VSA arts Institute: Building Skills for the Inclusive Classroom Austin, Texas, July 31-August 3

July 18, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C. - JULY 18, 2005 - VSA arts is accepting registrations for its upcoming VSA arts Institute, which will be held July 31-August 3, 2005 at The Crossings in Austin, Texas.

The VSA arts Institute is four days of intensive professional development facilitated by arts in education leaders and designed for educators, teaching artists and arts administrators. Individuals who are already invested in the arts, learners with disabilities, and those who seek to deepen their knowledge are also encouraged to attend. The focus of this Institute is Building Skills for the Inclusive Classroom through music and visual arts.

"The opportunity to attend the VSA arts Institute is such a boon for all Texas educators, teaching artists, and community activists working to support the development of individuals with disabilities. The content offerings of the Institute are in synch with the Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills Standards. Knowledge and skills gained at this wonderful capacity building forum can be leveraged by every Texas educator to bring increased benefit to Texas school children across the state," said Celia Hughes, Executive Director of VSA arts Texas, an affiliate of VSA arts and the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

The VSA arts Institute features core sessions, speakers, panel presentations, hands-on workshops, an open art studio facilitated by a master artist, daily reflective-study groups to develop professional action plans, and private consultation with faculty. Participants will join a learning community of teachers, artists and other professionals working to discover how to create engaging lessons and environments that meet the diverse learning needs of all students.

"The goal of the VSA arts Institute is to enhance and strengthen the ability of practitioners to integrate the arts in education and meet the needs of people with disabilities," said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts. "I encourage anyone who is serious about including and reaching all learners to attend this vital program."

Gus Garcia, former Mayor of Austin, Texas, and education and disabilities advocate, will give welcoming remarks.

Presenters include:

Gabriel Gaytan, Texas, visual artist and painter, explores issues of cultural heritage through images and symbols.
Gordon Sasaki, New York, artist, incorporates multi-sensory and inclusive strategies to describe concepts of diversity in both his artwork and teaching in universities, museums, schools and private institutions.

VSA arts Institute registration options are available online, visit www.vsarts.org. Institute attendees will also receive special room rates at The Crossings, which is a progressive learning center, meeting place and wellness spa. For more detailed information visit www.thecrossingsaustin.com.

The next VSA arts Institute will be held at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens in Jacksonville, Fla., November 2-5, 2005.

About VSA arts

VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. Today as a leader in arts-based teaching and learning, VSA arts' programs support key national education goals: literacy and school readiness, teacher training, and parental involvement in education. A network of VSA arts' affiliates -- nationwide and in more than 60 countries -- serve more than 5 million people.

Media Contacts

Celia Hughes, VSA arts of Texas, (512) 454-9912
Marcia Rhodes, VSA arts, (202) 628-2800, ext. 3883

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