October 2, 2013
Silvia M. and Celina M., both 2013 graduates of the Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center, recently had their artwork selected by the VSA (Very Special Arts) International Art Program for Children with Disabilities for display at the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Library and U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C., during November.
Henry Viscardi School art teacher Irene Savage said she “…entered the students’ artwork because their work was truly outstanding and thought they had really challenged themselves and overcame their physical limitations to create it.” Savage, speaking with the students, noted Silvia felt very satisfied, believing her hard work paid off, and that Celina “never thought her artwork would be picked.” This was the first time Henry Viscardi School students participated in the contest.
The contest’s theme, ‘I am…My Family,’ focused on creating two-dimensional family portraits where students pictured themselves among family members providing love and support. To that end, Silvia submitted a multi-colored self-portrait with acrylic paint, and Celina produced a pop-art self-portrait with block printing ink with four separate images, each a different color. Their creations were selected from 500+ student entries worldwide, ages 5-18, all created by students with disabilities.
Affiliated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, VSA was founded by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith over 35 years ago. VSA provides arts and education opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities worldwide.
About The Viscardi Center: Founded by Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., who served as disability advisor to eight U.S. presidents and became one of the world’s leading advocates, The Viscardi Center educates, employs and empowers children and adults with disabilities. It provides Pre-K through High School education, school-to-work transition services, vocational training, career counseling and placement, assistive technology and workforce diversification assistance to children, adolescents and adults with disabilities, and businesses.