Henry Viscardi School Students’ Artwork Selected for November Exhibition at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, Department of Education in D.C.
Albertson, NY, 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.