Two La Jolla women passionate about advocating for arts education throughout the San Diego Unified School District are doing exactly that raising funds to increase access to the arts outside the district’s budget.

Doreen Schonbrun and Phyllis Epstein are board members of the Visual and Performing Arts, or VAPA Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing access to arts education for students in SDUSD, the second largest state school district serving over 102,000 students in pre-school through grade 12.

VAPA’s vision is that every K-12 student has access to vibrant arts experiences and a well-rounded arts education. Funds raised by the nonprofit go towards unique enhancing experiences in the classroom, new supplies, collaborations with local art organizations, and creating opportunities for students to perform and display their work.

Both women are fundraising for “Beyond Brilliance,” a spectacular annual event being held Saturday, May 10, at the Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9500 Gilman Drive, at UC San Diego. Beyond Brilliance is an extraordinary showcase of the impressive artistic talents of student artists. The event is also a vital fundraiser that supports the programs that make these creative opportunities possible.

Schonbrun, VAPA’s president, has been with the nonprofit since its founding in 2017. She is also an art teacher and art therapist for at-risk children at the San Diego Center for Children.

Philanthropist Phyllis Epstein, also an art teacher and collector, has been with VAPA since 2019. She has been actively lobbying state legislators for funding school art programs, particularly for art materials in classrooms and grants for art teachers. Through VAPA, these two La Jolla leaders have launched fundraisers for art programs, created opportunities for students to connect with professional artists, and spread awareness about the impact of arts, not only on students but the entire community.
“We are the co-chairs of Beyond Brilliance, an event fundraiser supporting school art programs including music, dance, and sculpture in SDUSD,” noted Epstein, adding the fundraiser especially benefits “students who want to go on to be in orchestra or band.”

Epstein said of Beyond Brilliance’s program: “It will be a great and unforgettable event to see these amazing students and what the arts have done for them in enhancing their lives. It’s going to be fun, one long uplifting evening celebration.”

Epstein added that students from the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, a college-prep magnet school for passionate young artists in grades 6-12, will be entertaining at Beyond Brilliance.

“We raise funds through sponsors and the community to ensure all kids in all classrooms have the benefit of the arts in many forms,” concurred Schonbrun, noting she stepped down from serving nine years on an arts commission to help found VAPA.

Asked why VAPA is important, Schonbrun replied: “Because of cutbacks in the arts in schools, these funds (raised) are sorely needed for these children to experience the joy of art. We feel very strongly that arts learning is essential to the well-being of all human beings, especially for our students in their academic achievements and futures.”

Now in its sixth year, Beyond Brilliance will take place at a new venue, the state-of-the-art Epstein Family Amphitheater, providing the perfect setting for a captivating showcase of performances across a variety of artistic mediums, including dance, musical theater, mariachi, and a full award-winning student orchestra.

The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with an exclusive VIP Champagne reception, featuring a Broadway-style musical performance. At 6 p.m., all guests will join a welcome reception with delicious bites, cocktails, and a range of captivating musical performances for numerous intimate ensembles and full orchestra pieces from schools across San Diego.

After the performances, the celebration will continue with dessert, coffee, and more music. Guests are encouraged to dress in colorful, creative attire to match the spirit of the vibrant evening.

Tickets for this special fundraising event begin at $250. The venue offers convenient access to parking, with a cart service available for guests with mobility needs. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to become a sponsor, visit vapafoundation.org.

BEYOND BRILLIANCE

What: A showcase of the artistic talents of student artists.

When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10.

Where: Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9500 Gilman Drive.

Info: vapafoundation.org.