. Four years ago, his parents moved to Irvine CA. dreaming about a good future for their children but never imagining their dreams could come true. As Jonas entered the school, as an instructor, I remember thinking that he had natural abilities, but he had many bad habits. Yet there was a drive and a desire from young Jonas to better himself. He had a “never quit” attitude. During his time here at WCAAD, he experimented with sketching, drawings, paintings, figure drawing, sculptures, products, game design and installation art. 

​Jonas has grown immensely both technically and creatively. I have relied on him to be an example and lead his peers in critical discussions. His ability to engage with others in critique and the capability to discern their flaws in a constructive way, assists moving the class dynamic and individuals who greatly benefit from his interpretation and suggestions. 

​He shows care dedication and commitment to the arts and has a strong work ethic. I feel he is not afraid to take risk as he showcases his work in contest and galleries as well as having publications. His photography artwork "Sunset" was selected in the 5th Annual Skies Online Juried Art Exhibition in August 2021, an international competition for artists above eighteen. His other work: "Family War", was just selected in an online show at Laguna art gallery just this year. This work is sculpted in the blender and 3D printed for installation.

​Another piece, "Still life with Kettle" was also selected in the 2nd online international Juried Art Exhibition August 2021. Besides these competitions, he has been published in instructables.com, a website where he constructed salvaged furnishings and craft with his father to create unique coffee tables.

​Jonas is the ideal student representative, as he has taken UCLA credit courses in10th-grade. As for the academic experience, Summers were always busy and productive. In 2019 he partook in an intensive called A+ Summer high school camp at UCLA, focusing on writing, reading, and critical thinking. Instructor Courtney G. Bowman (Harvard University) thought highly of creation analysis. "I was the only one to find the correct formula for the most challenging math question among the logic puzzles regarding our logic course”. At Art Center College of Design in 11th grade he experienced concept design courses, receiving an A and high scores. At RISD, Design and Mathematic courses in 3D modeling opened the door to technologies such as blender software and game by coding. At our Academy he is well versed with Photoshop Procreate and Illustrator among others as his focus was always to master all areas.

​Additional interest include fencing for 8 years. In 2019 he placed 1st place in a tournament rating D in USA foil fencing athletes. In 10th grade Jonas organized a team at Mater Dei High School, recruiting new members and coaching them increasing participation and twice, achieving 2nd,3rd place. He completely understands the meaning of fighting, perseverance, tolerance, and cooperation. At the beginning of 10th grade, he passed all parts of referee exams and scored a referee rating of 9, both in foil and epee. 

Other activities include his high school Lacrosse Team varsity (midfielder). A member of Golubitsky Fencing Center for 8 years and MDHS club president and coach to his fencing club as well as SOCAl division USA fencing. He formulated a 3D Printing club at MDHS international club as president and founder. He has volunteered at Hoag Hospital transporting/escort patients. At Pala broad he assisted international students as well as give art direction to the founder helping with editing and graphic design when MDHS had a special game event, Jonas volunteered in the special needs booth tracking the event. In his free time, he tutors younger students with Math, History and Language (Chinese and Spanish). Finally, he is a member of Mater Dei student body (ASB member). Employments have been Baskin Robins, Unifun inc. and he has worked in Shanghai Lien engineering and design company as well as receiving the MD- Renaissance award. 

When others date and play, I immerse in my art and study”. According to his parents they really have supported Jonas and believe that a person should do what they love and their compassion to be a good person will give them success in life. A successful person should have “Motivation, Perseverance, and Determination” which most times out weight awards. They have seen his immense growth and likewise Jonas realizes their sacrifice as well.
 
​
(By Omar Gallegos, WCAAD Vice Principal/Director of Education)

​Congratulations to Angie Li, 11 years old, for winning the California State 1st Place award at the 2021-22 National PTA Reflections art contest.

The contest is themed “I Will Change the World by…” and Angie’s winning artwork is titled “Believing.”

​In the description Angie wrote, “the key to change something starts with an idea that was outside of the box, an idea that is thought of as crazy.  I believe I can change the world by believing in the idea, and then applying the concept and knowledge that I learn from school to make it possible.  My schooling has introduced me to topics such as science, arts, ELA, and technology, which have all piqued my interest.  I know that in the future I will be able to utilize my knowledge and skills in these fields to change the world for the better.  What I want to say is, as long as you believe and dream that you can change the world, then one day it will happen.  I aim to make the world a more welcoming place for all people, regardless of background or social status.”

​Parent-teacher association (PTA) is a formal organization composed of parents, teachers and staff that is intended to facilitate parental participation in a school. PTA Reflections is a nationally acclaimed student recognition program to encourage artistic creativity in the classroom and at home. There are six arts categories – dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.  Students of all grades and abilities may participate and explore the arts. Entries are reviewed at local, regional, state and national levels. 

​Angie has been very active participating in various contests and has won many prizes. Among the most notable was the 2020 Doodle for Google contest, which she was the sole winner of the top state prize in California in her age group.    

Participation in a contest requires serious dedication and perseverance.  While many students attempt but fail to complete the task to even enter a competition, she always comes through with her commitments and that by itself is a remarkable feat that should definitely not be taken for granted. 

​Angie has delightful, respectful, and gentle personality, and has full of passion as well as creativity for art.   “I have been having a privilege of teaching Angie Li since 2016 when she was almost 7 years old.” Ms. Noriko, Angie’s art instructor at WCAAD, said, “It is truly a pleasure to watch her grow both as an artist and as a human being. I love the way her face shines when she comes up with ideas for drawings.” 

​Angie has gained an impressive ability to depict her creative visions come alive in her drawings, which makes it possible for her to communicate with audience through her artworks. 

Angie is eager to be inspired more and get involved proactively in many programs. “She has made steady and remarkable progress over the years and has become one of the most talented young artists in my classes. I have no doubt that the kind of dedication and perseverance mentioned above will make it possible for her to be successful in any field of study she chooses to pursue.” Ms. Noriko said.
 

​Other awards include: California State 2nd Place for 2020-21 PTA Reflections; 1st Place for both 2018 and 2019 Paint the Future Drawing Contest; Mayor’s Award for 2019 Health Fair Drawing Contest; 1st Place for 2019 CLEO Art Contest; 2nd Place for 2019 PHE International Art Contest; 3rd Place for 2018 Canada World Cup Drawing Competition.

​Angie’s mom expressed her gratitude to WCAAD. “We are lucky to choose WCAAD because the Academy employs an inspirational method of teaching by arranging the curriculum according to the phases of children’s psychological development and the approach intensifies students’ interest in the arts, by strengthening their skills in artistic expression.” She said.
 

​A carefully calibrated mix of rigorous courses are designed by WCAAD instructors to help students of all skills levels get the most of their art education; not only improving their abilities, creativity, but also their intellectual performance in other subjects.
 

​Students ultimately build up stepping-stones to reach their full potential, and WCAAD promotes a cross culture dialogue through an awareness of historical and cultural context, artistic perceptions and aesthetic valuing. Whether students simply have an interest in art, or would like to learn more about art careers, WCAAD’s unique art curriculum provides a breadth of knowledge necessary for facing a shifting future and setting them up for a continuous growth. 

​ Age：6-12

​June 3 is the World Bicycle Day. Bicycles are experiencing a renewal as cities around the world are encouraging cycling as an environmentally friendly way for people to get to work, stay fit, and pursue daily tasks. Bicycles have played and will continue to play important roles in most societies. They have enabled people to transform their lives economically.

The Canada Children’s Calligraphy and Painting Competition was jointly sponsored by the Canadian Chinese Culture Overseas Development Association, the International Office of Xilai University, the North American Chinese Culture and Art Association, and the Vancouver Great Hall Art Center.

​25 students from West California Academy of Art and Design (WCAAD) won awards at the art contest.  Eliana Chung won the 3rd Place award.  

The other 24 students won the Excellence awards.

​The competition aims to further promote and carry forward the art of calligraphy and painting.  

Some of these works reflect the beautiful nature----

​Some show the harmonious animal world----

​And some call for improving the ecology and caring for the environment...

​The contestants have produced exceptional artworks with a wide range of themes, giving full play to their unique creativity and imagination.

​Congratulations to WCAAD Student Madison Ho, 11 years old, won the School Excellence Award at the National PTA Reflection 2021-22 themed “I Will Change the World by…”  Madison’s winning artwork is titled “I Will Change the World by Science.”

PTA Reflections is a nationally acclaimed student recognition program to encourage artistic creativity.  Entries are judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme, originality and creativity.

Madison has been taking art class at the WCAAD since age 4, and she has won multiple awards at various art contests.

​Congratulations to WCAAD student Stella Wu for winning the 1st Place Award with a prize of $100 at the 2022 “Water Is Life” Poster Contest by Walnut Valley Water District.

Stella is a resident of Walnut and she started to take our class a few months ago. She works very hard and we are happy to see her rapid improvement in art within a short period of time.

​Art boosts the emotional intelligence of people, giving them experiences of empathy and exposing them to new worldviews and ideas. Not only will it help them develop personally, but it will also give them a greater sense of the historical identity they hold, as well as the identities of others. Seeing art made by cultures of others, can really help contextualize their place in the world, what ideologies were held in the past, and evidence of how the human experience has changed. Exposure to museums creates lifelong museum visitors of the future.

Oriana Zhou’s story is on the front page of their local newspaper Outlook Valley Sun this week! She won the 1st Place award of the LA County level contest K-2nd Group at the 2021 Los Angeles Bookmark Contest.

Oriana started our art program by taking online class a years ago. We have witnessed her huge improvement in art and she has won multiple awards at various art contests.  She won the 1st Place award of Los Angeles Contest and 3rd Place of the International Contest at the Colorful Imagination of Ice and Snow, Best Wishes for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics--International Youth Painting Invitational Exhibition; She won the California State Treasurer Award at the 2021 Health Fair Drawing Contest; and she also won the 2nd Place Award at the 2022 MUSYCA Children’s Choir Festival of Arts.

​Our children’s curriculum emphasizes specialized and well-rounded courses that build core skills, while pushing children to create distinctive, exceptional and meaningful work. Our art training program is leading in preparing youths to seek and transform, both as artists and creative individuals. We believe that creativity is the key to shape our children’s future, and our curriculum allows them to develop a creative understanding of the world. 
 
Through our core fundamentals, students not only improve their aesthetics, temperament, and knowledge, but also their capability of turning creative ideas into finished works. Whether students simply have an interest in art, or would like to learn more about art careers, our unique art curriculum provides a breadth of knowledge necessary for facing a shifting future and setting them up for a continuous growth.

​Using a vegetable they designed a character In a three hour span.  -Omar Gallegos Vice Principal and Director of Education