VSA Art Work on Display in CEHHS

Art work created by students during the 2015 VSA Festival

  The sounds of singing, drumming and laughter of children could be heard throughout the University Center, as the Very Special Arts (VSA) returned for their annual festival in early May of this year.

VSA Festival Chair, Jody Conrad Stark, states “Since 2013, UM-Dearborn staff and student volunteers have embraced our vision ‘to create an inclusive society where persons with disabilities participate in, learn through, excel in and enjoy the arts’ and have provided a welcoming environment for our 150 participants.”

 

Special Education instructors bring their students to the
VSA Festival for a day of arts experiences

Entering its 25th year, the VSA Festival is an annual event where “Special Education Instructors throughout Southeast Michigan (as far as Kalamazoo) bring their students for a day of arts experiences and performances” states Stark.    The festival, which was proudly supported by the Office of the Chancellor and the College of Education, Health, and Human Services, consisted of music, dance, theatre performances, as well as experiential art activities such as drumming, make and take artwork and mural painting.

Visitors to the College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS) will notice new art placed in the recently remodeled student study spaces (former phone booth areas).  The art work is the creation of students attending the 2015 VSA Festival and displays the beauty and imagination of the students.

Jonathan Larson, CEHHS Advisor, states “Being the VSA onsite liaison for the past 4 years has been a rewarding and highly motivational experience.  The artwork CEHHS displayed has created several exciting conversations with CEHHS students, faculty and staff regarding the festival and the creativity of the student participants.”

The art work displayed in CEHHS student study areas
showcases and highlights the artistic achievements
and talents of youth with disabilities

The College of Education, Health, and Human Services looks forward to supporting the 2017 Festival, being held on May 12, 2017 in the University Center.

Watch a video of the 2016 UM-Dearborn VSA Festival