Opportunities for serious artists with disabilities

NEW BRUNSWICK — VSA arts of New Jersey is seeking disabled artists who would like to be added to its artist registry to receive news and announcements of opportunities including competitions and juried and nonjuried exhibits.

VSA is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to assuring that the arts are available and accessible to all people, particularly individuals with disabilities.

The organization, headquartered in New Brunswick, welcomes artists with disabilities, ages 18 and over, whether they are emerging artists who have received little or no public exposure or artists who have regional, national or international reputations, to become part of the artist registry, in media including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media as well as commercial arts and computer graphics.

Through programs like the artist registry, VSA/NJ promotes opportunities for serious artist with disabilities and creates exposure and recognition for their art. Additionally, the organization dispels stereotypes and fosters a positive image of artists with disabilities.

Other activities include statewide and regional arts festivals; the Unlimited Potential Theater Company, which is a troupe that enables high school students and adults with disabilities to participate in all aspects of the dramatic arts; arts programs for children with autism; in-service training workshops and conferences on arts and disabilities; artist-in-residence programs; and touring art exhibits.

VSA/NJ also serves as a clearinghouse for information on the arts as they relate to people with disabilities.

For additional information, contact VSA at (732) 745-3885 or visit the Web site at www.vsanj.org.