For the third year, VSA arts and Volkswagen of America, Inc, have partnered to recognize and showcase young artists with disabilities, ages 16 -25, who are living in the United States. This collaboration supports these artists at a critical time; many are deciding whether to pursue the arts as a career. The award validates and helps finance that decision.

These 15 finalists are motivated by an intense desire and dedication to practice fine art. Art is their primary motivation - to use the arts as a way to understand the past, the unique contributions of all artists, the boundaries that define us, and the personal philosophies that influence their work. Self-directed by this inherent need to create, many of these artists employ the arts as personal exploration. Their work becomes a profound search for identity and a way to share their unique perspectives.

Several are also serving as apprentices or studio assistants under successful, working artists. Their "Driving Force" comes from established artists who provide encouragement for their passion, professional guidance, and individualized instruction. In a country where the arts are often marginalized within institutional education, these young artists have taken it upon themselves to identify and befriend practicing artists in the 'real world,' artists who have made a conscious decision to pursue and perfect their art at all costs.

In turn, art becomes a bridge, a sanctuary, a language, a revelation, a respite, a best friend, and a life force. The rigorous joy of creating captivates the mind of the creator. The arts propel these artists to share their experiences, and to affect our shared world in a positive way.