by Brandy L, correspondent
For more than three decades, Peggy White, Executive Director of the Diablo Regional Arts Association (DRAA), has witnessed firsthand the power of the arts to change lives.
“I have seen the arts transform lives,” White said. “Arts can always bring people together.”
As the nonprofit partner of the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, the Diablo Regional Arts Association has spent years fulfilling its mission of “investing in outstanding arts experiences and creating meaningful avenues for everyone to enjoy the arts.”
While many residents know the Lesher Center as a destination for outstanding theater productions, concerts, dance performances, and visual arts exhibitions, many may not realize that DRAA works behind the scenes to ensure these experiences remain accessible to the entire community.
“The goal is to keep the organization fresh, innovative, and focused on access to excellence,” White explained.
Access is at the heart of everything DRAA does.
One of the organization’s most impactful initiatives is Arts Access, which provides students from Title I schools the opportunity to experience live performing arts at the Lesher Center. Through this program, teachers complete a simple application and DRAA covers transportation and admission costs, removing financial barriers that might otherwise prevent students from attending.
For many students, attending a professional theater production or arts performance is a life-changing experience and, in some cases, their very first exposure to the arts.
“We meet the kids where they are,” White said, explaining that DRAA is committed to ensuring all children have access to the arts, whether that means bringing students to performances at the Lesher Center or bringing arts programming directly into schools and community settings.
One initiative launching this year is the Deluxe Puppets program at Los Juntas Elementary School in Martinez. Designed for students in the school’s special needs after-school program, Deluxe Puppets uses interactive puppetry, storytelling, music, and creative play to encourage self-expression, communication, and social connection. The program reflects DRAA’s belief that every child, regardless of ability or circumstance, deserves the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the arts.
DRAA also celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Contra Costa County through events such as Del Sol Celebration and Fiesta Cultural, bringing together families and community members from all backgrounds to celebrate culture, creativity, and shared experiences.
“When I see people come to events and they feel like they belong, that’s incredibly meaningful,” White shared.
Looking ahead, White says there is still much work to be done. “We have so much more work to do,” she said. “One of our major goals is expanding arts opportunities for even more students and incorporating seniors into our programs.”
The organization is exploring ways to bring arts experiences directly to seniors by creating opportunities for older adults to attend performances and participate in meaningful arts programming where they live.
The impact of the arts extends far beyond entertainment. Participation in the arts has been shown to foster creativity, strengthen communities, support academic achievement, and enhance social and emotional well-being. The arts create connections between people, encourage understanding across cultures, and provide spaces where everyone feels welcome.
None of this work, however, happens without community support. All funding for Diablo Regional Arts Association programs comes from the community. White emphasizes that the organization’s ability to provide arts experiences for students, families, and seniors depends on the generosity and engagement of community members.
Community members can support DRAA by attending performances at the Lesher Center, volunteering, becoming a business sponsor, or donating auction items, products, services, or experiences for DRAA’s annual Gala on Broadway fundraiser on October 3, 2026. The nearly sold-out event is one of the organization’s premier fundraisers, helping expand arts access throughout the community. To learn more,visit draa.org
As White reflected on her 30 years leading the organization, one message stood above all others: the arts belong to everyone.
And when communities invest in the arts, everyone benefits.