For the second year, VSA arts and Volkswagen of America, Inc. have partnered to recognize young artists with disabilities, ages 16-25, who are living in the United States. This collaboration supports these young artists at a critical time: many are deciding whether to pursue the arts as a career. These awards validate and help finance that decision.

During the Spring of 2003, a call for entries invited submissions by young artists with disabilities to illustrate the theme “Road Trip: A Journey of Discovery.” Participants were asked to take us along on a road trip, documenting where we might go and what we might feel, experience, or discover along the way. A distinguished jury panel selected these 15 finalists from 84 submissions to receive a total of $30,000 in cash awards provided by Volkswagen of America, Inc. ABILITY Magazine provided media sponsorship for the call for entries and featured an article on the winning finalists.

These 15 finalists depict journeys that take us on personal routes of discovery. For some, the ultimate road trip is a journey taken within their own experience of living with a disability. For others, the journey captures the magic of being away or of being transported into another place and time.

Get in gear, pack your bags, and get ready for a ride that will introduce you to these artists and their unique perspectives. This journey of discovery is worth the trip, and will convince each traveler that the arts are an important part of the experience for everyone.

Visit the exhibit now on display at the Children's National Medical Center.