Luna Dunes by Jeff J.K. LovelaceWhitehouse Perspective by Erik LuceroBeyond Light: Photographing the Unseen

7PM - Monday, May 19, 2025

Featuring Jeff "J.K." Lovelace and Dr. Erik Lucero                     
A conversation facilitated by Dr. Silvia Perea

Join us for a special viewing and fascinating discussion by two local and nationally renowned artists who make the unknown known, capturing beauty in distant stars and microscopic quantum processors alike.

This year's VADATalks will be the first to take place in the NEW VADA Building! Join us for this inaugural event. Limited seating is available.

$25 admission. SOLD OUT Sign up for the waitlist

Free admission for full time students. 

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VADATalks is an ongoing series of events featuring renowned guests from all professions discussing how art has inspired the work they do. The series is presented by VADA - The Visual Art & Design Academy of Santa Barbara High School. VADA integrates rigorous academic coursework with project-based, career-focused art and design instruction, in a supportive and creative environment.

Learn more about VADA »

vadatalks on stage
Photo courtesy of SB Independent and Callie Fausey

Santa Barbara High’s Visual Arts & Design Academy Debuts VADATalks

First Installment of New Lecture Series Touches on AI, Asteroids, and Being Creative in the Age of Advanced Technology

Read the article at SB Independent »

Serious Play

7PM - Thursday, May 9, 2024

With guest speakers Bruce Heavin, Silvia Perea, & Robin Donaldson, AIA A conversation facilitated by Les Firestein

Fé Bland Forum at Santa Barbara City College

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Art, Design & Quantum Computing

7PM - Thursday, October 12, 2023

With guest speakers Robin Donaldson, AIA; Dr. Erik Lucero & Forest Stearns with Google Quantum AI                                     
A conversation facilitated by Les Firestein

Fé Bland Forum at Santa Barbara City College

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Videos

Morning Session at Santa Barbara High School

Evening Session at Santa Barbara City College

2024 UPCOMING EVENTS

We have more events planned for Spring 2024. Check back soon or subscribe to our mailing list for the latest information.

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VADA CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

vada student making artVADA is currently constructing a state-of-the-art campus with an integrated Design Lab and Art Studio. The new campus will provide the flexibility and space needed to prepare our creative and diverse community of students for their professional lives.

Learn more about the Capital Campaign »

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