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 The VSA arts of Tennessee (Vision, Artistic Expression, and Strength) recently presented the 2009 Community Partner Award to the planning committee for VSA arts Chattanooga for developing new arts events that embrace people with special needs. For almost 30 years, Orange Grove has actively supported and contributed to VSA.
VSA is an international non-profit organization that was established in 1974. It became a statewide organization in 2002. The organization provides opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in and express themselves through the arts and arts education.
“The Chattanooga volunteer group for VSA arts Tennessee has literally moved mountains within one year, and for these efforts, VSA arts Tennessee could think of no more deserving group for the 2009 Community Partner Award,” said Lori Kissinger, Executive Director of VSA.
VSA will also host the third annual “WHO-FEST,” a two-day folk art festival on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Renaissance Park, located on the North Shore. Admission is free. The festival will showcase disabled and non-disabled talents through visual and performing arts from an eight county area throughout Tennessee.
Ann Shea, member of the VSA board and Orange Grove Center's choreographer, will host a workshop on May 24 at 2:30 p.m. The Orange Grove Chorus, led by Monty Parks, will be performing on May 23 at 11 a.m.
Funding is provided by Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga, The Tennessee Arts Commission, the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
For more information about “WHO-FEST,” contact Winder Binder Gallery of Folk Art at (423) 413-8999, or at winderbinder@gmail.com, or visit www.whofest.com.
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