Festival to once again celebrate arts abilities

If you like music and art, don’t miss the VSA arts of Michigan Festival Friday, June 4, in the DiPonio Room at VisTaTech Center. This year the showcase features more than 100 children with developmental and physical disabilities, including songs and performances by students from Northville, Detroit, Lincoln Park, Monroe, and Pontiac schools. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The VSA arts event enables children and adults with disabilities to experience and grow though the arts. The nonprofit was founded by Jean Kennedy Smith more than 25 years ago as "Very Special Arts" after her sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver started Special Olympics in 1968.

Throughout the year the children participate in music and art therapy classes. The festival not only gives them the opportunity to show off their talents but spend the day with friends. Once they leave the stage there are hands-on art activities and lunch, a favorite of all of the children.

Last year Royal Oak artist Daniel Cascardo drew a mural then helped children paint it. It was a big hit as children and volunteers filled the paper with bright colors. Percussionist Kevin Collins kicked off the festival with experiential sessions for students on African drums. Cascardo and Collins return this year along with students from Old Village School in Northville performing “We Are the World” on handmade xylophones. 

The Southeast Region Committee includes Jody Conradi-Stark, Margaret Hull, Cindy Babcock, Connie Lott and Linda Ann Chomin who volunteer their time to put on the annual festival.  For more information email lchomin@att.net.