Longtime VSA arts of Virginia exhibitor passes away

Lori Konkle, painter, passed away this weekend at the age of 78. Lori participated every year in the VSA arts of Virginia - Charlottesville/Albemarle Annual Exhibition. She will be greatly missed by her friends at VSAVA.



"Sunset", Chesapeake Bay
A native of Chicago, Lori Konkle attended Denison University in Granville, Ohio, and received a B.A. Degree in Art Education from Michigan State University. She was an art consultant in the elementary schools in Grand Rapids, Michigan and a high school art teacher in Lansing, Michigan. She was physically challenged by Multiple Sclerosis and painted with a mouthstick brush. In later years, Lori lived near the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and her landscapes often reflect the special character of that area. To view more of Lori's work visit her website.

MusicLink!

MusicLink is starting up again on Tuesday, September 18th at 4:00pm. We will be meeting at the Children's Museum of Richmond in the CMoR playhouse. For those of you who are returning members of the group -- please note that this is a new meeting day and room.

This year we plan to focus on percussion. We will also be watching and learning the pieces that our partners perform on the exchange video that came over the summer. We look forward to seeing you and to hearing your ideas about what we'll share with our exchange partners this school year.

Parents of children who are working on IEP goals are welcome to contact us to discuss goals and/or accommodations that will make it possible for your child to get the most from the program. Any child who has an interest in singing and playing music in an inclusive environment is welcome to participate.

Below we've posted a few clips from the video produced by VSA arts of Virginia's 2006-2007 participants. (We apologize for the low quality -- we're trying to keep our file sizes down). You may view examples of video submitted by other groups by clicking here.



PS: MusicLink is a free program brought to you by VSA arts of Virginia. Donations are always welcome!

The Art of Surviving

We're helping our friend Terry Lynn Smith spread the word:

The Art of Surviving: 3rd Annual Art Show
featuring female artists who have survived breast cancer, mastectomies, or other breast issues.

Seeking female artists who have survived breast issues that would like to share their experiences and stories through their works of art during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 2007.

The Art of Surviving show will open on October 26 at 7:00 p.m. and will display through November 18, 2007 at Art Works
in the Corner Gallery on 320 Hull Street Richmond, Virginia.

Call for entries will be on Saturday, October 20 from Noon – 4:00 p.m. in Studio 125 at Art Works. Artists may submit up to 4 entries. The cost per entry is $5.00. This will be an all media juried show. Work may be of any subject matter that is considered healing to the artist. Artwork may be for sale or for showing only. Artists are encouraged to attend the opening of the show. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Art Works.

The Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation will be present to answer questions and share the latest information about breast cancer. Donations may be made that evening to the VBCF in honor or in memory of those whose lives have been affected by breast cancer.

For more information on entry submission, please contact Terry Lynn Smith by October 20th at fibrowoman@hotmail.com or calling 804-731-2481.

Izzy Icarus Fell Off the World

VSA arts Presents
Izzy Icarus Fell Off the World
September 27, 2007, 7:30 pm

Teenage Izzy is fascinated by birds. With beach season fading, he loves to stand on the sand, flap his arms, and watch the gulls take flight for winter. His curious movements have attracted the eye of budding photographer Dove, who waits poised with her camera, convinced he's going to fly. That's why he's called Izzy Icarus, she says, like the character in Greek mythology. When her classmate insists that Izzy, who has autism, is dreaming the impossible, Dove is determined to prove her wrong.

Written by 15-year-old Aliza Goldstein, this winning play was selected for the 23rd annual VSA arts Playwright Discovery Award, one of several VSA arts literary programs which encourage creative writing in middle and high school. A sampling of poetry from these programs will be performed preceding the play. Experience these exciting new works as they leap from the page to the stage! For ages 9 & up.

Tickets Available online at: http://www.kennedy-center.org/tickets

Tickets also available at the Box Office or call:
(202) 467-4600
Toll-free (800) 444-1324
TTY (202) 416-8524
Groups (202) 416-8400

VSA arts is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For more information about VSA arts visit www.vsarts.org.