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WVSA Founder, President and CEO Retires
After more than 29 years service, Dr. L. Lawrence Riccio, Founder, President and CEO of WVSA ARTs connection will retire on June 30. Dr. Riccio’s vision and commitment to children and youth of all abilities led to the creation of WVSA and the SAIL Public Charter School, and his passion for education and community service has enabled these organizations to grow into the vital programs they are today.
Dr. Riccio’s long and devoted career developing arts-infused education to reach children of all learning styles has firmly established the success of this innovative model, truly making a difference for the children we serve and in our community. We are very grateful for his vision and dedication.
Dr. Richard Offner has been named as the new President and CEO, beginning on July 1. Dr. Offner is not new to WVSA/SAIL, having served as a member of the WVSA and SAIL boards for the past 11 years. He comes to his new position with over 25 years of experience managing complex interdisciplinary organizations. He is also an educator and researcher, with a Ph.D. in special education and rehabilitation psychology.
More then just his credentials, Dr. Offner is committed to the continued success of SAIL and WVSA, and with a thorough understanding of Dr. Riccio’s legacy, he brings unfailing stamina to be an advocate for the children we serve.
In recognition of Dr. Riccio’s vision and dedication, WVSA will dedicate the art gallery Dr. Riccio established at 1100 16th Street in his honor and rename it the L. Lawrence Riccio ARTiculate Gallery. Stay tuned for details for the celebration in September.
WVSA Exhibit at Artomatic 2009
Now Through Sunday, July 5
Artwork by WVSA's ARTiculate Students (young people ages 14 to 25
with special needs) will be on display and available for purchase at
Artomatic May 29 to July 5. The ARTist Apprentices receive a 30 percent
commission on the sale of their artwork.
Here's your chance to view and purchase paintings from past
ARTiculate Gallery exhibits such as Going Green, the Presidential
Inauguration, and DC Architecture, as well as see new works.
This year's Artomatic is located at Half Street's 55 M Street, SE -- one block from Nationals Park. The closest Metro is the Green Line's Navy Yard.
Come check out WVSA's exhibit on the ninth floor on the poetry corner wall near graffiti art.
"Beauty is in the eye..."
ARTiculate Gallery Exhibit
Now Through Monday, August 31
WVSA's ARTist Apprentices are taking the cliché 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder' and exploring what that means.
With partners CVS Caremark
and VSA, the artists are able to express what brings beauty to their
world. Whether it's their families, cultural beauty, or simply their
furry friend, the artists are asking the age-old question - what is
beautiful?
The ARTiculate Gallery
kicked off the "Beauty is in the eye..." exhibit with a successful
gallery opening and artist reception on June 11. We are grateful not
only for CVS' financial support, but also that about 20 CVS employees
helped at the reception.
This exhibit runs through
Monday, August 31. Visit the ARTiculate Gallery at 16th & L Street,
NW Monday through Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm
Would you like to commission a unique piece of art by one of these talented artists? It’s easy. Click here to get started and choose the size and style you like. Upload or e-mail your favorite image. Our artists will transform it into a one-of-a-kind work of art. See below for more information about commissions.
The ARTiculate Employment Training and Outreach Program offers ARTist
apprentices with special needs a chance to express themselves through
the arts. All artists receive a 30 percent commission on the sale of
their artwork. Those who attend the program receive supplemental
education services that provide school-to-community transitional
assistance.
For more information, all (202) 261-0204 or e-mail gallery@wvsarts.org.
Commission what brings beauty into your world & help young people succeed!

Commission NOW!
How do I commission a portrait?
Easy! Please choose any option between 1-12. Upload or email your favorite photograph for our Artist Apprentices to transform them into a one-of-a-kind work of art that will change your room and warm your heart.
You can pay online, by check, or in person. (Please note that no commission can be started without full payment.)
You can also print this form and mail it in with your check and images to:
WVSA ARTiculate Gallery 1100 16th Street NW Washington, DC 20036
Please make checks payable to WVSA ARTs Connection. We will contact you when we receive your information in the mail.
When will my commission be ready?
Our commission process is created to better serve students with special needs and gives freedom to our Artist Apprentices to create. Therefore we do not guarantee completion date or pick up date.
When we receive your commission, a folder is created for you. Our Artist Apprentices go through the folders and pick the image that they can relate to and start painting. Our Artist Apprentices are encouraged to use their creative talent, therefore please understand that the painting you are ordering will be an interpretation of your photograph.
We cannot guarantee your painting will be completed in the order your image was received. We allow our Artist Apprentices have the freedom to choose what image they would like to paint. After we receive your commission we will email you with in one week to let you know when to expect your painting.
Depending on our students' special skills, styles and needs, they are divided to 2 groups, Abstract and Realistic:
- Our Realistic students are very good at realistic rendering and coloring, and you can expect a very recognizable rendition of your photograph.
- Our Abstract students are very good at stylizing their work to their unique interpretation.


Commission NOW!
Please consider donating. We greatly appreciate your support in helping us bring a successful arts education to inner city youth with special skills, special talents, and special needs. We look forward to your continued effort as an essential aspect of our community.
Our students are encouraged to use their creative talent, therefore please understand that the painting you are ordering will be an interpretation of your photograph. There are no refunds or exchanges on commissioned paintings.
For more information please contact WVSA ARTiculate Gallery . 1100 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 . Tel: 202-261-0204 . Fax: 202-261-0200 . gallery@wvsarts.org . www.wvsarts.org
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