Everything you always wanted to know about VSAV-Richmond’s da Vinci project but were afraid to ask . . . .

1. Do Italian-named artists celebrate America’s Independence Day? Of course they do – so The da Vinci Project will not be operating on Saturday, July 2, so that our hard working instructors and assistants can have the weekend off with their families. Molta bene!

2. Was da Vinci naturally talented?
Sure he was, but he learned from others. That’s why every Saturday from 10 am to noon we offer ‘open studio’ time at our space in Artworks – it’s at 3rd and Hull Streets in the Manchester Arts district of Richmond, and right on the 60/61 bus line. We provide materials, support, and instructors for artists with disabilities – and welcome their family and friends to explore their creativity alongside them!

3. But nobody gave da Vinci free paints and canvases.
Probably not. We do ask for a $5 fee from each participant to help offset the cost of the instructors, assistants, and fees. But we never turn anyone away due to their inability to pay. We’re pretty sure Leonardo would have wanted it that way.

4. Da Vinci’s got Mona Lisa in the Louvre. Where do your artists have their work seen? And do you sell them?
Of course, our artists can choose to exhibit and/or sell their work. There’s the da Vinci studio in Artworks, for a start – we’re part of 4th Fridays each month, and you can see our artists’ work during Artworks’ operating hours. We also exhibit paintings by artists with disabilities at the Positive Vibe Café in the Stratford Hills Shopping Center. While we keep a small commission to help the Project keep going, the artists can – and do – earn money from their work!

5. You pay people to do this??
We do – but there’s not enough money to help assist artists, teach studios during the week for social service agencies and community service boards, transport and install artworks in the galleries . . . . so like Leonardo, we rely upon the support of volunteers to help us discover the creativity in each participant.

Because, after all, the arts are for everyone.

Got more questions? For information about VSAV and the Richmond da Vinci Project – including how to volunteer, donate materials, schedule studio time for a group, or support VSAV’s mission in other ways, please contact District Coordinator Krishanna Spencer at 804/230-0246 or Richmond@vsava.org.