"Feast & Friends": WCAAD 2026 Class Art Show Successfully Held on Nov.9

The West California Academy of Art and Design (WCAAD) Senior Art Show: "Feast & Friends" was successfully held on Nov.9, 2025, witnessing an artistic feast woven together by youth and talent.

San Gabriel Mayor Denise Menchaka presented the certificates of recognition to the students and highly praised the significant influence of this art show.

This exhibition showcases selected works by 10 young artists on the verge of entering college. Using "food" as their medium, they not only carry forward the rich tradition of still-life painting but also elevate it into a vehicle for conceptual expression through a contemporary lens.

 “These young creators blend color and form into a distinctive artistic language, demonstrating both solid technical skills and conveying reflections and voices unique to this generation.” the WCAAD Principal Lei Wang said, “At this critical stage of their college applications, their artistic expression already reveals a maturity and depth beyond their years. We firmly believe that these outstanding students will continue our school's proud tradition and, in the near future, step into prestigious art institutions to embark on brilliant artistic journeys.”

Artists have historically used food in still life paintings to represent wealth or everyday life, while contemporary artists use edible materials for sculptures and create art with social and political messages. Food has been a subject in fine art with still life, capturing realism and expressionism in contemporary and conceptual art. Ultimately food tells stories.

According to Omar Gallegos, the WCAAD Vice Principal and Director of Education, each piece on display embodies the students' exploration and breakthroughs, carrying their unique perspectives and vibrant creative energy. “They transform food beyond its visual appearance, turning it into a thread that connects memories and a bond that unites emotions, truly realizing the creative concept of ‘connecting through food, sharing with friends’."

According to the 2026 senior class it is a consensus regarding a theme for the show that food that brought them together and broke barriers. It connected them to their memories and nostalgia. For instance, how we associate certain dishes and flavors with certain experiences or places. Because food is consumable it is also a metaphor for like how we appreciate and view art. As we take in the flavors and perspectives of each piece.

The ten students (Yi Cai, Isabella Liu, Dora Dong, Claudia Chan, Xinyu Wu, Gianna Xun,  Elyse Lin, Jerry Deng, Kehan Ye, Lillian Chen) shared their creative ideas and the stories behind their art creations.

“We sincerely invite you not only to appreciate this visual feast with your eyes but also to savor the unique essence behind each work with your heart.” Lei Wang said, “May this blend of art and inspiration offer you an unforgettable aesthetic experience.”

According to Ms.Wang, the philosophical thinking and emotional depth contained in these works, along with expressions of maturity beyond their years, are the finest testament to the Academy’s educational philosophy—that art education is, at its core, a form of holistic education. It shapes the whole person, nurturing individuals capable of perceiving, creating, and sharing beauty.

Omar said that the Academy will continue to adapt the program and curriculum to offer new ways to have meaningful interactions with students to create innovating ways of thinking through the Arts and build self-expression, research and exploration.

Alice Zhou and Angel Zhao, graduates of the 2024 Class currently studying at USC, came to celebrate the art show.They brought not only blessings, but also a continuation of artistic spirit and a transfer of experience.This genuine connection across different graduating classes allows the flame of art to shine brilliantly across time, and shows us how the roots of aesthetic education grow ever deeper and more enduring through such warm and meaningful exchanges.

The parents thanked the Academy for cultivating such a fertile ground for their children’s artistic growth.

Gianna Xun's father: “Under your thoughtful guidance, these young souls have shown us the depth and breadth of the future through their creations,” he remarked. “The observation, reflection, and emotional depth conveyed in these works are both profound and sincere—moving and inspiring even to us adults.”

Jerry Deng's mother: “I have personally witnessed my child’s transformation here. This remarkable growth owes so much to the teachers’ expertise, patient guidance, and heartfelt encouragement. What you have ignited is not only the children’s love for art but also their curiosity about the world, their passion for life, and their courage for self-expression.”

Xinyu Wu's mother: “Here, the children have learned not only composition, color, and technique—but also how to see the world through eyes that recognize beauty, how to perceive life with a sensitive and enriched heart, and how to bravely and confidently express their inner thoughts and feelings. The education you provide is the most precious gift a child can receive. We feel truly fortunate and proud to have chosen a school with such vision and dedication.”

As students present their works throughout their years of study, the Academy welcomes the public to purchase the works and prints to support these young artists’ creative journeys as they transition from high school, to college, and beyond.