VSA arts of Texas Keeping in Touch Newsletter Spring 2008 www.vsatx.org ARTIST PROFILE Wes Holloway, Visual Artist Wes Holloway is an up and coming artist to watch. This 23 year old from Katy, Texas is a senior at UT-Austin receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in May 2008. Wes has Quadriplegia and uses a wheelchair after an accident in his freshman year at college. He has adapted his painting technique to accommodate his disability and paints large-scale portraits in oil on canvas. Wes has perfected his style and has been winning awards for his work. A recent accomplishment was the Award of Excellence in the VSA arts and Volkswagen of America Driven exhibition debuted at the SmithsonianÕs S. Dillon Ripley Center in Washington D.C. The exhibition will be traveling to Texas later this year and will be on view at Texas A&M in the J. Wayne Stark University Center Galleries from November 3-December 17, 2008. Learn more about Wes Holloway at www.wesholloway.com. ARTLINK PROJECT Students Participate in International Art Exchange with Saudi Arabia In Fall 2007, teaching artist Maria Teresa Aguirre visited the Life Skills classroom of Gina Martinez at Burnet Middle School in Austin, TX as part of an artist residency program called ÒArtLinkÓ through VSA arts and Creative Connections. ArtLink is an adventure in cross-cultural discovery and a way for students to expand beyond their locality to feel their inclusion in a global community. Using art, they share their ideas with new international friends, as well as discover that there are intriguing differences in how people live. The theme for this year was ÒInteract.Ó Maria Teresa worked with the students to teach them photography. Using digital cameras, they took pictures around the school Ð at the pep rally, in their life skills class and on the playground - as well as created self-portraits using an Apple laptop with a camera attached to it. The students enhanced their photos using Photoshop, creating several special effects. The students selected the photos they wished to submit and each studentÕs Interact image was printed as an 8Ó x 10Ó and their self-portrait was printed as a 5Ó x 7Ó. Both images were framed together as one artwork. Their artist statements were written as a poem, and all were submitted to Creative Connections. In January, the class was excited to receive artwork from a class in Saudi Arabia and are now learning about that country. Select pieces were selected by Creative Connections for an exhibit in Connecticut this spring and then at the Department of Education in Washington D.C. in November. We are honored to have a piece by Kenny Tang in this group. Kenny took the Interact photo of himself flying a kite with his Recreational Therapist. He used a digital camera set to a timer to take his photograph. Maria Teresa Aguirre says, ÒI am more excited than if it had been one of my own pieces of art. I am thrilled to have one of my studentÕs work recognized internationally.Ó Read more breaking news online at www.vsatx.org EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S NOTE Dear Friends, Several years ago I had the opportunity to travel to Japan with my sister-in-law Yuko. While there, we visited a VSA arts affiliate in Nara. I had met the Director at a Transition to Work Conference in New Mexico, and I was eager to learn more about their program. Nara is an ancient capital city of Japan; it precedes the ancient capital, Kyoto. They were celebrating Chinese New Year the day we arrived, as well as Halloween, Christmas and the traditional New Year. People were dressed in costumes and I was asked to open a large wrapped box that contained an inflated Santa, Snowman and Penguin. They had packed the box in December, but the balloons were still fully inflated Ð well, except for the snowman. He was a bit wilted. We ate and drank celebratory foods for the New Year and were entertained by a play they had created for my visit. They were celebrating all the holidays this day because a resident had passed away close to the Christmas holidays and the Director thought it better to postpone the festive activities until a later date. By the time of my visit enough time had passed, so all the holidays were wrapped into one. Halloween was just thrown in because several resident artists loved to dress in costumes. I was fascinated by the facility because it started out as an artist space teaching Saiori weaving, painting and other artistic skills. All of the participants have developmental disabilities. Over the years, it has grown from a daytime studio/workspace to a residence hall and catering company. The artists live there and raise money by cooking for and running a ÒMeals on WheelsÓ for the townÕs older adults and people with disabilities who cannot leave their homes. Wow, I thought. Their kitchen was the first, and only, fully accessible kitchen I have seen. Wheelchair accessible stoves, sinks, counters. The works. They also painted murals for corporations across Japan and had just completed one at a Volkswagen dealership. My sister-in-law and her mother were amazed and delighted that an organization like this existed in their country. Over the past few weeks I have been thinking about the Year of the Rat, as in the first year of the Chinese Zodiac. The story goes that the rat arrived first to BuddhaÕs meeting, so was awarded the first position in the calendar. Some say he rode on the back of the Ox, who was awarded 2nd place. The Year of the Rat, which began February 7th, marks the first year of a 12 year cycle, and things put into motion during these first few months can ripple throughout the next 12 years. Be careful. Be thoughtful and act wisely. Customarily, the Rat Year is bountiful. So, as we stare down what some say may be the leading edge of a recession, letÕs summon the bounty of the Rat to keep us on an even keel. Spring promises to be a very busy time in Texas. Artworks: Creative Industries now reaches residents in El Paso, Fort Worth, Tyler, Houston, San Antonio, McAllen/Harlingen and Austin. With the National PASS Network and ESC Region 19 in El Paso, we are planning a bilingual Border Conference on Creative Entrepreneurships, so stay tuned for more information about this exciting opportunity to learn about creative self-employment options. A national partnership with CVS Caremark is helping launch Start With the Arts© artist residencies in San Antonio. We are grateful to Kris Andrews and the Center for Educator Development in the Fine Arts (CEDFA) for introducing us to the wonderful folks at Northside ISD Fine Arts Department. Teams of teachers will be introduced to Start With the Arts© through a day-long workshop, and then a teaching artist will work in 4 schools for 8 weeks. We hope that this is the launch of a far-reaching partnership that will help us move a little closer to the goal of bringing arts to every Texas child, every day! Thank you CVS Caremark for believing in the mission and the work of VSA arts. We look forward to making ÒAll Kids Can CreateÓ a household phrase. As always, we rely on the support of many volunteers and students to deliver our diverse programs. I want to thank Kieran DiEmidio and Sarah Estapa, our University of Texas work study students, for their flexibility and can-do attitudes; Rachel Abrons and Katie Romeo, UT School of Social Work graduate students, for their valuable contributions to the Accessible Arts program, and Laura Salinas, LBJ High School senior and member of the fledgling First Things First internship program, for her willingness to enter, and thrive in, unfamiliar territory. ItÕs an election year. LetÕs hope when November finally gets here, anyone still cares. I cannot endorse any candidate. I can only encourage you to vote with your heart, your intellect, and your conscience. Remember, itÕs the year of the Rat. Set good things into motion. Fondly, Celia ÒWhen it comes to having a central nervous system and the ability to feel pain, hunger, and thirst, a rat is a pig is a dog is a boy.Ó Ingrid Newkirk ARTS EDUCATION UPDATE START WITH THE ARTS© Transportation & Travel Themes The Start with the Arts© resource has several wonderful activities easily adapted to enrich the goals and skills covered during these themed weeks, especially since they are so easily interchanged and interlocked. Look in the Section, ÒHow I Go From Here to There,Ó starting on page 157. ÒGoing Places,Ó beginning on page 157. It would be easy to use these activities not only to help children learn about transportation but could also tie directly to many books. The objectives include: 1) identify a variety of means of transportation, 2) recognize the necessity of getting from one place to another, 3) build vocabulary for transportation and sculpture, and 4) create a representation of a vehicle. The materials for this lesson are easily found and fairly inexpensive; shoe boxes, milk cartons, cardboard tubes, etc. Not only will the children have fun creating their modes of transportation, but you can also save them to use when you begin your activities on travel. There are also many fun activities for drama, dance and movement, and music. I have always found that the children love ÒHuman Trains,Ó beginning on page 209. In addition, ÒFrom Here to There,Ó page 201, is another great activity. I use this activity every year in my music and movement classes. I have even streamlined it. The only materials I use are two words on poster board...HERE and THERE. I tape them to opposite walls and the children and I just begin having fun deciding different ways to get from where they are sitting (HERE) to the other side of the room (THERE). I use myself to help them focus on the two key vocabulary words (which are a bit abstract). I stand with them HERE as we discuss moving to THERE... then, I stay put as they move. I then emphasize they are THERE and need to return to me, HERE. This is a great time for imaginative movement. Create and enjoy! For information on booking a Start With the Arts© teacher training in your district, contact info@vsatx,org or call Lynn at 512-454-9912. FOCUS ON THE FINE ARTS SAILLing right alongÉ The first trimester at SAILL Charter School in Austin graciously welcomed the Fine Arts Enrichment Program provided by VSA arts of Texas. Thirteen talented teaching artists brought a breadth of fine arts lessons to the campus. Lessons reflected discipline-based fine arts activities that reflected the state standards (TEKS) and the students engaged in creative and expressive activities using the visual arts, music, dance and theatre arts. Several touring theatre companies performed for the students. A play performed by Pollyanna Theatre Company led the children through a seven-day week of school and sleep, introducing the students to ÒPatternsÓ through music, dance and vegetable groups. PollyannaÕs resident playwright Emily Cicchini, the former Education Director for VSA arts of Texas, loosely based her new play on ÒPatternsÓ from the Start with the Arts© teacher resource. PollyannaÕs Director, Judy Matetzschk-Campbell, reported that the SAILL audience was the most receptive and interactive audience of their entire tour! Project Interact of Zachary Scott Theatre also presented AesopÕs Fables during the regular school day, and the Friday Focus teaching artists followed the next day with diverse arts activities that continued the lessons of the Fables. At the end of the first term, the 7th and 8th graders performed their original skits for the 4th and 5th graders, and were invited by Principal Jamie Judd-Wall to perform for the PTA. The students worked with Nilea Rohrer-Parvin (VSA arts Teaching Artist Fellow) and Debbie Kizer, Artistic Director, Imagine Art, to write their skits, paint numerous colorful backdrops and murals, and rehearse their ensemble pieces. Everyone was prepared and excited for their debut performance. The students look forward to each Friday Focus on the Fine Arts, and their Valentine letters posted on the wall reflect this. Many referred to Art Day as their most favorite thing about SAILL. Students greet the artists at the door with eager smiles and enthusiasm to experience a fun day with the arts. There are generally more helpers than we can use to bring in whatever materials we need for the dayÕs activities. In just four months, we have witnessed the walls and halls of this former training facility for Applied Materials transform into mini-galleries of amazing student art and creative expression. We are now in our second term, and Friday Focus on the Fine Arts is SAILLing right along! For more information, please contact Sherry Snowden, Focus on the Arts Coordinator at sherry@vsatx.org or 512-295-4143. EXHIBITS, WORKSHOPS, & EVENTS Exhibits Art Walk McAllen Friday, Mar. 07 6:00 - 10:00 pm McAllen Arts District N. Main Street McAllen, TX Join in on this monthly celebration of McAllenÕs Art District of more than a dozen business establishments, as they open their doors to exhibit all ranges of artistic expression. For more information, visit www.mcallenartwork.com Derivative Composition Call for Entries Deadline: Friday, Mar. 21 VSA arts is seeking visual artists with disabilities whose work is inspired by the performing arts for this international juried art exhibition. Work must have a visual component. Eligible media include 2D and 3D art. Applicants from a wide range of practices, such as digital arts, installation, and time-based media, are also encouraged to apply. Open to artists (ages 18+) who are committed to their artistic progress and who have a physical, cognitive, or mental disability. Deadline is Friday, March 21, 2008. Visit www.vsarts.org for more info. Deaf Art Exhibit in Beaumont & Austin Beaumont Exhibit Thursday, Apr. 03 thru Thursday, Apr. 17 Dishman Art Gallery at Lamar University 1030 E. Lavaca Beaumont, TX The National Endowment for the Arts has awarded a grant to Lamar University to bring eight deaf artists to show their work as part of a unique touring exhibit of over 40 pieces expressing the values of Deaf culture. On opening day, Brenda Schertz will lead a panel comprised of nationally recognized deaf art teacher, historian, and author Dr. Deborah Sonnenstrahl Meranski and the 8 deaf artists to discuss how their deaf experience, use of ASL, English and visual art informs their artistic expression. Austin Exhibit Monday, Apr. 21 thru Friday, May 02 Texas School for the Deaf 1102 South Congress Avenue Austin, TX VSA arts of Texas will sponsor workshops by three of the deaf artists, Chuck Baird, Alex Wilhite, and Tony McGregor for deaf students in the Austin area. Workshops Drawing Into Watercolor Mondays, Mar. 10 - Apr. 28 6:00 - 8:00 pm VSA Multi-Arts Room 3710 Cedar Street, Suite 101 Austin, TX In this 8-week class led by Artist Maria Teresa Aguirre, students will start by simply following the line with pencil. Then move into still-life drawings and using other mediums. Finish by adding color to their palette and experimenting with watercolors. Open to creative learners (teenagers and adults) and abilities. Art supplies included. $5 per class. Artworks Networks: El Paso Meeting Friday, Mar. 14 3:00 - 4:30 pm El Paso Museum of Art 1 Arts Festival Plaza El Paso, TX Led by local artists, this Artworks meeting aims to provide professional development support through critique sessions, discussion groups, exhibition planning, or other ways of fostering mutual career support. The goal of Artworks Network is to create self-sustaining mutual support networks for artists with disabilities. To register for this upcoming meeting, contact April Sullivan at 512-454-9912 or april@vsatx.org. Artworks: Dream Big McAllen Workshop Saturday, Mar. 29 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Lark Community Center 2601 Lark Avenue McAllen, TX What are your dreams and hopes for the future? How can you turn those dreams into a reality? Using a fun art activity, identify your goals and any barriers to reaching them. Then plan the steps needed to reach those goals. When you dream big, anything is possible! This workshop is designed for transitioning youth and adults with disabilities. Art supplies provided. Bring your own lunch or $6 for lunch. To register for this workshop, please contact Francisco Ortegon at 956-330-8267 or FMLOrtegon@aol.com. Events Art in the Park Friday, Apr. 04 9:30 am - 2:00 pm McBeth Recreation Center 2401 Columbus Road Austin, TX VSA arts of Texas and McBeth Recreation Center are hosting the annual outdoor hands-on arts festival for kids of all ages and abilities. This inclusive festival is held on the grounds of McBeth Recreation Center in Zilker Park. Kids from AISD and surrounding school districts are invited to make this a field trip day. Home-schooled kids are also welcome to attend. The day will include arts activity booths, performances, and fun for everyone! Call 512-454-9912 for a registration form. We are also looking for volunteers and organizations to host art booths and to perform! Dreams Fulfilled Through Music Capitol performance Saturday, Apr. 26 12:00 pm Texas Capitol Rotunda 1100 Congress Avenue Austin, TX Dreams Fulfilled Through Music presents ÒA Special Celebration of Music and the ArtsÓ in the Rotunda of the Texas State Capitol. This musical program will feature solo, duet and ensemble selections on piano, clarinet, guitar and accordion performed by children and adults with varying types of disabilities. Sponsored by Senator Leticia Van de Putte, this is the Fourth Annual presentation at the State Capitol Rotunda by Dreams Fulfilled Through Music, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing personal accomplishment, social growth, and self-esteem of persons with special needs through music education and performance. Steinway Piano Gallery of Austin has graciously provided the grand piano each year as their contribution to and recognition of these remarkably talented individuals. This year is the first that VSA arts of Texas will present selected artwork to complement the musical performance. The public is invited to share in this wonderful afternoon of entertainment. For more information please visit www.alamoangels.org Actual Lives: All New Show May 2008, TBD Austin, TX This just in. Actual Lives breaks the sound barrier. The Actual Lives Performance Project has been honored with a National Endowment for the Arts grant to support the development of a new performance. Allison Orr, Austin choreographer and founder of Forklift Danceworks, and Bob Tolaro, Emmy Award-Winning Director and longtime Greater Tuna stage manager, are working together with Actual Lives co-founder and visionary, Chris Strickling, Ph.D., on this incendiary endeavor. Many thanks and huge love to Terry Galloway, Actual Lives creator, for her belief in this work. Actual Lives - Coming in May 2008 to a stage in Austin, if we can find an accessible one. Featured All Kids Can Create Call for Entries Deadline: Friday, Mar. 14 You can create, and creating leads to learning! VSA arts and CVS Caremark All Kids Can Create are joining together in a comprehensive national campaign to encourage inclusive arts education and provide increased public awareness of the arts in the lives and learning of young people with disabilities. All 6,400 CVS Caremark locations and all VSA arts affiliates will be part of the effort. The culminating activity of the campaign will be a national exhibit of a selection of works by children held in Washington, D.C. Children and youth, ages 5-15, from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, are invited to submit visual artwork showing us your creativity. Two-dimensional artwork can range in size from 3 x 5 inches to a maximum of 18 x 24 inches. Three-dimensional artwork should not exceed 18 x 18 x 18 inches. Artists are encouraged to create artwork using art supplies that can be purchased at their local CVS/pharmacy stores. Non-traditional supplies are also encouraged. All materials should be submitted in digital format through CaFEª at callforentry.org, profile registration required to apply. Additional tips and image requirements can be found on the CaFEª website. Deadline is Friday, March 14, 2008. Visit vsarts.org for more info. We often add new lisiting to our calendar of exhibits, workshops, and events. For up-to-the-minute updates and to sign up for our email list, please visit our web site www.vsatx.org. GET INVOLVED Funders VSA arts of Texas extends our sincerest thanks to all our generous donors over the past year. If we have inadvertently misplaced, mispelled, or omitted a name, please forgive our oversight and know that our donors are important to us. Please help us correct our records by contacting 512-454-9912 or info@vsatx.org. Major Funders ($50,000+) VSA arts City of Austin Cultural Arts Division SAILL Charter School Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities The Meadows Foundation DirectorÕs Circle ($25,000+) Texas Commission on the Arts Producers ($10,000+) Austin Community Foundation National Endowment for the Arts Benefactors ($5,000+) Applied Materials JP Morgan Chase Bank Texas Commission on the Arts Topfer Family Foundation Patrons ($1,000+) 3M Austin Always Better Care Amerigroup Charitable Foundation Best Buy Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas Grande Communications Leopoldo L. Leyendecker Sustainers ($500+) First Night Austin 2008 Linda Litowsky Brenda Shirk & State Farm Insurance Kathryn Taylor Supporters ($250+) Will Dibrell & Beverly Bajema David C. Fisher Ten Thousand Villages of Austin Advocates ($100+) Austin MayorÕs Committee for People with Disabilities Gary L. Annis Kevin Brown & Corinne Arles Eric Brown & Centha Davis Carol R. Brown Chevron Matching Gift Program Nancy Crowther Dell Foundation Matching Gift Program Ernie Gammage Mark Perkins Mark & Joan Hansen Connie McMillan Anne L. Morgan PNM Foundation Troy Parker David Phillips Peter Rieck Liz Salinas Sweet Leaf Tea TPÕs Handi People Texas-New Mexico Power Co. Friends ($1+) Gary L. Annis, CPA Yvonne Bonorden David Borden Mike Burns Shirley Caster Helen Caudill Toni L. Christenson Dennis & Kelly Collins David W. Conrad, CPA William E. Daugherty Betty Knight Davis Russ Downey Purly Gates Jerry Hassell Cynthia Hinchey Emilie Louise Ille Dianne Izzo Torey January Jim-JimÕs Water Ice Miram Kuznets Kenneth McAlpine Eric & Heather McGehearty Janice Moerbe & Scott Mickan Maryanne Mounger Dennis Nance Allison D. Orr Parker Fine Arts Association Theatre Off the Square Home Depot Susan & Thomas Prior Frances Pulley Rand Corporation Nancy A. Riley Gene R. Rodgers Sandra Sage San Antonio Independent Living Services Robert Saufferer Valerie Serif Jennifer Schaefer Gail Showalter Bryson McCall Smith Sherry Snowden Judith Sokolow Marie Uschok Ann D. Zbylot AmericaÕs Charities Donors Gloria H. Bennett Robert Frederick Fitzgerald Edward Albert Hunter Kathryn K. Judge Allan D. Kennemer Harold Kohl Gary D. Morton Devon Nowlin Lois F. Nufer John R. Osmon Ron W. Sparks Deborah L. Young Sydney CruzÕs Party Donors Mallory Bagley Bruce Bucad Jun & Gladys Cruz Herman & Cecille Cruz Chona & Von Cruz Hayley & Harry Cruz Hernani Cruz Jane & Dario Daniele Eleanor & Ed De La Pena Andrew Delgado Dr. Gary and Gigi Dong Kuya Ely Kiani Esteves Jon Fields Jackie Garcia Rachael Guedry Arthur & Ching Gonzales Eden Gonzales Hazel & Kevin Guideng Travis Kenney Fe & David Lindayag Mr. Shawn Mattox, Sportservice Pia & Ramon Penala Susan & Tony Quiambao Carla & Ron Reyes The Reynoso Family Lennie & Abet Solis Lydia & Boy Tomeldan Sonia and Alex Valdez Nilda van Tilburg Austin Community Foundation helps meet Meadows challenge Kudos to the Austin Community Foundation, AustinÕs most venerable giving organization, for its generous support of our Accessible Arts program! ACF recently granted $10,000 for our in-school program that trains classroom teachers in inclusive arts programming and brings teaching artists in to work with the kids. With this tremendous boost from the ACF we are half-way to our goal of raising $20,000 to meet a Meadows Foundation Challenge Grant issued in December. Thanks to all the extraordinary folks at the Austin Community Foundation for their support of inclusive arts! The NEA Comes Through Again Where would we be without patrons like the NEA? Last year the National Endowment for the Arts contributed $10,000 to increase our outreach and this year weighed in with $10,000 for our Actual Lives performing troupe. Actual Lives is an award-winning theatre group that, with NEA support, will stage brand new works by performers with disabilities this coming May. Stay tuned for the exact dates. And thanks to the NEA for supporting artists with disabilities. We hope to see you all at the theatre! Amigo Grande Special thanks to Grande Communications for their $1,000 sponsorship of the VSA arts of Texas entry in the Art Car Parade last year. Big friends like Grande keep the wheels turning! WeÕve Got a Friend in CaliforniaÉ We also want to thank a new friend, the Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation in Altadena California, for their $2,500 grant to our Artworks program, a series of training workshops for emerging artists with disabilities in Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Tyler and Fort Worth. The program is led by our Artworks Director, April Sullivan, who brings professional development and marketing training to artists with disabilities so they can promote and exhibit their works. We are grateful to the ELA Foundation whose vision, like ours, is to change the face of disability on the planet by promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in the areas of arts, advocacy and education. AmericaÕs Charities Your payroll contribution through AmericaÕs Charities supports the artistic lives of children and adults with disabilities, including the great winning artists recognized in this issueÕs featured stories.Ê If your business does not include AmericaÕs Charities in their employee giving campaign or does not participate in workplace-giving, contact VSA arts of Texas and learn how you can start giving today, orÊvisit www.charities.org. This project is made possible in part through funding provided by the national office of VSA arts, under an award from the U.S. Department of Education. However, the content does not necessarily reflect the policy of the U.S. Department of Education and endorsement should not be assumed. This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art. Additional support comes from the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division and by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts. ABOUT US Board of Directors Kevin Brown, President Fritz, Byrne, Head & Harrison, LLP Tanya Winters, Secretary Texas Advocates Costa Anestos, Treasurer Durbin Bennett Peterson Steve Hamman Texas Education Agency Linda Litowsky channelaustin Corinne Arles Expressive Arts Therapist Walston Warner Advocacy, Inc. Dawn Wellington Wellington Group Glenn Stotts Meritage Capital L.P. Allan Cole Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Laura Griebel, Past President Emeritus Goodwill Industries Executive Director Celia M. Hughes Staff April Sullivan Artworks Director Larissa Quon Communications Specialist Lynn Johnson Administrative Assistant Ron Hicks Development Officer Alegria Olivarez Financial Manager VSA arts of Texas 3710 Cedar Street, #7 Austin, Texas 78705 512.454.9912 v 512.454.1944 f info@vsatx.org www.vsatx.org VSA arts of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. Our mission is to promote the creative power in people with disabilities by working with all community members to facilitate full access to the cultural and educational arts. VSA arts of Texas is a member of the international network of VSA arts, an affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Visit VSA arts of Texas online at www.vsatx.org. Our Guiding Principles: ¥ Every young person with a disability deserves access to engaging and inclusive arts learning experiences. ¥ All artists in schools and art educators should be appropriately prepared to include all students, including students with disability, in their instruction. ¥ All children, youth, and adults with disability should have complete access to community arts and cultural facilities, events and activities. ¥ All individuals with disability who aspire to careers in the arts should have the opportunity to develop essential knowledge and skills. VSA arts of Texas 3710 Cedar Street #7 Austin, Texas 78705 512-454-9912 voice 512-454-1944 fax 1-866-489-8412 toll free info@vsatx.org www.vsatx.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yes! I would like to support the programs and services of VSA arts of Texas by making a charitable gift! Name__________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________ City____________________________________________________________ State______________________________ Zip_________________________ Phone_________________________________________________________ Email__________________________________________________________ Enclosed is my charitable gift of $____________________ Please make checks payable to VSA arts of Texas. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Please charge my charitable gift of $____________________ to the credit card listed below: Card type: Mastercard Visa Card #________________________ Exp. date______ 3 digit code_______ Or, visit the VSA arts of Texas website www.vsatx.org and make a secure online donation through CharityGift. Please send to 3710 Cedar Street #7, Austin, TX 78705. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- SAVE the DATE! El Paso Border Conference on Creative Entrepreneurship and Self-Support Opportunities for People with Disabilities Friday, May 16, 2008 & Saturday, May 17, 2008 Produced in partnership with National PASS Network and Region 19 Education Service Center Office of Special Education The El Paso Border Conference goal is developing skills and opportunities for students and adults with disabilities in self-employment and business creation in the El Paso Border area and beyond. The presentation will focus on professionals and service providers on Friday, and on family members and people with disabilities on Saturday. Everyone is welcome to attend both days. Simultaneous Spanish translation will be provided and all materials and workshop presentations will be available in alternative formats. The El Paso Border Conference is a project of Artworks: Creative Industries, which is funded in part with federal funds available to the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities (67%) DD funds: (33%) non federal resources). Conference Highlights: Presentation by Daniel Scarborough, National PASS Network Director - Artworks: Creative Industries Introduction to the Concept of Self-Employment Panel of professionals discuss Self-Employment & Business Creation El Paso Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Fair and Artists with Disability Gallery Staff from VSA arts of Texas will be available for one-on-one consultations with artists and/or their family members to assess their artistic goals. For more information contact info@vsatx.org or call 1-866-489-8412 toll free.