Charlottesville Artist Passes Away

We've just learned that longtime friend of VSA arts of Virginia, Laura Burrell, passed away on June 20th. The staff and board at VSA arts of Virginia would like to express condolences to Laura's family and friends. We know that she will be missed by her friends at VSA.

C'ville District Chair Featured on NBC29 News

Poetry Gives AHS Class Freedom of Expression
Reported by Claire O'Brien on April 23, 2008 04:56 PM

When you're mad, you yell. When you're happy, you laugh. But what if a disability got in the way of expressing how you feel? One program is opening up a world of expression for some very special students.

The words are flowing from the Albemarle High School students we visited, but they weren't in your everyday English class. These students had something standing in the way of expressing how they feel: they all have autism.

"For a teenager to have a significant disability is huge, especially if it impacts their social skills, their communication, their sense of self," said special education teacher Leah Fechtmann.

Through poems, the students are able to express feelings that they may not be able to verbalize. They get extra help from Rose Williams, Miss Wheelchair Virginia. The students choose words that describe their inner feelings, then they put those feelings into poetry.

According to Williams, "It builds self-esteem. It builds their self-esteem and self-worth."

When they're better able to express what they can do, they don't focus so much on what they can't. "We were seeing their struggles. When they finally verbalized their struggles they went on to their feelings of being valued and appreciated, which were much, much larger," shared Fechtman.

Williams said, "They're so proud of their accomplishment, by doing that." Link: http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=8216722&nav=menu496_2_4

Expressive Arts Workshop

Exploring the ARTS in Life, Work & Community
with Jena e. Leake, M.A., R.E.A.T.
Registered Expressive Arts Therapist
Expressive arts is the interdisciplinary practice of working with all the arts visual arts, dance/movement, writing/poetry, drama, music, storytelling and imagery)to inspire creative expression, human development, healing & transformation. This experiential workshop is an opportunity to explore the arts for personal and professional growth. You will learn about the exciting field of Expressive Arts Therapy, Education & Coaching while engaging in individual and community art-making experiences that will inspire your creativity in art and life. As we dialogue with our art and each other, we will discover new ideas and resources for enlivening our personal and professional lives. This is an excellent workshop for therapists, caregivers, educators, artists and community professionals. No previous art experience necessary. Co-sponsored by Charlottesville Parks & Recreation and VSA arts of Virginia. Workshop details:
Date and time: Friday, March 7 from 10:00am until 2:00pm
Location: Tonsler Park Center, 501 Cherry Avenue, Charlottesville, VA
Register: Charlottesville Parks & Recreation 434.970.3264

Seventh Poetry Book Released by VSA arts of Virginia - Charlottesville

VSA Arts of Charlottesville Albemarle announces the release of their seventh Poetry Book, See Always With Your Heart, written by individuals with disabilities and their caregivers in central Virginia. See Always With Your Heart originates in the love of human experiences and imagination. The publication is a result of an ongoing poetry project sponsored by the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County Parks and Recreation Departments, in collaboration with the Charlottesville/Albemarle VSA Arts. The project promotes writing, creativity skills and the therapeutic value of poetry for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers.

Serving as an inspiring collection of one hundred and seventeen poems and short stories, See Always With Your Heart, is written and designed by individuals who want to share their daily accomplishments, as well as struggles, taking you along on their journey. As the title of the book suggest the writers hope the general public will accept them at a heart felt level and not judge them based on outward appearance. The seventy-eight writers represented in See Always With Your Heart represent a much broader voice . . . . . . .they speak for the 58 million Americans with disabilities, the fastest growing minority group that affects one in five households.

The book can be purchased for a $10.00 donation at the Charlottesville Parks and Recreation Department in the City Hall Annex, E. Market Street or by calling 434-970-3264. Anyone interested in helping to promote all forms of art for individuals with disabilities may join the Charlottesville/Albemarle VSA Arts Committee. The committee works closely with VSA Arts of Virginia, an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, dedicated to promoting the creative power in people with disabilities. For program information, call Mildred Spicer (434) 970-3264, Jean Wilhelm (434) 296-3518 or Sarah Blech (434) 975-9400.

Charlottesville/Albemarle VSA Arts Workshop

PROGRAM: From Brainstorming to Book Signing
FRIDAY, 5, 2007, 10:00 – 12 Noon Workshop
12 – 1:30 PM Pizza Lunch and Discussion with Workshop Leader
TONSLER RECREATION CENTER, 501 CHERRY AVENUE

Nancy Ruth Patterson, an award winning novelist from Roanoke, will discuss many aspects of writing from personal and professional purposes and hints on getting published. The workshop will be interactive with participants doing a short writing to share with group if you feel comfortable sharing. After workshop there will be pizza and informal discussion with one another. Nancy will be available to answer questions and briefly critique writings by VSA writers who are interested in doing so.

Nancy Ruth is the author of The Christmas Cup, The Shiniest Rock of All, A Simple Gift, The Winner’s Walk and many articles on the craft of writing. Her first two novels were professionally adapted as plays by Mill Mountain Theatre. She takes particular joy in sharing her journey as a writer with those who love to read. She also loves to show anyone who secretly dreams about writing how to wake up and get started.

Cost/RSVP: $15 Partial Scholarships available to sign up call Mildred Spicer 970-3264

Event Sponsors are VSA Arts of Charlottesville/Albemarle, and Charlottesville and Albemarle Parks & Recreation Departments.

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.

Upcoming Workshop: Self Expression Through Words and Paint

Workshop Leaders:
Cathy Kiehl, Art Therapist
Rose Williams, Published VSA Writer
Date - Friday, June 8, 2007 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location – Tonsler Recreation Center, 501 Cherry Avenue
The workshop leaders will guide participants in self-expression through the written word and visual images. Participants will then have the opportunity to create a poem/short story and use art materials to express their written word into a drawing or painting. The poems and artwork created in this exciting workshop will be made into a small booklet for each person who registers and attends. You do not have to be an accomplished artist or writer to enjoy this fun, creative workshop – just come with a desire to express yourself through the arts. Cost - $15 per person, partial scholarship available if needed. To register – Call Mildred Spicer at 434-970-3264 by June 1, limited to 15.

VSAVA ART EXHIBIT AT COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING

VSA arts of Charlottesville/Albemarle and Charlottesville Parks and Recreation Department are pleased to announce a new art exhibition at the Albemarle County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road, first floor hallway. The exhibit consists of 30 pieces of art by 15 different artists.

The exhibit features “The Ability Series”, currently consisting of 5 portraits by Romney Brand. Brand’s primitive style of painting is done in bright oils highlighting Charlottesville’s most creative citizens – individuals who despite facing challenges have helped C-ville emerge into a more inclusive community. The fab five depicted in Brand’s initial series are: Nate Brown, Jim Herndon, Herman Key, Jr., Franz Gerhard Stillfried, and Rose Williams. These community leaders are proven advocates for equal opportunities for all citizens – no matter their ability level -- in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area.

Equally impressive are 4 oil paintings by John Trippel of 4 local Charlottesville convenience stores – The B & R Market, Gibson’s Market, Sixth Street Mini-Market and The Belmont Market. These paintings were done on site in summer 2006 and are easily recognized by long time citizens of Charlottesville.

Other works on display are by Chris Wharam, Frances Chisholm, Laura Burrell, Ann Denit, Chapin Faulconer, Rosemary Balister, Martin Powell, Rose Williams, Robert Vandevender, William Greenough, Robyn Miller, Virginia Feltner and a group painting by the Community Based Instructional Program at Albemarle High School.

The public is encouraged to view the exhibit Monday through Friday
8 AM to 5PM. Some of the works are for sale. For further information call 434-970-3264.

Publicize through: 4/20/07 Contact Person: Mildred Spicer, 434-970-3264

Festival of the Book in Charlottesville

VSA arts of Virginia - Charlottesville/Albemarle will help with nine events that are part of the Festival of the Book.

VSA arts members will help at the following events:
Rose will be at Post High on March 21 at 1:00
Heather will be at Carver on March 21 at 5:30
Mary will be at Meadowcreek on March 22 at 10:00
Mildred will be at ARC on March 22 at 2:00
Nancy Brockman from PCA will be at Northside Library on March 22 at 6:00 and Tonselor Park on March 23 at 10:30
Diana and Jean will be at Worksource on March 23 at 10
Mildred will be at Carver on March 24 at 2:00
Jean will be at Carver on March 24 at 3:00

Congratulations to Gerry Mitchell

Here's the copy from an article recently publised in the Charlottesville Daily Progress:
Anything but a still life
By David A. Maurer
February 1, 2007

Gloomy skies and a steady rain were having a negative effect on three of the four people waiting at the Water Street bus stop.

Except for the cheerful man sitting in an obviously well traveled wheelchair, they were all complaining about the awful weather. Gerald E. Mitchell listened to the grumbling for a few minutes before offering his own take on the situation.

"I said, 'Well, I just spent three months in the hospital,' " Mitchell said, as a smile appeared on his face. " 'Trust me on this one, this rain is great.

" 'I don't mind sitting here in my electric wheelchair that I hope doesn't short out. And I don't mind that two buses have passed me by, because the lifts didn't work.

"I'm just thrilled to be here.' "

The fact that Mitchell is still very much here is a testament to faith, luck, modern medicine, the power of positive thinking and a keen sense of humor. In 1981 he was given six months to live when he was diagnosed with HIV.

In 1996 when Mitchell became desperately ill with full-blown AIDS, he returned to Charlottesville, his hometown, to die. But instead of dying he learned how to live. As an artist, he entered a new phase of creativity.

Now, at the age of 53, Mitchell is about to have what he suspects might be his last art exhibit. On Friday his show "Joy" opens at the Mudhouse on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall.

Read the rest of the article here.

VSAVA Charlottesville Art Exchange 2007

The annual VSAVA Charlottesville Art Exchange exhibition opened January 12, 2007 with about 200 people in attendance. Sales were up and a good time was had by all!

The show remains at the Martin Luther King Jr. Performing Arts Center from January 12, 2007 through March 9, 2007.

The art may be viewed after January 12 during all performances at the Performing Arts Center and by calling: (434) 979-9532, Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to set up a time to view it.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Performing Arts Center is located at 1400 Melbourne Road,
Charlottesville, Virginia

You can also have a look at the opening snapshots here.

All artists are local and purchases of the art for sale may be made by cash or check at the show. Money goes directly to the artist. The first ever Charlottesville/Albemarle District 2007 Calendar featuring local VSAVA Charlottesville artists will be available for a donation to VSA arts at the opening.

VSAVA Charlottesville local partners include: ARC of the Piedmont, Charlottesville and Albemarle Parks and Recreation Departments, the Community Based Instructional Program, Independence Resource Center, Piedmont Council of the Arts, PREP/Parent Resource Center, Post High, Region Ten Community Services Board, and WorkSource Enterprises and community volunteers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: MILDRED SPICER at 540.970.3264 OR MARY MILLER at 540. 296.1215