Vista Del Mar’s New Performing Arts Center

August 2, 2021 (Los Angeles, CA) – In October of 2018, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services officially broke ground on the Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center, ushering in a new era for the arts on their 113-year-old, 18-acre flourishing campus, home and school to children of all circumstance and the community that love, support and surround them.

On this Gloryous day, Vista Del Mar leadership and board of directors are honored to open the doors to boundless possibilities and to a stunning state of the arts, multi-use, award-winning 299-seat theater, where local and national performers will share the process and results of their artistry with diverse audiences and Vista students.

In addition, the Center will be the proud home of a new Therapeutic Dance Program and corresponding on-site rehearsal studio spaces, worthy of professional-level movement education.

The Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center (GKPAC) was designed to welcome neighbors to campus, amplifying Vista’s mission to empower and engage with regional youth and multi-generational families. The new venue will accommodate dance, music, teaching, learning, and theatrical productions, and reinforce Vista Del Mar’s steadfast belief that, “Together We Rise”. GKPAC celebrates the enduring power of the arts to console, heal, create community and uplift lives and is dedicated to developing dynamic new works and artists, thereby cultivating meaningful conversations and life-affirming transformations.

Vista President and CEO Lena Wilson, JD expressed deep gratitude to Glorya, whose extraordinary gifts enable Vista’s children to fully express themselves, to find freedom, fortitude, voice and liberation, and to be nourished by the excitement, discovery and collaborative experience of live theater.

“The Center will be the heartbeat of our inclusive, innovative, therapeutic Arts Enrichment programs, reflecting our robust culture built on Vista Values of Empowerment, Equity and Excellence. Each room and the tranquil landscaping around the building itself, provides a place for spirits to soar, hearts to heal, and joyful memories to be made.”

With passion and purpose seamlessly aligned, Glorya Kaufman’s vision for the project was always crystal clear. As such, she was deeply involved, working closely with the Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services’ Premiere Philanthropy Initiative, under the leadership of Chief Development and Marketing Officer, Craig Prizant.

"Glorya is a remarkable woman with a rare generosity of spirit. When you walk into the vibrant, light-fueled space she imagined and brought to fruition today, you immediately feel her grace, strength and artful presence. Vista Temple’s beloved 56-year-old-stained glass windows adorn the transformed walls, honoring our rich history and recognizing the blessing it is to be of service to those in need. Creative expression, imagination, and children’s futures will forever grow and thrive here. We are boundlessly thankful that she made all this possible now and for generations to come.”

Of her extraordinary investment in the lives of Vista’s children and the community at large, Glorya Kaufman says simply, “Dance is the one thing that always made me feel beautiful. I want to share that sustaining and nourishing feeling with Vista’s cherished children”.

In December, GKPAC, designed by AUX Architecture, received a 2020 AIA (American Institute of Architects) Design Award and was named People’s Choice Winner during the virtual awards gala. “This building is designed as a series of vignettes that express music and dance” says Brian Wickersham, Founding Partner and Design Director. AUX is dedicated to the thorough investigation of functionality, spatial qualities, and materiality in the built environment . “In addition to the kids and families in the community who will benefit from the Center and the cutting-edge programming presented on stage, some of the primary benefactors are children with Autism and learning challenges. It was a priority to Vista leadership and Glorya that space on- site was created to be both inspiring and comforting with a color palette of light tones, high acoustical performance, and flexible rooms to explore creative learning models.”

Vista Del Mar welcomes inquiries pertaining to performance, rehearsal, and event space rentals including for private events, film productions, concerts, film screenings and independently produced theatrical productions, especially those that focus on movement and social impact by opening minds and hearts.

GKPAC Artistic Director and Rental Space Contact: Sara Silkin: SaraSilkin@Vistadelmar.org

https://www.vistadelmar.org/glorya-kaufman-performing

About Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services:

Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services has cared for Los Angeles’ most vulnerable children for over 100 years, providing a range of exceptional programs in education, mental health, autism, adoption, residential care, prevention and early intervention. Vista’s programs are for children with social, emotional and behavioral challenges, wrapping love and support around the entire family and is today Los Angeles’ most prominent resource for children of the Autism Spectrum. Vista Del Mar is a national role model in providing these specialized services and therapeutic treatment for children and is a Four-Star Charity Navigator rated organization.