The great law of culture is, let each become all that he was created capable of being.
-Thomas Carlyle

Mission Statement. . . . .
The mission of VSA arts of Nevada is the development of quality programs throughout the state of Nevada integrating all the arts into the lives and education of children, youth, and adults, especially those who are disadvantaged or have a disability.

Quality experiences in the arts, designed to engage participants in the development of artistic skills and expressions, are the foundation of the VSA arts of Nevada program.

The arts, as a part of education, leisure and recreation, provide a viable, effective way of teaching special skills to individuals with disabilities. It can be a chance to succeed, a chance to build self-control and self-esteem, and a chance to focus on ability rather than disability.

The arts can serve as an important link for individuals with disabilities to experience the expressive, aesthetic and therapeutic elements within themselves and others through their capacity to create.

History. . . . .
VSA arts of Nevada was incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in October, 1986. We are almost twenty years old! The VSA arts of Nevada "office" was located in the basement of the Reno/Sparks Visitor's Center building in a corner of the Sierra Arts Foundation office. One festival for 200 students was held in 1986. With incorporation, a part-time Executive Director was hired with a borrowed desk, typewriter and computer.

In 1997, over 15,000 children and adults with special needs and the general public participated in VSA arts of Nevada programs in Reno/Sparks, Las Vegas and several rural communities throughout the state. Program sites include hospitals, a state residential care facility, low income housing units, extended care facilities, Arville House--a part of the Veteran's Administration's Medical Center in Las Vegas, self-contained and general education schools, the Reno River Walk, and Southern Nevada Community College. Programs include exhibits, festivals, arts in education programs, workshops for adults with special needs and workshops that are open to the public.

In January of 1996 VSA arts of Nevada moved their state office to the historic Lake Mansion on the corner of Kietzke and Virginia Streets on the grounds of the Reno/Sparks Convention and Visitor's Center. VSA arts of Nevada is the main tenant of the building, the mansion has since been moved to its permanent location at 250 Court Street.

Facts. . . . .
VSA arts of Nevada is a non-profit organization, incorporated in the state of Nevada since 1986.

VSA arts is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC. Very Special Arts (original name) was founded in 1974 by Jean Kennedy Smith, and has been designated by the United States Congress as the nation's coordinating agency for arts programs for people with disabilities. There are programs in 50 states and in 80 countries. Nevada has one of the largest and most successful programs. The executive director of VSA arts of Nevada represents the eight Western states on the national Advisory Council and was elected to the national board of directors in 1996.

VSA arts of Nevada is partly funded by corporations, foundations, individuals, special events, school districts, service organizations, Nevada Arts Council, VSA arts at the national level and by contracted services. Funding is limited for these important programs and donations are always needed. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Offices are located at:
250 Court Street
Reno, NV 89501
Phone 775-826-6100
Fax 775-337-6107
E-mail info@vsan.reno.nv.us

Please direct questions and comments about VSA arts of Nevada to
meh@vsan.reno.nv.us