Avondale Schools_USE THIS

Artwork of four Deerfield elementary students with special needs chosen for statewide traveling display

Media Contact: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; 248.651.7536; cell: 586.817.8414; barbara@eafocus.com; Sue Briggs, Avondale Schools; 248.537.6041; susan.briggs@avondale.k12.mi.us

Auburn Hills, MI —September 19, 2013—- Avondale School District, an achievement-oriented learning community focused on student leadership and success in academics, the arts and athletics, is pleased to announce the VSA Michigan art exhibit, including work from four Deerfield Elementary students, will be on display at the Avondale Administration building (2940 Waukegan Street, Auburn Hills) from Oct. 7 – 18. VSA Michigan works to promote creativity in people with disabilities by creating an inclusive society where they can participate in, learn through, excel in and enjoy the arts.

The VSA (formerly known as Very Special Arts) exhibit appears at various locations throughout the state on a year-long tour showcasing 60 pieces of artwork from kindergarten through adult. Only nine of the 60 pieces are elementary artwork; four of the nine pieces were secured by Deerfield Elementary students Devon Hartsell, grade 1 and Paris Meeker, grade 4 for finger paint weaving, Joshua Cooper, grade 2 for a self-portrait print made from tempera and acrylic paint and JoHannah Barnes, grade 1 for yarn weaving.

“It is exciting to see the work of these four students on display across the state through the VSA exhibit,” said Katherine Suender, art teacher at Deerfield Elementary School. “Devon, Paris, Joshua and JoHannah are gifted artists who have shared their love of art with the rest of the state. I am a very proud teacher!”

To learn more about the VSA visit, http://www.vsami.org/emerging-artist-touring-exhibit.html.

About Very Special Arts (VSA)
When founded in 1974, the organization was named the National Committee – Arts for the Handicapped. In 1985 the name changed to Very Special Arts and in 2010 it became VSA. In 2011, VSA merged with the Kennedy Center’s Office on Accessibility to become the Department of VSA and Accessibility at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

About Avondale School District
Avondale School District is a collaborative community of teachers, staff and families working together to assure student success. The district, encompassing portions of Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Township, Troy and Rochester Hills, celebrates the richness of a diverse student population and strives to be a model school community that prepares students to be lifelong learners and contributing citizens to the world that awaits them upon graduation. Learn more about Avondale Schools, an AdvancED certified district, at www.avondale.k12.mi.us.

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