Philanthropy Share: Together & Able III – VSA Florida
Category : Blog , Philanthropy Share
Together & Able Celebrating Year #3
Welcome to year three for Together and Able, an inclusion art project, which benefits our children and community. Thank you to Susan Davis Baldino, VSA Florida Region 1 Program Coordinator, for sharing being part of our Philanthropy Share campaign!
What is VSA Florida?
First, it is Very Special Arts!
Their history explains that in 1981 “…VSA Florida was founded by the Florida Department of Education (Bureau of Education for Exceptional Students) and Florida Department of State (Division of Cultural Affairs) and was accredited by the National Committee- Arts for the Handicapped, an affiliation of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, under the name Florida Arts for the Handicapped Program. The first state office was established at Florida State University in Tallahassee.”
What is the purpose of VSA?
The mission of VSA Florida is to provide, support and champion arts education and cultural experiences for and by people with disabilities. Our vision is to create a world in which the arts are universally accessible.
How Did Together & Able Begin?
As the state organization on arts and disability, VSA Florida understands the power of art to make our world a more inclusive place for all people regardless of their abilities.
When VSA FL learned about the Chain of Parks Art Festival, organized by the LeMoyne Center for Visual Arts, we applied to be part of the “Village,” the interactive area of the festival where children, adults, and families can participate in art-making activities.
Instead of organizing a “make and take” exercise, VSA Florida decided to undertake a larger project that will make an impact on people of all abilities.
And, Together and Able began that Spring 2016…
Year I 2016
The work was conceived and designed by a Tallahassee artist as a large three-canvas triptych. The canvases were prepared and the background painting completed by a group of volunteers.
Once the groundwork was laid, we took the red and gold canvas to Leon High School where students, teachers, aides, and mentors filled the empty spaces with their words of equality, inclusion, and human rights.
Together & Able, Susan D. Baldino 2016
Year II 2017
The new community art project, Together and Able II, started at Leon High School in the “Lion’s United” class. The 2017 projected included six kites with words about human rights, the power of art, kindness, equality, ability, justice, and social inclusion.
Together and Able 2017
Year III 2018
Together and Able 2018
How Can You Help? It’s easy!
- Visit the Together and Able exhibit this weekend at the LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival.
- Participate in the project by adding your “message” this Saturday or Sunday between 10 am to 5 pm with Together and Able.
- Volunteer with Together and Able this weekend or throughout the year.
- Make a donation to support the efforts of this year’s project.
- If you do not reside in Tallahassee, Florida OR you are away this weekend, learn more about VSA Florida.
Our message in 2016
Your Participation Helps Our Community
According to Susan Baldino, all proceeds from this event will support the art residencies, especially the art and the Holocaust residencies for Leon County next year.
Follow VSA All Year Long!
Visit the VSA web page and learn more about the year-long projects, resources, artists, and community events. Like and Follow VSA Florida on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for alerts/emails.
Children’s Communication Center & Together and Able
We are thrilled to include Together and Able in our Philanthropy Share campaign to help support their event and their message!
Visit Together and Able during the LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival & participate in the community artwork project promoting INCLUSION & HUMAN RIGHTS for people of all abilities.
Our Center is proud to be a third year sponsor with Together and Able and invite you to Like/Follow us on Facebook and Instagram .
Susan Baldino, VSA & Lori Savage Grayson, CCC, 2017
Children’s Communication Center & Together and Able
As a Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) private practice we are committed to providing high quality, well managed & professional SLP services to young children through adults who can benefit from our services.
SLPs are integral professionals in the lives of families in our community experiencing speech, language, learning, and social communication challenges.
We also provide services through our Corporate Speech & Communication program for those who would benefit from improvement in public speaking and overall communication skills.
We invite you to follow our blog posts highlighting a wide range of family topics all year long including our Community Partner and Philanthropy Share campaigns.
‘I Am Able’ bracelet CCC & Together and Able 2016
Susan Davis Baldino & VSA Florida, we are thrilled to support your efforts!
Together, we are making a difference!
