Since its small beginnings, C.K.M.’s Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) program has grown and developed into a precious component of the McClatchy community. Between the three classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022, VAPA consists of a substantial group of approximately 135 enrolled students.
However, the more exciting aspect of the program is its prevalence in the arts community of C.K.M. and Sacramento as a whole. Among the greatest achievements in VAPA’s short history was the gala event last year. Ms. Morrison, 3D art teacher and one of the founders of the program, said that the gala brought not only significant donations to the program, but also incredible praise from the community regarding the artistic center that C.K.M. has become.
This reputation stretched beyond parents and supporters of enrolled students to peak the interest of young artists all over the community wishing to join VAPA as freshman.
“Each year it is striking how the talent increases…we are getting so many different kids from so many different areas,” Morrison continued. This enthusiasm not only helps incoming freshmen to choose which high school to attend, but, according to Annabella Kliman, the program’s junior student representative, it also fosters the growth of an excited group of young artists at C.K.M., which has a positive effect on the attitude of the whole campus.
“The program is so welcoming and the community atmosphere is absolutely incredible. I have made so many friends through the program and have had many amazing teachers. Especially now that we have the new classrooms and theaters, I feel like it has improved the environment here at C.K.M. to be more welcoming and comforting.”
In addition to the Sacramento community’s interest in VAPA, as demonstrated by last year’s gala success and the ever-growing freshman applicant pool, VAPA is equally interested in venturing out into the community. VAPA students were involved in this month’s Chalk it Up! festival in midtown, send their work annually to the State Fair Student Art Showcase, and are creating more events, such as the Haunted Theatre event this year, to be completely open to the public in hopes of bringing attention to VAPA’s work and new arts space.
In the next several years, VAPA hopes to develop an even stronger and more advanced curriculum for students as well as expand both the performing and visual arts sectors of the program in order to support the enthusiastic group of art students. This advancement will continue to build the image and pride of the program and expand the welcoming and creative arts community at C.K.M.