WCAAD Principal Wang Lei Receives Award for 50 Years of Excellence in Art Education

​The Chinese American Education Association recognized Wang Lei, the principal of West California Academy of Art and Design, with the Art Education Achievement Award for her 50 years of excellence in art education.

from left:Chinese American Education Association President Robert Liu, Ms. Wang Lei, CA Congressman Fang Shuqiang, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of U.S. Department of  Education Ministry Dr. Marina Tse and her husband

​“I feel thrilled to have received this Award, which honors me for my contribution in children’s art education throughout the years.” Wang Lei said, “I would like to thank Chinese American Education Association for recognizing me with such an honor, and Dr. Marina Tse for presenting me this Art Education Achievement Award!”

Chinese American Education Association President Robert Liu congratulates Ms. Wang Lei

​The year of 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Wang Lei’s career in children’s art education. “Receiving this award at such a time is even more meaningful to me. I'm really excited.” She said.

Ms. Wang at 1993 the United Nations InSEA Conference. She is a member of UNESCO's World Art Education Association

​Wang Lei said that this award gave her an opportunity to look back at her life over the last 50 years. 

​Wang Lei is the Founder of West California Academy of Art and Design. Led by Wang Lei for almost 30 years, West California Academy of Art and Design has been transforming students into confident, creative artists and designers who have gone on to have successful careers in their chosen field.  The academy's students produce exceptional art for their age and it has achieved a reputation as “the children’s art school with most art contest winners.” To date, more than 5,000 students have won top honors in competitions occurring across the globe. 

​Most notably, the Academy has a long history of preparing students for college. The students have been admitted into the finest universities in the world.  They successfully achieve their dreams of attending the universities and Art Colleges of their choice. It is because students attend the Academy that they have been accepted to Yale, Harvard, UCLA, USC, Cal Poly, Art Center College of Design, OTIS, RISD and so many other colleges and universities.  The Academy helps young people to stand out from the crowd of applicants by showing them how to express themselves in a unique way. The Academy helps them prepare portfolios for applying to colleges of their choice. 

​With Wang Lei’s continuous efforts, West California Academy of Art and Design has officially become a WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accredited school since July 6, 2017.  This Accreditation channels a new period of growth for the Academy and anchors its international reputation throughout the world.  Graduation from a WASC accredited school will open doors to the graduates applying to top-notch universities around the world.

In August 2015, Jennifer Button, officer of the UNICEF Canada, presented the Most Outstanding Contribution Award to Ms. Wang for helping the core value of art exchange and sharing the culture’s diversity globally

​In September 2016, Ms. Wang was invited to the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese 60th Anniversary Commemorative activities in Beijing

​Wang Lei’s vision is based on the belief that creativity is the key to the survival of our next generation. Creativity has the power to transform, improve, and revolutionize.  The art training programs will act as a catalyst for children’s creativity. 

​The Academy’s art programs intensify students’ interest in drawing, and strengthens their skills in artistic expression. Through the art programs students not only improve their drawing abilities, aesthetic temperament and creativity, but also their intellectual performance in other subjects as well.  Indeed, many students graduating from the Academy attribute their success in top colleges and universities as well as in professional life to the values of the creative education that they have received from the art training programs. 

​Wang Lei believes that tough training in the arts is training for everything important, building up the stepping-stone for the young generation to reach their full potential. West California Academy of Art and Design is leading the way in art education that prepares students to grapple with the complexities of the world, to thrive in their future education, careers, and adult lives.  

​Throughout its existence, the Academy has continued to grow with, and often anticipate, the many cultural and technological landmarks of the new century while refining its educational tools and methodologies to remain on the forefront of art education. 

Wang Lei was recognized as Outstanding Art Educator by President George Bush’s Education Awards in 2001

Wang Lei was the only Chinese awardee among 22 honorees for the 2018 22nd Senate District Women of Achievement and Emerging Leaders Award

​In addition to offering art education programs for children, Wang Lei has also been continuously taking time and efforts to provide voluntary public service for the community.  During the past ten years, Wang Lei, her students and her staff members have collectively contributed more than 6,000 hours to domestic and international public service.

​“I am glad that I have been focusing on just one thing, that is, teaching children art.” Wang Lei said, “At this moment I only have one wish, that is, I can make another 50 years in Children’s Art Education!”