EXPRESSIONS - VSA of Michigan

EXPRESSIONS
SPRING 2014
VSA MI Newsletter
Meet Pamela Hawkins,
In This Issue
Executive Director of VSA Michigan

Meet Pamela Hawkins

Words from the Desk of
Board President

VSA Quick Facts

VSA MI “Our Story”

2013 Impact

AIR (Arts in Residence)

artsJam

Volunteers Make the
Difference

Our Work In Action

Stomp

Thank You Supporters
On behalf of VSA Michigan’s staff and Board of Director’s, we would like
to welcome you to review our
Spring 2014 Newsletter. For the
past year, we have been transitioning into a new direction. VSA
Michigan has divided into nine
regions (see page 4).
In February 2014, VSA Michigan
launched our new website. It is
interactive and includes videos
and photos of our participants
across the state. Videos of participants included engaging in visual,
performing, and digital arts. We
invite you to browse the website:
www.vsami.org and give us your
feedback!
VSA Michigan has expanded its
offerings in both the Artist-in-Residence and artsJAM Programs. (continue
on page 2)
Sentiments from
the Board of
Directors
VSA Mural
In addition to serving children, we are increasing our commitment to
include adults as well. VSA Michigan intends to provide art programs
to disabled veterans. We have our first pilot project working with female veterans experiencing post-traumatic syndrome. An artist has
been hired to provide visual arts experiences. Ultimately, through our
artsJAM Program, we will assist veterans in seeking careers and/or
entrepreneurial opportunities in the arts. VSA also has a Club Create
Program where young adults (over 18), engage in art activities, field
trips, leadership training, and socialization.
On behalf of VSA Michigan’s
Board of Directors, we thank all
our volunteers, donors and supporters for your contributions to
our organization. Because of your
generosity and commitment to our
mission; VSA is able to offer art
programs in classrooms, afterschool settings, and community
engagements throughout the state
of Michigan. Participants and their
families enjoyed art experiences
through festivals, show-and-share
programs and field trips. Our
Emerging Artist Touring Exhibit
included the work of over 60 aspiring artists (both children and
adults with disabilities) and traveled to 15 sites and conferences.
Artists and Educators received
professional development training
in curriculum development and
understanding various disabilities.
All this was made possible because of YOU!
In January and March of this year, we have been honored with Professional Development Workshops for Artists and Educator conducted by
Gordon Sasaki. Gordon is from New York and is an expert in the field
of Universal Design for Learning.
This process will assist in continuity and future sustainability for our
organization. As funding resources are identified and secured in local
areas, we will expand programs and services in each region. We
have hired Tiffany Smith, Development Consultant, and Lora Frankel,
Program Consultant, to assist us in accomplishing our goals. The accounting firm of Alan Young & Associates has instituted new accounting procedures and comprehensive reporting.
Pamela Hawkins
Carolyn White , Board President
VSA MI
Quick Facts:

Reach over
7,500 youth
and families
each year.

VSA MI covers
the entire State
of Michigan.

Volunteers are
the majority in
our organization dedicating
time, talent and
treasure.


We create programs that we
love in order to
ensure inclusivity to all.
VSA MI is affiliated with an
International
organization,
JFK Kennedy
Center for the
Performing
Arts .
Mural
VSA MI “Our Story”
VSA Michigan (VSAMI) is a member of the network of VSA – The International Organization on Arts and Disability, an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. Founded in 1974
by Jean Kennedy Smith, VSA -The International Organization on Arts and
Disability has been designated by the U.S. Congress as the nation’s coordinating agency for arts programs for people with disabilities. www.vsarts.org
Since 1977, VSA Michigan has worked to create a society with access
and opportunities for children and adults with disabilities so they may experience growth through the arts. We continue to provide guidance to organizations, teachers, and families to help them create inclusive and accessible experiences through the arts. Our constituents expand their horizons through VSA Michigan programs and services including, but not limited to classroom workshops, art exhibitions, and festivals conducted by
professional artists and creative therapists.
From one small office in 1977, we incorporated in 1986, and have grown
to include multiple affiliates and partners throughout the state to help facilitate our mission. We are indebted to the hundreds of volunteers that help
us to reach nearly 7,500 individuals on annual basis.
VSA MI NINE REGIONS
SOUTHEAST
Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb,
Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and
Wayne.
SOUTHWEST
Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Clinton,
Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson,
Kalamazoo, Lewis-Cass,and St.
Joseph.
EAST CENTRAL
Bay-Arenac, Genesee, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Lapeer, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee and
Tuscola.
Youth Art Festival
WE BELIEVE
These are the principals that help us succeed in helping
every individual achieve their artistic dreams and to
achieve their own personal goals.
 We respect people and focus on their abilities, not their
disabilities.
 We believe that the arts promote understanding and communication among all people.
 We believe that the arts in many forms enhance an individual’s humanity.
 We believe that the arts are more than a product; they are
a process.
 Every person deserves access to appropriate learning experiences in the arts.
 All artists in schools should be appropriately prepared to
include students with disabilities in their instruction.
 All children, youth and adults with disabilities should
have complete access to community cultural facilities and activities.
 All individuals with disabilities who aspire to careers in the
arts should have the opportunity to develop skills.
MISSION & VISION
VSA Michigan promotes creative power in people with disabilities and works to create an inclusive society where person
with disabilities participate in, learn through, excel in and
enjoy the arts.
WEST CENTRAL
Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Mecosta-Osceola, Muskegon,
Newago, Oceana and Ottawa.
NORTHEAST
Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona, Cheboygan-Ostego-Presque-Isle, ClareGladwin and Crawford-OscodaOgemaw-Roscommon.
NORTHWEST
Charlevoix-Emmet, Traverse Bay
Area (including Antrim, Benzie,
Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanaw Counties), Manistee, MasonLuke and Wexford-Missau Kee.
EASTERN UPPER PENINSULA
Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac.
CENTRAL UPPER PENINSULA
Delta-Schoolcraft, Marquette-Alger
and Menominee.
WESTERN UPPER PENINSULA
Copper County,(Baraga, Houghton
and Keweenaw), Dickirson - Iron
and Gogebic-Ontonagon.
CVS/Caremark Volunteers
Volunteers Make the Difference
The problems of the world, or even your community, might seem gigantic.
Unfortunately, they often are. You might even feel there's no point trying
to do anything. Honestly, how can one young person really make a dent in
everything that needs to be done in the community?
Well, think about standing in a completely dark room with no lamps or
light switches. You light a candle, and suddenly there's a little light, and
the darkness doesn't seem quite as bad. Then, slowly, people join you,
until there are a hundred people with a hundred candles. Now the room is
bright-and the darkness is gone!
Volunteering is like this. One single person, like one candle, can make a
difference. If a whole bunch of "ones" gather together to work on the
same problem, they can make it better-or even go away. Every person is
important, and every person can do some good. Like you!
Now that you know you can make a difference, what kind of volunteering
should you do? Here are some ideas to help you choose:

If you have a strong desire to find resources and move the vision forward join VSA MI Ambassadors. For more information consult our
website : www.vsami.org.
VSA MI values your time and effort in assisting us to move the vision forward.
Mark Your
Calendar!
VSA MICHIGAN 2014 FESTIVALS
Elmer Knopf Learning Center (EKLC)
493 West Maple Avenue
Flint, MI 48507
(810) 591-4489
April 29 and April 30th
8:30am - 10:30am
11:30am - 1:30pm
Southeast Michigan Festival - MSU Detroit Campus
May 1, 2014
12:00Noon-1:30pm
Clio School District -Northern Tier Center Clio
4082 W. Vienna Road
Clio, MI 48420
(810) 232-8044
May 6, 2014
10:00am - 1:00pm
Early Childhood Programs and Services
5089 Pilgrim Road
Flint, MI 48507
(810) 591-4883
May 8, 2014
9:00am - 11:00am
12:00N - 2:00pm
Southeast Michigan Festival
Southeast Michigan Festival
University of Michigan-Dearborn
4901 Evergreen Road
Dearborn, MI 48128
(313) 593-5000
May 9, 2014
9:30am - 1:00pm
Southeast Michigan Festival
University of Michigan-Detroit Center
3408 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201-2726
(313) 578-9700
May 10, 2014
11:00am - 1:00pm
Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD)
Project Choice
Flint Cultural Center
Genesee County - Clio Festival
May 22, 2014
TBA
Artist in Residence
(AIR)
AIR is the premier program which collaborates
with educators in elementary and secondary
schools to integrate dance, drama, music,
and visual arts with the language arts, math,
science, and social studies curricula in inclusive
general and special education classrooms.
HOWELL
In the 2013-2014 year, we offered programs
throughout the state of Michigan-Monroe, Howell, Flint, Grand Blanc, Ann Arbor, Oak Park,
Madison Heights, Hancock, Marquette, Indian
River, Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Davison, Mt.
Morris Township, Clio, Flushing, Charlotte,
Berkley and Mt. Pleasant.
Residencies here in the VSA Michigan include:
planning meetings with teaching artists
and school staff

in-service workshops for teachers and
paraprofessionals

classroom observations by the artists

classroom workshops taught by the artists

evaluation sessions with teachers

culminating events to give opportunities to
students

FLUSHING
GRAND BLANC
teaching artists to exhibit or perform their
creative work
If you would like to partner with VSA Michigan
to bring artist in residencies to your school,
please contact [email protected] or call
248.752.0227.
GRAND BLANC
artsJam
artsJAM is our model program created by VSA Michigan and replicated throughout the state. This program provides high school aged
youth and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to experience
the arts while building life and prevocational skills.
VSA participants making an African Drum
VSA Staff, James working with students
Participants are engaged in visual
art, fabric art, music, poetry, literature, improvisation, dance, theatre,
photography and digital art under
the mentorship of professional
teaching artists. Activities take the
form of after-school, in-school and
community based classes with each
day devoted to a specific discipline
in the arts. artsJAM meets the
needs of youth with disabilities by
creating positive arts based learning
that directly addresses many of
their Individualized Education Plan
(IEP) goals, thereby enhancing their
overall academic learning experience.
For adults, artsJam prepares them
for careers or entrepreneurship in
the Arts. Currently, this program is
offered at five sites within the region. Currently, this program is
offered in Detroit’s Northend and
Osborn communities in partnership
with VSA MI-Genesse County in
Flint, MI as the host affiliate. In addition, a pilot program for female
Veterans in Howell is scheduled this
Spring 2014.
Our new Executive Director, Pamela Hawkins served the organization
to design a replicable program
which includes an “How to Develop
an artsJam Program” Manual in
2012. This program, including the
manual, is available for organizations to adopt.
VSA Student Creating with Fabric Art
2014 VSA MI ATTENDS STOMP PERFORMANCE
VSA MI & STOMP PERFORMANCE
In spite of inclement weather we have had in Michigan,
VSA MI is committed to engage our youth in cultural
experiences that will enhance their lives. Forty children
and chaperones from the artsJam program, attended
the STOMP Performance at Whiting Auditorium in Flint,
MI. Six area schools were represented; Alternative
Path Academy, Beecher High School, CarmenAinsworth Middle School, Genesee Intermediate
School District’s Transition Center, Mott Adult High
School, and Flint Southwestern Classical Academy.
The performance was made possible by the Ruth Mott
Foundation. Transportation was provided by First
Class Transportation (TREK Grant for Michigan Youth
Arts and Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs)
VSA MI YOUTH AND FAMILIES THANK YOU FOR YOUR
GENEROSITY AND SUPPORT!
Michigan
Youth Arts
Festival
MYAF
The 52nd Annual Michigan Youth
Arts Festival (MYAF) will be held
May 9-11, 2014
at Western Michigan University in
Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Highlights from the 2013 Festival
are showcased in the photos on the
left.
The Michigan Youth Arts Festival is
the culmination of a nine-month
search for the finest artistic talent in
Michigan high schools. More than
250,000 students statewide participate in the selection process that
results in 1,000 being invited to participate in the annual three-day arts
spectacular.
MYAF
MYAF
At the Michigan Youth Arts Festival,
student artists participate in 50 master classes, workshops, live performances, and exhibits that are tailored to their individual artistic discipline. Not only is it an experience to
enrich their own artistic craft, but
also an opportunity to celebrate
their fellow peers. From the concert
recitals, to the visual art exhibit, to
the film festival and theatrical performances, The Michigan Youth Arts
Festival is a memorable event that
students will fondly remember
throughout their artistic careers.
Club Create
Club Create was founded 3 years ago as a pilot
program that was inspired by the funeral of one
of Kathy Cole’s former students. She saw
many graduates attend the funeral that had not
had interactions with peers in many years. The
need for social connection after graduation is
very great.
Our first pilot year had 4 sessions. 6-7 Members
attended from VIP Sheltered Workshop in Flint.
It has now expanded to 12 members from the
Swartz Creek /Flint Area. Club Create meets on
the second Tuesday of each month from
4:00PM-5:30PM. All members live with family
members.
Club Create meets at Swartz Creek Area Art
Guild, owner Sharlene Howe is also an employee of the Genesee Intermediate School District
(GISD). The group under guidance from their
advisor Kathy Cole, votes on the type of art medium they would like to explore. All members
sign an agreement and pay monthly dues. We
have a Parent Assistant Coordinator & Member
President.
GOALS:
Increase interactions with peers and parents
Members learn skills to improve leisure skills
at home.
Members create art for sale
Members have jobs performing at VSA
events
Members attend fundraising events to generate donations.
The program is very successful and productive one that will continue to grow with
the support of VSA of Michigan.
Traveling
Exhibit
Each year, VSA Michigan solicits artwork created by youth and
adults with disabilities for the annual Emerging Artists’ Touring
Exhibition. Submitted works are
juried by distinguished artists,
arts teachers, and arts administrators throughout the state.
Traveling Exhibit
Traveling Exhibit
Traveling Exhibit
The exhibit travels to galleries,
libraries, community centers,
and conferences throughout
Michigan for one year. Work
chosen for inclusion is based on
quality and an interest on the
part of VSA Michigan to showcase an array of media by artists
of different ages, abilities, and
geography.
This year the exhibit has toured
to the Art Cafe in Davison, Flint
Public Library, Genesee ISD Davis Education Center, Absolute
Gallery in Lansing, Avondale
Schools Administrative Building,
Capital Area Community Mental
Health, RECON - the Michigan
Rehabilitation Conference, Copper Country Community Arts
Center in Hancock, Creative 360
in Midland, Bonifas Fine Arts
Center in Escanaba, Gallery at
the Ford Center in Dearborn, the
MI Council for Exceptional Children Convention in Grand Rapids, MI, Transition Conference in
Frankenmuth and in April at the
Washtenaw ISD Administration
Building. Thousands of people
have viewed the artwork, and
we have received wonderful
feedback.
Linda Boston, Educator of the Year
Linda Boston
2013 Educator of the Year
It is with great pleasure that VSA Michigan honors the service and continued support
of Linda Boston. Linda was honored in 2013 at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival.
Her commitment to her community is evident not only within the VSA MI organization
but throughout the community.
Linda Boston has an in-depth background in arts, theatre and community organizing. She received many honors and accolades: Distinguished Service Award, Spirit
of Detroit Award, Community Service Award, MU Housing Leadership Award, “Best
Actress Nominations from Detroit Free Press, Oakland Press, Plowshares Theater
Company and Detroit Repertory Theater. Now Linda will add Educator of the Year
from VSA Michigan to her many accomplishments.
On behalf of the VSA MI Board of Directors and Staff please join us as we salute and
celebrate Linda Boston, 2013 Educator of the Year.
Thank You for Supporting VSA!
As VSA MI continues to be the premier organization addressing the gap between arts
programs and youth/families with disabilities, the scope of our reach would be impossible without the continued support of our individual donors, corporations and foundations. We extend a huge thank you to our donors past, present and future. Each
year we strive to impact and enrich the lives of the youth and their families throughout
the reach within our nine regions in the State of Michigan. As the demands for our
services increases we feel obligated to answer the call and expand our services in
other areas and regions we haven’t touched yet. We thank you for your continued
support as we impact lives throughout the State of Michigan. We welcome new
supporters, donors and advocates to join the VSA MI family.
Board of
Directors
Carolyn White,
President
Cindy Babcock,
President Elect
Janice Fedewa,
Secretary
Edwin Smith,
Treasurer
Mary BevansGillet, Immediate
Past President
TRUSTEES
Marcy Garcia
Aleatha Kimbrough
Joann Leal
Latonya Morgan
Alexander Simpson
CREATE. ENGAGE. EMPOWER.

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