VSA arts and the Kennedy Center Present Artwork by Artists with Disabilities

October 12, 2006

WASHINGTON, October 12, 2006 – In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, VSA arts and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will present the artwork of fifteen emerging artists with disabilities who are pursuing a career in the arts. The artwork will be on display at the Kennedy Center Hall of States throughout the month of October.

Congress designated October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 1988 to educate the public about issues related to disability and the employment needs of all individuals. VSA arts has collaborated with the Kennedy Center on programs for people with disabilities and became an official affiliate in October 2005. Together, the two organizations promote the arts as a tool to educate, empower, and employ people of all abilities.

“Career development of artists with disabilities has been a major focus for VSA arts for more than 30 years,” said VSA arts president Soula Antoniou. “This exhibit is an excellent opportunity to showcase their work at the Kennedy Center.”

The Hall of States exhibit is comprised of a selection of artwork by the finalists of the 2006 VSA arts and Volkswagen of America, Inc. exhibit, “Destination Anywhere,” currently on display at the S. Dillon Ripley Center, Smithsonian Institution until November 30.

Featured artists are:

• Emily Alexander (Chicago, Ill.)
• Jordan Rhoat (Tyrone, Pa.)
• Caleb Charland (Brewer, Maine)
• April Alvarez (Laie, Hawaii)
• Brandon Barriger (Cunningham, Ky.)
• Carrie Brummer (Yarmouthport, Mass.)
• Luis Estrada (Richmond, Calif.)
• Emily Francisco (DeSoto, Mo.)
• Jessica Goldberg (Tampa, Fla.)
• Jarrett Inn (Germantown, Md.)
• Coralina Meyer (Brooklyn, N.Y.)
• Skyla Stuckey (Whispering Pines, N.C.)
• Stephanie Ward (Wichita, Kan.)
• Eileen Wheeler (Forest Hill, Md.)
• Mandi Ziino (Arcata, Calif.)

VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where all people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. VSA arts provides educators, parents, and artists with resources and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities. VSA arts showcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year millions of people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in more than 60 countries around the world. VSA arts is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For more information visit www.vsarts.org.

Media Contact

Marcia Rhodes / VSA arts (202) 628-2800 ext. 3883, marciar@vsarts.org