November 10, 1999

VSA arts focus of luncheon

By Garret Leiva
Herald editor
       Honoring past supporters and establishing future goals, members of the VSA arts of Michigan Grand Traverse Area, state and national organizers and members of the community met for a 25th anniversary celebration last Wednesday in Traverse City.
      Highlighting the luncheon at the Dennos Museum Center at Northwestern Michigan College was guest speaker John Kemp, president and CEO of VSA arts. Kemp, a lawyer and expert on disability issues, heads the international nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the creative power in people with disabilities.
      "VSA arts is about a culture of disability where people use the arts to express what our lives are all about and offer social commentary to educate and inform the public," said Kemp, who was born with a disability and uses four prostheses. "Or if you're an artist and just want to create we want to give people that power."
      A graduate of Georgetown University and Washburn University School of Law, Kemp has also managed a law firm that advised companies on state and federal civil rights and other issues for people with disabilities. His numerous national appointments include General Counsel and Vice President of Development for the National Easter Seal Society and Executive Director of the United Cerebral Palsy Association. Kemp is presently serving a Presidential appointment as chair of the civil rights committee of the National Council on Disability.
      Speaking on the history of VSA arts, Kemp noted that the organization was founded in 1974 by Jean Kennedy Smith as an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Continuing its original mission, VSA arts provides comprehensive programs in the performing, visual and literary arts.
      These programs are implemented through a network of affiliates that spans the United States and 83 countries worldwide. VSA arts programs are carried out through local, state and national organizations, including educational and cultural institutions, arts agencies, associations for the disabled, and health and rehabilitation organizations. These groups in turn work with parents, volunteers, teachers, trainers, artists and health specialists to develop talent and skills in participants of all ages, from preschoolers to senior citizens.
      Addressing the future of VSA arts, Kemp pointed to the key areas of independent fund-raising, using technology such as online art exhibits, and increasing international affiliates. He also spoke on several new VSA arts programs being field tested, including "Start with the Arts" and "Express Diversity," which work with classroom teachers on disability training and art exercises.
      Another highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of an award of appreciation to VSA arts supporter, Jim Beckett. A long time community activist, Beckett was recognized for his generous support of VSA arts through such organization as the Traverse City Rotary Club Handicapped Committee. As part of the award ceremony, Beckett was presented a painting, "Old Mission Lighthouse" created by local watercolor artist Doug Meyer.
      Speaking on the impact of VSA arts in the Grand Traverse region was local coordinator, Danya Ryan. Celebrating its fifth year of existence, the local VSA arts affiliate provides numerous programs including an annual arts festival at the Dennos Museum, an art program at the Goodwill Inn, artist in resident and art after school programs.
      "Overall, I love the way VSA arts draws people together with all ability levels and that is really what we are trying to continue in the Grand Traverse region," Ryan noted.
      For more information on VSA arts of Michigan Grand Traverse area, call 935-1842 or e-mail at vsagt@aol.com.