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Get
Involved! WVSA ARTs connection (formerly Washington Very Special Arts) is
a unique and dynamic nonprofit organization serving Washington
DC area children and young people with special needs, special talents,
and special skills for almost 30 years. Employing the arts as an
innovative method of education, WVSA provides the tools for success
in school, in adulthood, and in life.
| Our Partners |
Become a Partner
Whether your business likes to provide volunteers, services, or donations, a partnership with WVSA and SAIL is a major step toward ensuring your community involvement is making a difference. Become a partner today by contacting our Marketing Department at 202-261-0233 or info@wvsarts.org.
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WVSA is honored to be featured in the Catalogue for Philanthropy Greater Washington.
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More
ways to pARTicipate!
Here are some examples how you can make a difference:
• $20 can help students stay healthy with 8 hand sanitizers •
$35 can keep parents of two classrooms informed with their children’s
daily progress reports for almost a year using a case of copy paper • $60 can send a whole class on a local field trip • $100 can help 15 children with autism receive fidget toys • $200 can help 20 students develop articulation skills using speech therapy materials • $1,000 can provide one class of young artists with arts supplies for a year • $1,500 can build the music program with percussion instruments for the entire school • $2,000 can enhance one classroom’s learning experiences with a SMART Board (interactive white board) and projector
WVSA ARTs connection is proud to be recognized by the Catalogue for Philanthropy as "one of the best small charities" in the Washington, DC area.
WVSA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your donation is fully tax-deductible.
WVSA ARTs connection
1100 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
For questions or information about making a donation, call (202) 296-9100, ext. 233 or e-mail development@wvsarts.org.
Support SAIL While You Shop
The
School for ARTs in Learning (SAIL) is participating in several store
card reward programs where if you register your store card using SAIL's
school code and use the card when you shop, SAIL earns a percentage of
the purchases.
Go to these store sites to designate SAIL:
Giant Foods: Click here and SAIL's School ID is 03711.
If you do not know your Giant BonusCard number, you can get it by calling (877) 275-2758.
Harris Teeter: Click here and SAIL's School Code is 6773.
If you do not know your Harris Teeter VIC card number, you can get it by calling (800) 432-6111, option 3.
Safeway: Click here at eScrip and SAIL's Group ID is 500023107. Read here for information about eScrip and about ways you can enroll other store cards like Macy's to support SAIL.
If you do not know your Safeway Club Card number, you can get in by calling (877) 723-3929.
Target's REDcard: Click here and SAIL's School ID is 126713.
Commission
a Work of ART
Now you have a chance to order a commissioned painting. As a business, it is
also possible to have your logo commissioned for an artistic alternative to
the average logo. All commissioners are invited to our ARTiculate Gallery at
an opening reception to view their commissioned painting for the first time
and meet the artists.
Rent
our Space
Top of the ART (TOTA), WVSA’s facilities rental program, offers intimate
spaces at an affordable rate. The Queen Anne Conference Room, ARTiculate
Gallery, indoor Great Room & the adjoining outdoor rooftop terrace, are
the best places for your next business or social event!
Lease
our ART
WVSA’s ART on the Move (AOTM) program enables you to rent our one-of-a-kind
art, created by children and youth with special needs, to spice up your business/office
space. This service benefits WVSA through increased exposure and makes your
office a vibrant place to work! For more information, e-mail gallery@wvsarts.org or call (202) 261-0204.
Sponsor
a Gallery Show
Want your corporate dollars to go to youth who will one day make up an essential
part of the business world? Why not make a tax-deductible donation that helps
our students display and sell their artwork! Each of our shows takes a great
deal of time, effort, and money to make a reality. Generous companies who
sponsor our shows are featured on our website, in the show’s program
and in promotional material. Please e-mail gallery@wvsarts.org or call (202) 261-0204 for
more information.
Volunteer
or Intern
We have a wide variety of opportunities available all year round. Please click
on our Volunteer or Intern tab at the top of this page for more information.

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Past
and Present Partners with WVSA/SAIL
Since
2001 WVSA/Sail have collaborated with the following organizations
and continue to partner with many.
Partners Accotink Academy Adolescent Health Center Alliance of Concerned Black Men American Library Association Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Barnes and Noble Best Buy Blufftown College, Ohio Children’s National Medical Center Children’s Hospital New Horizons Church Community Response Team CitiBank City On a Hill Family Empowerment Initiative Community Hospices Community Foundation for the National Capital Region Caribou Coffee CVS, All Kids Can CVS Pharmacy DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative DC Child and Family Services DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation DC Libraries DC Public Schools DC Self Defense Dept. of Culture Arts and Leisure, N. Ireland DC Department of Health and Human Services DC Department of Parks and Recreation Dunbar SHS Equity Offices Properties Trust Family Division of the DC Superior Court For Love of Children Foundation School Foster Parents of DC Freddie Mac Foundation Georgetown University Child Dev. Center Georgetown University HospitalGeorgetown University,
Lannan Literary Programs Georgetown University School of Medicine George Washington University Hay Adams Hotel HSC Foundation Hospital for Sick Children Howard University Department of Nutrition Ideal School Inscape Studio (Architects) Ivymount School Johns Hopkins University Joy of Motion Just-A-Mite, Inc. Kennedy Upper School Kimpton Boutique Hotels Lincoln Theater Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) LAB School of Washington DC Maryland Science Center, Baltimore Melvin C. Sharpe Health School Mental Retardation Developmental Mentors, Inc. Disability Association Mentors, Inc. Minority Business Coalition |
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National Association of Former Foster Care Children of America National Association of Independent Schools National Crime Prevention Council National Museum of Women in the Arts Navy Federal Credit Union Pawterre Phoenix Therapeutic Services RIF RiteAid Ronald McDonald House Root, Inc. Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative Safeway Shiloh Baptist Church
Silver Starr Art Studios Smithsonian Institution Society for the Arts in Healthcare Spirit Cruise of Washington Spoiled Rotten, Canine Boutique Squash Empower St. Ann’s Infant and Maternity Home The DC Office of Latino Affairs The Improv The Jefferson, a Loews Hotel The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts The Madison, a Loews Hotel The Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery The Sumner School The Spy Museum The University Club The Washington Humane Society The Washington Post
The YMCA of the Greater Washington Area Thurgood Marshall Junior High School University of the District of Columbia University of Maryland, College Park Verbal Arts Centre, N. Ireland Veterans Administration Medical Center VSA Arts Walmart WANADA Washington Hospice Washington Symphony Orchestra Wilson Senior High School Wolf Trap WORC (Workforce Organization for Regional Collaboration) Workforce Investment Council Youth Entrepreneurial Alliance (YEA)
Media Partners ABC Radio Bark Magazine Daily Candy FiOS1 (Verizon Cable Channel) Fox 5 Channel Style Magazine The Examiner The Express The Washington Post The Washington Times WUSA Channel 9
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click
here to Apply Online to be a Volunteer
READING BUDDIES: Sign
Up to be a Buddy NOW!
DEVELOPMENT: Volunteers
are always needed to help with gallery shows, volunteer
program assistance, event planning, research, public
relations, and other event and show promotions-related
tasks. Time commitment: Flexible, Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm.
READING
BUDDIES: Designed to bring volunteers
and students together to share one half-hour of reading
each week. This regular, one-on-one experience allows
the adult and child to create a bond and a level
of trust that grows throughout the school year. Depending
upon the student’s reading level, age, and
abilities, the volunteers read to a child, read with
a child, or perhaps just listen as a child reads
to them. This simple act helps the students experience
the joy of reading and encourages them to build meaningful
relationships with supportive adults. Major recruitment
is in September, with limited space available throughout
the school year. Time commitment: One half-hour slot
a week on Mon, Tues, Thurs, or Fri, from 12-12:30pm.
Read an article here about some Reading Buddies' experiences and how meaningful this is for one workplace that has over 25 employees volunteering as Reading and Math Buddies.
MATH BUDDIES: Similar to the Reading Buddies Program except for math, volunteers meet one-on-one for half an hour a week during their lunch to to help strengthen students' math skills. Volunteers are provided with training and math materials. Time commitment: One half-hour slot
a week on Mon, Tues, Thurs, or Fri during lunch hour.
AFTER-CARE: Help
to facilitate groups of children in the after-school
program while they wait to be picked up from school.
Students participate in activities including homework,
free play, and visits to the local playground. Time commitment: Flexible, M/T/R/F 3:45-6pm, W 12:30-6pm
ARTiculate
STUDIO: Help in the employment-training
program in the art studio under the supervision of
the art instructors, as well as in the ARTiculate
Gallery. The ARTiculate Employment Training Program
is a vocational and life skills program that uses
the artist’s studio and ARTiculate gallery
as a learning environment. Participants are youth
ages 14-24 with disabilities transitioning from school
to work, college, or other training programs. Times: Flexible, Mon-Thurs, 9am-1:30pm, or 4pm-6pm.
SAIL
ART STUDIO: Help out in the elementary
school art studio under the supervision of the SAIL
art teacher. Tasks will primarily include non-class-related
support and help with hanging art, etc. Some contact
with students ages 5-12, including some students
with special learning needs. Times: Flexible hours between 8am-3pm, depending on instructor’s
need.
ARTiculate
GALLERY OPENINGS: We always need
extra help on the night of our gallery show openings.
If you are interested in helping out with greeting
guests and talking to guests about art, this would
be a perfect fit for you! Times: Once every 1-3 months
anytime from 8am-6pm the day before an opening, and
8am-8pm the day of.
For
more information on volunteering contact gallery@wvsarts.org or
v. 202-261-0204, f. 202-261-0200, tty. 202-261-0201.
click
here to apply NOW
WVSA
offers a variety of internships. WVSA treats each intern
application individually, and any stipend payments to
the candidate will be determined prior to start date.
General
Requirements: The following apply to all internships
unless otherwise noted. Prospective interns must: • Be reliable team players • Possess strong written and verbal communication skills • Presently hold undergraduate (junior, senior) or graduate student status • Have attention to detail, excellent organizational and inter-personal
communication skills • Be a self-starter, personable, and articulate (customer service oriented) • Have an interest in the arts and improving the lives of youth with special
needs, special talents, and special abilities
Intern
Opportunities
- Development/Grant Management/Project Management
- Arts Management/Art Gallery/Event Planning
- Marketing/PR/Sales
- Teaching/Special Education
- ARTiculate EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PROGRAM
- Art Studios (Must have previous Art Studio Background)
- Full Time Hip Hop and African Dance Class Summer Intern
- Full Time Graphic Design and GrageBand Class Summer Intern
- Full Time Photography Class Summer Intern
The following descriptions are for the departments and programs within
WVSA. Please review each, and decide which department interests you most
and meets your needs.
click
here to apply NOW
Public Relations and Marketing Intern The successful applicant will have the following responsibilities: -Assist ARTiculate student participants and Gallery staff with the day-to-day
retail operations to include sales transactions, Gallery opening reception
planning and promotions, corporate sponsorships and artwork commissions. -Assist in promotion and management of the organization’s ART On
the Move and Top of The ART programs. The ideal candidate will have experience in public relations/marketing
(experience in a gallery/retail environment a plus), experience obtaining
corporate sponsorship for event venues, excellent multi-tasking and time
management skills, excellent communication, administrative and customer
service skills and a driving passion for the arts. WVSA is located conveniently
in downtown Washington and is easily accessible by Metro. We are looking
for applicants who are enthusiastic in becoming a part of a rewarding
experience in equipping DC youth with educational and employment skills
through arts integrated programs. Interested candidates are encouraged
to send a cover letter and resume to hr@wvsarts.org (please indicate
your interest in the internship). Feel free to visit our website at www.wvsarts.org
for more information on WVSA.
Gallery & Design Intern The successful applicant will have the following responsibilities: -Greet and assist visitors to the Gallery; -Assist with gallery show preparations, including taking down and sorting
work from prior show, sorting new artwork for display, assisting with
hanging the artwork, cleaning the Gallery and other opening preparations
as requested; -Cover the Gallery, handle sales, and answer questions about the Gallery
and artwork; -Provide input and recommendations to the Gallery staff to promote Gallery
awareness and activities; -Assist with sponsorship solicitations; -Assist with Art on the Move and Top of the Arts promotions; -Work with the Manager of Design to create a new website for WVSA and
update website content as needed; -Work with the Manager of Design for all graphic design needs within
the Gallery including signage, graphic displays, advertisements and special
event invitations; -Distribute press releases for gallery shows; -Work with vendors/students/staff to set prices for products for sale
in Gallery; -Work with the ARTiculate students on commissioned work as needed; -Perform other duties in support of the organization. The ideal candidate will have experience in sales/marketing (preferably
in a gallery/retail environment), public relations and event planning
(emphasis on obtaining sponsorship for event venues); excellent multi-tasking
and time management skills; excellent communication, administrative and
customer service skills and driving passion for the arts. Along with
these abilities, candidates with framing skills and knowledge of digital
photography/imaging are greatly desired.
DEVELOPMENT
and COMMUNICATIONS WVSA’s Development and Communications department focuses on raising
funds and increasing community awareness and involvement about WVSA arts
connection. Development Intern duties may include, but are not limited to: Grant management: research, writing, and tracking Fundraising: writing, including thank you letters Data entry
All
aspects of direct mail appeals, including writing, mailing,
tracking responses, and sending donation acknowledgements
and thanks you notes Administrative tasks: answering and making phone calls, running errands,
filing, faxing, copying, and pitching in whenever and wherever necessary
Outreach Intern duties include: Writing and distributing press releases as needed Updating press kits and distribute as needed Building rental related tasks Assisting with the writing and distribution of all event related correspondence,
including invitations, directions, volunteer instructions, thank you
letters, etc.
Requirements: Interest in fundraising, public relations and development, see also,
general requirements ARTiculate GALLERY The ARTiculate Gallery is a fully functioning gallery, which is open
to the public Monday thru Friday 10:00am-6pm. The Gallery has six yearly
show openings, displaying and selling artwork created by ARTiculate artist
apprentices. Gallery Intern duties may include, but are not limited to: Interacting with customers in the gallery Learning how to exhibit and hang artwork: Help hang the show, take slides
of the art, learn how to frame artwork, prepare for the opening reception Assisting the gallery director with Art On The Move, an art-leasing program
ARTiculate Employment Program Intern
The ARTiculate Employment Program is a model for vocational and life skills training for students with disabilities and special needs looking for a successful transition from school to the world of work. The program boasts over 6 years of summer success in serving over 300 participants. A part of ARTiculate is The ARTiculate Gallery, a full-functioning gallery with six yearly gallery openings. Assignments for a summer intern will be:
DUTIES:
- Assist in orchestrating curriculum, materials and equipment in studios during classes at ARTiculate, including the following
- Set up studios for classes (organizing materials, work space)
- Assist in carrying out curriculum (providing hands-on support to participants with various art techniques/techniques such as acrylic/watercolor painting, printing techniques etc.)
- Assist in monitoring the participants’ workplace behavior/etiquette (language, sign-in/out, goal planning, implementing deadlines etc.)
- Break down classes (clean-up, dismissal, collecting materials etc.)
- Provide assistance to participants in the IT component of the ARTiculate program, such as word processing, digital photography & imaging, internet use etc.
- Assist instructors in maintaining classroom logs, carrying out written assessments etc.
HELPFUL BACKGROUND qualification:
- Experience in working with youth (with disabilities), preferably through the arts
- Background in using Apple Macintosh based software, digital photography
- Background in visual arts / graphic design
HOURS:
Mon – Thu 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tue – Thu 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
18 – 24 hours/week
(Four positions available)
School for ARTs in Learning (SAIL) Public Charter School
The School for ARTs in Learning (SAIL) is a K-8 Public Charter School that encourages students to achieve their maximum potential while developing an awareness of the role of the arts in their daily lives.
SAIL's mission is to provide an appropriate individualized education, focusing on children who have learning disabilities or other specical learning styles that make it difficult for them to succeed in traditional classroom settings.
SAIL is committed to encouraging students to express themselves freely without fear of judgment or embarrassment and motivating them to appreciate the arts as an intimately personal expression of their knowledge.
Teacher/Administrator Intern Opportunity
The Teacher/Administrator Intern reports to and works with the classroom Lead Teacher or School Administrator. The Intern is responsible for assisting the classroom Lead Teacher or School Administrator with general supervision and management of the designated tasks.
Responsibilities
The Teacher/Administrator Intern responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to, the following:
• Assist in planning and implementing the daily program under the direction of the Lead Teacher/School Administrator, which includes lesson plans. • Assist leadership team members in administrative responsibilities • Assist in planning and preparing the learning environment, setting up interest centers, and preparing needed materials and supplies. • Supervise the classroom when the Lead Teacher is out of the room. • Assist the Lead Teacher in other ways as requested. • Treat all children with dignity and respect. • Attend all staff meetings and recommended training programs and conferences. • Help Lead Teacher to supervise and promote activities designed to enhance the healthy emotional, social, intellectual, and physical development of children enrolled at SAIL. • Help to maintain a neat and organized classroom. • Attend parent group and school functions. • Supervise all activities to ensure safety at all times.
Qualifications and Skills
The Teacher/Administrator Intern must have the following:
• Warm and friendly personality, be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, be able to relate well to children, and be willing to fulfill responsibilities in accordance with the school’s program and philosophy. • At least 18 years old and meet the requirements of the licensing agencies and / or accreditation organizations. • Mature individual • Interested in pursuing a career in teaching/educational administration • Ability to conform to an established work schedule • Effective interpersonal skills • Ability to communicate in a concise and effective manner • Ability to understand and follow instructions precisely • Ability to exercise tact, discretion and confidentiality
Student teachers: Student teachers’ duties and responsibilities
will be evaluated on a case-to-case basis, usually following
guidelines given by sending University or College. A
classroom will be assigned, and curriculum discussed.
Artists:
Visual, dance movement, music, etc. Duties will vary
dependent on area of expertise and needs of the school.
Arts
Educators: Individuals with a background in either the
Arts or Education, who seek to become proficient in the
other.
Research:
Contribute to various research projects
For more information contact internships@wvsarts.org or v. 202-261-0204, f. 202-261-0200, tty. 202-261-0201.
If
you are interested in donating, please contact info@wvsarts.org or
call 202-296-9100 ext. 233. This Wish List was updated in November 2009.
As of November 2009, our priority needs are:
• Hand sanitizers • Disinfectant wipes • Tabletop cleaning agents • Paper towels • Copier paper
Classroom Supplies
• Copier paper • Writing paper • Graph paper • Poster boards • Flip charts • Envelopes • File folders • Binders • Rulers • Tape and tape dispenser • Masking tape • Dry erase markers • Placemats • Paper towels • Cleaning wipes • Dictionaries • Thesaurus • Science kits • Legos • Board games • Electric pencil sharpener • Laminator
Classroom Furniture and Materials
• Bookcases • File cabinet • Large classroom tables • New classroom chairs • Study carrel furniture • Colorful area rug • Carpet or linoleum • Floor pillows • Beanbag chairs • Blankets • Plants • Stuffed animals • Fidget toys • ProTeam Vacuum Cleaner
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Art Supplies • Paint and paint brushes • Crayons • Markers • Pencils • Colored pencils • Glue guns and glue sticks • Craft glue • Pieces of wood • Jars • Canvases • Drawing paper • Sketch pads • Water color paper • Construction paper • Large poster boards • Colored tissue paper • Restickable easel pads • Easels • Markers • Masking tape • Painting shirts/aprons • Old Jewelry (to recycle) • Yarn • Knitting needles • Crochet hooks • Crayola model magic clay • Modeling clay
Technology
• DVD players • Television (new condition) • Classroom computers (Macs) • Digital cameras • Educational DVDs and VHS videos, including science videos • Headphones • iPods • Microscopes
Additional
• Funds for class fieldtrips • Musical instruments • Apple Store gift card • Dick Blick Art Supply gift card • Michaels Store gift Card • Plaza Art Supply gift card • Services of artists • Volunteer services
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