Center for the Living Arts Grand Opening

The fully renovated and expanded Center for the Living Arts (CLA) opened to rave reviews!

At a formal celebration in April, nearly 150 guests—including faculty, staff, trustees, alums, donors, and friends of the school—gathered to experience the reimagined space that now serves as a hub of energy and creativity in the heart of Westtown’s campus. 

Dedicated to expression and spiritual reflection through the arts, the center’s restoration was completed in three phases, with work beginning in the summer of 2019. The CLA now features bright and airy visual arts studios, a digital media lab for music and photography production, revitalized performance and rehearsal spaces, an acoustically remediated theater with student-safe catwalks, accessibility upgrades throughout the building including renovated bathrooms and an elevator, as well as beautifully restored outdoor spaces that connect the building to the student experience on the top of campus. 

The reception was held in the visual arts space anchored by the Hildreth-Dietrich Visual Arts Wing—honoring a gift from Westtown alum and trustee, William Hildreth ’81 and his family—that includes a critique and exhibit gallery for students as well as numerous visual arts classrooms, and the Chu Gallery, a two-story, permanent exhibition space named in honor of generous support from Westtown Alum and Trustee, Jehan Chu ‘94 and his wife, Jeannie. Both galleries are flooded with natural light and have beautiful views of the South Woods and Main Hall. 

“When I was a student at Westtown, this building felt like home in so many ways. I spent countless hours in the Barton-Test Theatre, the rehearsal rooms, and the art studios,” said Hildreth. “When I learned that Westtown planned to renovate the Center for the Living Arts, I knew I wanted our family’s foundation to support the creation of an inspiring space for reflection, imagination, and expression. It has been a great joy to see the renewed space and be confident that it will feel like home to future generations of Westonians.”

During the reception, guests delighted in the inaugural installation of works which includes some of Westtown’s permanent art collection, student pieces, alum creations, and art procured from visiting artists through the McLear Artist in Residence program. Tours were offered so that new features beyond the gallery could also be explored, such as new private dressing rooms off the theater, an outdoor patio for community gatherings and classes, music pods for private instrument practice, and new faculty offices and student meeting spaces. 

The building’s modifications are in keeping with the schools sustainability goals and included new heating and cooling, replacement of all windows and doors, installation of an automated building management system to maximize energy efficiencies, and sections of new roof which make the building LEED silver equivalent. 

“Westtown was a turning point in both my sister, Shamsi’s, and my life. It had a profound impact on my spiritual, artistic, and leadership development under guides like Jay Farrow, Caroline Loose, Ellen Jensen (Abbott), and many others. It is a privilege to be able to contribute a small gift back to the Westtown community on behalf of the Chu family and the incredible class of ’94,” Jehan Chu ’94 shared.

The Center for the Living Arts officially opened its doors to students this past fall. This exciting space serves as a vibrant invitation to reflect, create, and to seek out and honor the light of God in one’s self and others, and will further support the journey of self discovery and growth that is at the core of a Westtown education. 

Enjoy the gallery of photos from the grand opening here!