Welcome to VSA
arts of Indiana!

VSAI Students' Artwork Showcased at the Brickyard Gallery

Show Opens Thursday, July 8th
Gallery hours: M-F, 9-4
6060 Guion Road, Indianapolis

The wide variety of VSAI artwork will be displayed alongside professional ceramic artists work (Winners of the 2008 Clayfest).  VSAI students work will include Urban Artisan pottery and gardenware, Open Studio adult artist work and general Community Class work made by children, young adults and adults. 

Thank you,  BRICKYARD, for this wonderful opportunity to share our students' work with the community!
More info at :  http://www.brickyardceramics.com/acatalog/events.html

With Gratitude and Best Wishes...

The tall, bearded man with the contagious optimism, kind manner and encouraging words is nodding good-bye to VSAI.  Jim Nulty, VSAI President and CEO, will be retiring on June 24th.  VSAI’s Board, staff and friends are trying to imagine VSAI without Jim at the helm.   Yet, even at his departure, Jim is leading the way in conceiving VSAI’s future.  

Jim’s relationship with VSAI began in the early 1980’s with his work as a Teaching Artist.  Jim worked with VSAI clients in schools, festivals and community settings sharing his talent in visual and ceramic arts.  For a few years, Jim worked at the VSAI state office as Program Director for the growing organization.  Although he left VSAI’s administrative staff to become South Bend’s Children’s Dispensary Director in the late 80’s, he was still connected closely with VSAI programs as the liaison for VSAI’s South Bend District Partner.  He returned to the VSAI state office in 1996 as VSAI’s Development Director.  In 1997, VSAI’s Board unanimously selected Jim to serve as President and CEO.   

Vision for growth, innovation and a strong VSAI has guided Jim during his thirteen years as director.  Some career highlights and activities include:

• Longest tenure of any VSAI Executive Director
• Budget grew to $1.2 million - One of largest in VSA national family of affiliates
• In 2000, oversaw move of  State Office  to an expanded site that  included Accessible Studios and Training Center as well as Administrative Space
• Coordinated the annual Governor's Day of the Arts at the Governor's Residence with Indiana's First Lady Judy O'Bannon (1997-2003)
• Developed VSAI International art and community exchange programs with Brazil (Partners of the Americas 1996- present); South Africa (TRINITY Project  2001-present) and support for the Kenyan Imani Arts Project
• New Programs developed:  University Practicum (national award winning educator training program); Urban Artisans (arts vocational program presented in partnership with Indianapolis Public Schools  and other school systems );  Community Arts Classes (weekly classes for all ages); Fee for Service Program (with school and community partners)
• VSAI awarded the Indiana Governors Arts Award for Education in 2001.
• Jim served as a review panelist for the NEA Arts Education (twice); Indiana Arts Commission and VSA national (Fellowship)
• Jim was awarded a Creative Renewal Fellowship in 2003 (LILLY ENDOWMENT and Arts Council of Indianapolis)

Respect for the VSAI community has been an underlying force of Jim’s inspiring leadership at VSAI.  With the Board and Staff, Jim has helped VSAI emerge as the foremost statewide service partner for arts, education and disability issues.   With continued support and conviction, VSAI will go forward with this charge.

Please share your thoughts and good wishes with Jim as he begins a new chapter of his life, returning to his home state of Michigan- jnulty@vsai.org.

Community Summer Celebration to honor Jim: July 28th 4-7 p.m. at the Harrison Center in Indianapolis.  

BE A FRIEND!
VSA arts of Indiana
FRIENDS SOCIETY

In 2010, VSA arts of Indiana continues to see how the arts change lives.   Because of the generosity of our partners, funders and the FRIENDS SOCIETY, VSAI last year was able to:

• Offer affordable and accessible Community Art Classes taught by professional Teaching Artists.
• Send artists to Riley Children’s Hospital and Peyton Manning St Vincent Children’s Hospital for children in treatment and their families through the LOLLY PROJECT
• Continue our work with Urban Artisans, a cooperative of intern artists who create work for sale to both earn money, learn important vocational skills and generate funds to sustain the program for future students, all under the direction of VSAI Master Teaching Artists
• Offer “festival days” - an arts learning field trip - for school groups at locations in Muncie, Hammond and Indianapolis
• Send professional artists into schools and community centers statewide, serving thousands of Indiana’s students with special needs.
 
To assure that the arts are accessible to all individuals with disabilities throughout the state, we are asking for your help.  

We invite you to make a financial contribution and join our VSA arts of Indiana Friends Society by clicking here to donate ONLINE or BY MAIL.

VSA arts of Indiana is a nonprofit, 501 c3 organization.

IAC Accessibility News

The Indiana Arts Commission received a $4,000 follow-up grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for its partnership efforts in arts accessibility, one of only four state arts organizations to receive such a grant this year.

In addition to the Indianapolis-based ArtsWORK Indiana group, three satellite groups will be formed in New Albany, Bloomington and Michigan City. With the grant, the IAC, VSA arts of Indiana, the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, and ArtsWORK Indiana will assist artists and organizations to create local networks through monthly meetings and programming to build organizational partnerships, personal contacts, local support systems, and skills that will aid artists and others in their quest for employment in the arts.

The follow-up grant is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Arts and Disability Center at the University of California in Los Angeles.

ArtsWORK Indiana is a grassroots organization that facilitates access to careers in the arts for people with disabilities through awareness, education, and encouragement. VSAI is proud to be a collaborator and supporter for AWI. (www.artsworkindiana.org)

Remembering
Henry Miller and
Andrea Davis

This past year, VSAI lost two dear friends – Henry Miller and Andrea Davis, both of Indianapolis,  were long-time VSAI students.   Henry and Andrea spent many happy hours creating art, having fun and being with friends in VSAI classes and open studio time.  Both Henry and Andrea’s families have asked contributions be made to VSAI in their memory.  These funds will be used to continue and support VSAI adult programming.  

VSA arts of Indiana
"No Boundaries"

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Public Broadcasting

Community Art Classes

CURRENT SESSION:

Starts July 12th   :  8 week session

Class includes Ceramics, Painting/Drawing, and Music or Drama.

Info: contact Beverly Roche at 974-4123 or broche@vsai.org

Follow this link for information on scheduling, tuition, and registration - as well as a new enrollment process to allow for greater participation in Community Classes.

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