Very Special Arts
(Information below obtained from VSA NM website)

VSA is an international nonprofit organization founded more than 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts.

VSA and its name have evolved since the organization was founded. The organization was and continues to be a pioneer in the field of arts and disability. VSA has played a significant role over the years in changing society’s attitudes toward people with disabilities. VSA works with affiliated organizations nationally and in 51 countries worldwide.

North Fourth Art Center is a contemporary art center with a social mission. Their independent nonprofit name is VSA arts of New Mexico (VSA NM), affiliated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. The center is dedicated to full accessibility in the arts for people of all abilities, ages, cultures and income levels. Since 1981, VSA NM has focused on providing arts education and exhibition opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Over the years the VSA Day Arts Program has grown from serving three to five individuals each day to serving a total enrollment of nearly 200. Day Arts offers visual and performing arts classes in everything from Ceramics and Painting, to Sewing and Musical Theater.

(Information obtained from VSA NM website)

The VSA New Mexico website address is:
www.vsartsnm.org

VSA New Mexico's North Forth Art Center
NMACF Photo

Artists at the North Forth Art Center display their NMACF T-shirts
NMACF Photo

OFFCenter Community Arts Project
(Information below obtained from OFFCenter website)

"We believe in artmaking as central to community building."

Shared creative expression leads to shared visions and the emergence of a compassionate collective life.

OFFCenter is a community artspace located in downtown Albuquerque. Home to a studio, gallery and sales shop, anyone in the community is welcome to come to OFFCenter to make and buy art.

Artists of low income are especially encouraged to use the studio. Individuals, families and groups participate in a wide variety of both casual open studios and organized activities.

Artists at OFFCenter are self-described. They determine the meaning and value of their own work. As members of the community of artists, they help envision and decide the direction of the program. They support and inspire each other through informal contact and involvement in the Emerging Artists Network.

Mission Vision Values

OFFCenter is:

• a safe place to make art

• a therapeutic, positive space for healing and choice-making

• a sensory-rich, open access environment

• a place of diversity of participants, in age, gender, identity

• a community studio built on long-term relationships
   

The OFFCenter website address is:
www.offcenterarts.org

Kay Richards from NMACF and Ron Breen, OFFCenter Director
display a NMACF T-shirt
NMACF Photo

Ron Breen, OFFCenter Director at the
OFFCenter Gallery - Community Arts Center
NMACF Photo