Hello former VSA DC Supporter,

As you may know, VSA Washington DC closed its doors July 2011 summer due to budgetary issues. This sudden closure saddened the artists, staff, and many of our longtime supporters, but we are here to report that we are back and better than ever!

St. John’s Community Services (SJCS), a nonprofit which supports people with disabilities in community-based settings, successfully transitioned the program, its staff, and artists in early September to ART Options. ART Options is an arts-infused program designed to support the development of vocational, social and life management skills for people with disabilities ages 16 and older. ART Options operates in community settings where artists can enhance their skills and prepare for careers in the art field.

It is truly amazing to see all the collaboration between the former VSA and SJCS. We have found our new home and are excited to introduce you to our new family! We have already planned several events that will give you the opportunity to learn about SJCS, how our program has changed, and how you can continue be involved. You can also learn more about SJCS at www.sjcs.org.

If you have any questions regarding the transition, please do not hesitate to contact me at msellers@sjcs.org or 202-274-3421

Kindest Regards,

Mary Sellers

SJCS Art Options Program Coordinator

Jessika Tarr, a former employee of VSA DC who is also an artist in her own right, wrote a fascinating interview with ARTiculate artist Dionta McDade.

Check out the interview for a student’s perspective of art and ARTiculate!

Creativity Cures is a fundraiser, silent auction, concert, and exhibition showcasing artwork done by youth from VSA DC and Children’s National Medical Center / New Horizons.

Creativity Cures is a therapeutic movement that enhances the lives of our young artists through education and learning. All who participated have experienced the positive impact the arts have played in each of their lives.

The act of creating and communicating through style, colors and words results in an emotional connection between the artist and the artwork. In the ways that many are limited, with the arts there are no limits. The arts positively impact on the youth and adults we serve. This exhibit shares the stories of those who use the arts as a vehicle to communicate and ultimately inspire.

Date and Location

Creativity Cures will be held May 19th from 6-9pm. The event will be held at VSA Washington DC, in the ARticulate Gallery. For location info and directions, click here.

Volunteer for Creativity Cures

Get two free tickets when you sign up to volunteer!

Want to learn more about this event? Contact Mary Sellers, Gallery Manager at 202-296-9100 ext. 268; msellers@vsadc.org

Sponsors of this Event

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Patron sponsor: Right Management

Patron sponsor: Venable

Brushstroke sponsor: Washington Gas

Fingerpaint sponsor: Earth Presents

Crayon sponsor: Rand Construction

Thanks to everyone who is supporting this fantastic event!

Interested in sponsoring this, or other events? Check out our sponsorship information.