Honoring 25 Years of Those Who Create Impact
Featuring Founder Matt D'Arrigo and past Executive Directors James Halliday and Lucy Eagleson
Saturday, June 13, 2026
ARTS Center | 200 E 12th St, National City, CA 91950
Join us in kick-starting our 25th Anniversary celebrations!
For a quarter-century, ARTS has been a place where young people are seen, heard, and empowered through the transformative power of creativity. This milestone belongs to the artists, families, staff—and especially to the supporters whose belief and generosity made it all possible.
Bright Lights 2026 is a moment to celebrate you, honor the leaders who shaped ARTS across generations, and look ahead to the next 25 years of impact.
Get your tickets!
Big thank you to US Bank for supporting our organization and the Bright Lights event!
Event Details
Saturday, June 13, 2026
ARTS Center | 200 E 12th St, National City, CA 91950
Welcome Bites & Refreshments
12:00 – 12:30 pm
25th Anniversary Program
12:30 – 2:00 pm
Welcome and reflections
25 Years, 25 Voices video premiere
Honoring ARTS leadership across eras
Youth performance and creative highlights
Community Reception
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Refreshments, music, and creative connection as we gather in community.
Photos from our last Bright Lights event
This year, our Bright Lights nominees will shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals, families, and community partners who have inspired and uplifted us over the years. Their heartfelt stories show us that real change happens when we come together, proving that one bright light can light the way for so many others.
Each nominee was carefully chosen by our former Executive Directors, each representing a distinct chapter in our organization's history and leaving a lasting impact. To honor this celebration, every honoree will receive a commemorative piece of art created by ARTS Youth Alumni and current Teaching Artist Kelsey Kenny. These pieces feature beautiful hand-blown glass artworks that symbolize the spirit of our nominees.
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The Sowell Family
Honored by Matt D’Arrigo, ARTS Founder and Executive Director (2001 - 2017)
Heather and her children, Alexis and Riley, were the first family served by ARTS at Ronald McDonald House in 2001, and they hold a special place in ARTS history. During Riley's cancer treatment, creativity became a source of comfort, connection, and hope for their family. Twenty-five years later, Heather and Alexis remind us why ARTS was founded to bring healing, joy, and connection to young people and families facing life's greatest challenges. Their story marks the first spark that ignited 25 years of impact.
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Stephen Manganiello
Honored by James Halliday, ARTS Executive Director (2018 - 2023)
Stephen Manganiello has long been an advocate for community investment and public service, currently serving as the Acting City Manager for National City. He brings over 25 years of project management experience with a strong background in civil and traffic engineering, focusing on enhancing safety and quality of life for residents. His core responsibilities include overseeing the City’s 5-Year, $80 million capital improvement program and modernizing City infrastructure and fleet operations. Through his leadership, he fosters youth opportunities and community engagement, embodying the values that have established National City as a vibrant hub for ARTS initiatives.
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Chula Vista Elementary School District LEAD Program
Honored by Lucy Eagleson, ARTS Executive Director (2024 - 2025)
The partnership between ARTS and the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s LEAD Program has opened doors to incredible opportunities for South Bay youth from TK through 6th grade. This collaboration delivers enriching experiences at both the ARTS Center and school campuses, through after-school programs and intersession camps. By prioritizing academic growth, creativity, and social-emotional development, our initiatives create a safe environment where youth can explore their artistic potential and build relationships. This partnership not only fosters a sense of belonging but also promotes personal growth for every student involved.
Why This Moment Matters
This anniversary is not only a celebration of what has been, but is a reflection of the confidence, continuity, and community that carry ARTS forward. Your presence helps affirm that the values ARTS was built on remain strong as the organization enters its next chapter. We would be honored to celebrate this milestone with you.
Check out our last Bright Lights event in 2025!
Support the 25 Years of ARTS campaign!
As ARTS marks 25 years of impact, we’re raising $150,000 to strengthen the programs, people, and spaces that ensure young artists continue to thrive for the next 25 years.
For 25 years, ARTS has created spaces where young people can discover who they are, express themselves freely, and build meaningful connections through creativity. Now, we Together with students, families, artists, educators, and supporters, we are celebrating a legacy of impact and investing in what comes next.