Terry Wimmer, left, SBAA president; hands a check to Daniel Barnett, VADA instructor/director. Also pictured are Carolina Rodriguez, VADA student; and Gloria Peyrat, SBAA Board member. (Courtesy photo)
Terry Wimmer, left, SBAA president; Daniel Barnett, VADA instructor/director; Carolina Rodriguez, VADA student; and Gloria Peyrat, SBAA Board member. (Courtesy photo)

The Santa Barbara Art Association (SBAA), in keeping with one of its mission statements, donated $5,000 to the Visual Arts and Design Academy (VADA) at Santa Barbara High School.

SBAA said it wants to help young students who show a desire and talent in the arts and are in need of funds to help with art supplies.

“After researching different ways to reach out to these students, I talked with Daniel Barnett, program director and art instructor at VADA, and he invited us to a tour,” said Terry Wimmer, SBAA president.

“After seeing the classrooms, equipment and creative environment, we felt it was the perfect recipient for our support,” Wimmer said.

“In the past, we have donated to college students to help with tuition. However, the board of directors felt we could have a much stronger impact if we reached out to younger high-school students who were just discovering their creative talents.” Wimmer said.

SBAA said it hopes to form a close contact with VADA and reach out to them annually to help provide art supplies to creative students in need.