VSA arts of New Hampshire
|
P.O. Box 908 |
Deborah Stuart |
|
Tel.: (603) 228-4330 |
Website: |
Organizational Profile:
|
Full-time Staff: 0 |
 |
VSA arts of New Hampshire is committed to creating a community where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. To accomplish this, VSA arts of New Hampshire has collaborated with art, education, disability, and community organizations to provide arts programs and professional development opportunities statewide. These programs have reached thousands of people with and without disabilities annually.
Programming Partners and Other Funders:
Spaulding Youth Center; Arts Alliance of Northern New Hampshire; Plus Time New Hampshire; Plymouth State University; Berlin Technical College; Head Start of Northern New Hampshire; Early Learning New Hampshire; Pease Public Library; Freedom Weavers; New Hampshire State Council on the Arts
Educational Programs and Artist Residencies
Artist Residencies for Youth
VSA arts of New Hampshire conducts artist residencies that engage at-risk youth and students with disabilities in visual arts, theater, creative movement and dance, poetry and creative writing, and music to assist alternative learning and esteem building. We also help link artist residencies to state Department of Education Frameworks. These residencies take place in both in schools and in out-of-school programs.
FreedomWeavers Studio
In 2005, VSA arts of New Hampshire launched FreedomWeavers Studio, a non-traditional weaving studio open to the public for people of all ages and abilities. The studio’s philosophy is based on Saori weaving, which was founded by VSA arts of Japan. This program in New Hampshire is now an independently run studio with a public main street presence, but we maintain links with the studio and plan joint ventures to serve seniors in care settings.
Professional Development and Technical Assistance
Arts in Early Learning
VSA arts of New Hampshire has launched an extensive training program for early childhood educators in the northern rural tier of the state. Working in partnership with the Arts Alliance of Northern New Hampshire, trainings are being held for teachers, aides, and child care workers from a large number of small child care and preschool centers across this region. The basis of this training is Start with the Arts™, and it is designed to substantially affect the degree to which the arts are infused in these early childhood settings. This program also includes classroom follow-up at targeted sites, school visits by artists, model teaching by trainers, and support with supplies and resources.
Training and Professional Development
Requests for trainings for teachers, teaching artists, child care providers, and youth workers are met by artists and educators on the roster who have substantial experience to share related to the role of the arts in the inclusion of children and youths with disabilities in educational settings, as well as in community activities and organizations.
Public Awareness and Outreach
VSA arts of New Hampshire Web site
The VSA arts of New Hampshire Web site (www.vsaartsnh.org) includes pages covering the organization’s history, frequently asked questions, programs, information on how to get involved, and resources in the areas of art, disability, and education. Our Web artist roster allows VSA arts of New Hampshire program partners to see the artists who are available for workshops and residencies throughout the state.
VSA arts of New Hampshire also provides public support and direction for calls, letters or requests received for referrals to resources, and programs.
(F) 202-429-0868