History of PLAA
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The Beginning
Point Loma Arts Academy’s beginning can be traced back to the late 1970s when state budget tightening from Proposition 13 caused various school arts programs to be cut. In 1980, the former All Souls’ Church rector, Rev. Ralph Carskadden, saw the growing need for an Arts Academy. Under the auspices of the church and with the leadership of several parishioners, he created just that! Together, they developed an integrated approach to the arts–visual art, music, and dance. Children were immersed in a full spectrum of artistic activities inspired by story-telling, centered around an annual theme. Some previous themes have included This Land is Your Land, Earth Home, Full Circle, Common Ground, and Dream Quest. The Program Grows Within the first ten years, the program grew from twenty-five children with three teachers, to seventy-five children with five teachers and 10 teenage assistants (TAs). In the mid-nineties, the program and staff continued to grow and an afternoon theater program was added, premiering an original short children's opera, The Tailor's Apprentice. Then, In 1999, the Arts Academy incorporated as a separate California nonprofit organization. Over the years, PLAA has served hundreds of children and continues to provide a well-established staff of teachers, TAs and administrators every summer. Many of our students continue their involvement into their teenage and adult years, becoming teaching assistants and teachers in the program. New Leadership At the end of the 2013 summer season, Point Loma Arts Academy faced an unexpected chapter, closing their doors. The loss was felt deeply throughout the community as families, students, and staff mourned the closing of a program that had become a cherished creative home. However, one devoted parent couldn't imagine letting PLAA’s story end there. Lanae Wangler first came to Point Loma Arts Academy as a parent from 2010 to 2013. During those summers, her family experienced the magic of PLAA and the impact it had on young artists. Lanae’s passion for PLAA's mission sparked her determination to bring it back. In the summer of 2014, she proudly reopened the camp and began a remarkable chapter of leadership. Serving as Director from 2014 to 2025, she cultivated a warm, family-like environment where young artists had fun building confidence and forging lasting friendships. We are incredibly grateful for Lanae’s vision, dedication, and heart. Because of her, this beloved community is able to continue our mission, inspiring the next generation of kind hearts and creative minds. PLAA In The Community As a not-for-profit corporation, we have participated in the Sony Art Walk, the Peninsula Cultural Faire, and received a grant from the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, as well as an art exchange with children in war-torn Northern Ireland at Coreymela, a center for reconciliation between Catholics and Protestants. We have received press coverage by both our local paper, The Beacon, and by Ozzie Roberts of the San Diego Union-Tribune. |
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