WVSA ARTs connection

SAIL works to address the needs of students with learning differences by providing creative learning environments. We have developed a specialized curriculum using the arts to help children learn in ways that match their learning styles, paying special attention to individual learning styles and specific need. Our focus is on developing the whole child, intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially.

Studies demonstrate that children provided with a creative, flexible, and dynamic learning atmosphere engage more readily with the learning process and develop stronger problem-solving, comprehension, and life skills. Our students demonstrate the validity of this philosophy on a daily basis. Through the regular and comprehensive developmental assessments used to track student progress, we constantly refine each student's individual education profile and track the progress of our students.

At SAIL we not only address the needs of the child, we also make a special effort to reach out and support the parents by encouraging them to join in the learning process. Because we share a home with WVSA arts connection, our umbrella organization serving DC children and youth with special needs for over 25 years, we have access to a wealth of youth and family resources within our own buildings.

Friends Asking Friends

Get Involved

Commission ART

You have more power than you think – Ask 10 friends to donate $100 or 20 friends to donate $50 and in turn, you’ve raised $1,000 for children with special needs, all without leaving your desk!

You can even adopt a WVSA project or a SAIL classroom, and buy greeting cards online! All proceeds support WVSA & SAIL‘s efforts to bring quality education to children and youth in our community.

By registering for WVSA & SAIL’s Friends Asking Friends, you will be able to:
• Build a Webpage for yourself (or a team);
• Set a personal fundraising goal; and
• Monitor the progress in real time.

Register/Log In Here

WVSA and SAIL provide unique services to the at-risk children and youth of DC by using the arts as a tool to facilitate academic achievement, employment training, and life skills attainment. Recognized as national models for arts-infused, student-based educational service delivery in assistance to at-risk children and youth with special needs, WVSA and SAIL invite you to join the Friends asking Friends phenomenon to help us serve more deserving young people in DC!

Thank you for supporting WVSA ARTs connection & the School for ARTs In Learning (SAIL)!

More ways to pARTicipate!

Donate Online – Friends Asking Friends!
Whether it is spare change or millions - you have more power than you think: Ask 10 friends to donate $100 or 20 friends to donate $50 and in turn, you’ve raised $1,000 for children and youth with special needs, all without leaving your desk! You can even adopt a WVSA project or a classroom, and buy greeting cards online! Click here to or click here learn more about Friends Asking Friends

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!

Change Drive
The WVSA Change Drive presents an opportunity for businesses to give back to the community. By placing a change (donation) box in a specified location in your place of business, WVSA stands to benefit from the generosity of customers or clients passing through and from your colleagues. The WVSA Change Drive will shed light on your businesses’ philanthropic attitude. We will customize a Change Drive for your location with the addition of artwork by our students.

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!

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 email gallery@wvsarts.org 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 under Get Involved page for more information.

Commission a work of ART
Now you have a chance to order a commissioned painting. The commissioners are invited to our gallery opening (NOV 15th, 5:30-7:30pm) to view their paintings for the first time and meet the artists.

Click Here to Commission NOW

How to commission a portrait?
Easy! Please choose any option between 1-11. Just upload or email your favorite photograph for our students to transform it into a one of a kind work of art that will transform your room and your heart.

Abstract and Realistic?

Depending on our student’s 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.

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.

Click Here to Commission NOW

For more information please contact Samar Modonpour at 202/261-0233 or gallery@wvsarts.org.