Dusk photo of oak tree and quad at West Valley College Visual Arts Building

West Valley College Visual Arts Building

Saratoga, CA

West Valley College’s new Visual Arts Building for the Cilker School of Art and Design is all about transparency, collaboration and community. In partnership with design architect, Mark Cavagnero Associates, the project transforms this quiet quadrant of the campus into a vibrant hub for the arts.

Students talking outside on bench with oak tree in background and covered walkway

Outdoor photo of covered lattice walkway at West Valley College Visual Arts Building

Five large, light filled art studios are organized around a generous courtyard with a grand, heritage oak tree and have direct access to covered outdoor spaces for expanded use. The studios offer specialized instruction in painting, digital media, sculpture and ceramics.

Students using easels to paint inside West Valley College Visual Arts Building

Art Studio showing indoor-outdoor connection and natural lighting for art studio at West Valley College Visual Arts Building

Indoor-Outdoor Art Studios

Each space in the building is bathed in natural light and has a strong indoor/outdoor connection – fostering greater connection to the beautiful, wooded surroundings. Glass doors and sliding glass curtain walls allow for art and artists to spill out from the studios into the shared courtyard space.

Fabrication shop and equipment at West Valley College Visual Arts Building in Saratoga, CA

A robust metal and woodworking machine shop, welding facilities and a large, outdoor work yard with bronze casting capability expand the arts program.

Creative Expression on Display

The building includes a stunning, double-height gallery space intended to showcase traditional 2D and 3D artwork as well as new media installation and performance art – and a flexible studio that can double as a public meeting room, expanded gallery or collaborative project space.

Architectural detail of windows and staircase at West Valley College Visual Arts Building

Photo of gallery space with high ceilings and natural indoor-outdoor connection at West Valley College Visual Arts Building

Dusk shot of front of the Visual Arts Building showing lights on inside classrooms