Attention Visual Artists!

Attention Visual Artists! The Roanoke Rescue Mission could use your help.

The Rescue Mission provides comprehensive care to those in crisis in the Roanoke community. The mission has been filled since it opened but the one hundred thousand square foot facility’s walls are bare. The mission is looking for local artists to cover those walls while giving back to their community.

In an effort to achieve this goal, the Roanoke Rescue Mission has launched The Permanent Collection Competition, juried by Ed Dolinger, the Mission’s Head Curator and Sculpture Professor at Hollins University. The rescue mission will accept up to three pieces of artwork and a twenty-five dollar entry fee until February 28th.

The Permanent Collection Competition provides a unique opportunity for local artists' works to be enjoyed and appreciated by families with almost no access to original art and has the power to open eyes to new possibilities.

Slide or Digital entries will be pre-screened by Ed Dolinger, head curator. Accepted works will be honored in an exhibition at the Mission. While on display, works will be chosen for inclusion in the Mission's Permanent Collection by a panel including the Head Curator and sponsor representatives. Works chosen for the Permanent Collection will be announced at the public reception.

Artists whose works are chosen will have an impressive item to add to their professional biographies, and will assist the Rescue Mission in its important work. The Permanent Art Collection will be showcased on this web site and in Rescue Mission Publications.

To participate in the Rescue Mission Permanent Collection Competition, please visit http://www.rescuemission.net/art/art.htm for details and to download the Prospectus. Entries can be sent in slide or digital form. There is a fee of $25.00 for up to three entries and the deadline is February 28^th, 2006.

You can also contact me for a copy of the prospectus as well.

Special Needs Education and the Public School System

Adoption Service Information Agency (ASIA) presents "Special Needs Education and the Public School System"

Congress has determined that all children with special needs are entitled to receive a "free, appropriate public education." Brian K.
Gruber, Esq., an attorney in private practice will explain the various federal laws that govern the public education of children with special needs. Other topics include the assessment and identification of disabilities, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), independent educational evaluations, due process appeals, "burden of proof", and techniques that parents can use to effectively advocate for their children.

The event will take place Tuesday, February 21 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm at the ASIA office, 8555 16th St. Suite 600, Silver Spring, MD.

Pre-registration is required and there is a $10.00 fee per person.