Reaching out through the arts

VSA arts of Indiana is perhaps best known for our work with children, youth and adults in schools and other educational settings, including our own VSAI studios. However, our mission also includes reaching out to individuals and organizations who could benefit from the creative expression the arts provides through a number of outreach programs. Some of our major, ongoing outreach projects are listed below.

Dayspring Center

Every Friday evening, three VSAI Teaching Artists visit the Dayspring Center, an emergency shelter that has provided transitional housing, case management, basic medical and dental care, a clothing bank, educational programs, job search assistance, and housing assistance for women and children since 1989. These VSAI classes involve mothers and children and can provide an important path to self-discovery, personal expression and positive growth for families experiencing a great deal of stress in their lives. The Teaching Artists lead the clients through ceramics, painting and drawing, and theatre activities. This summer, the artists will provide activities for Dayspring's summer camp, which serves not only children presently at the shelter but also former shelter residents.

Bosma Rehabilitation Services

Each Tuesday, clients of Bosma Rehabiliation Services come to VSAI studios in Indianapolis for a studio art class in ceramics and music. The class serves as an important yet enjoyable rehabilitation and social event for Bosma clients, who are blind or visually impaired. These individuals create often impressive works of art through VSAI's music program using classical instruments such as piano and guitar, as well as through a ceramics program that has produced some beautiful works of three-dimensional art. Teaching Artists for this program include Dustin McKinney, Barb Zech, and Carrie Claycomb.

The Lolly Project

Each week, VSAI teaching artists visit an Indianapolis children's hospital to bring arts activities to hospitalized children and their families. These children may be involved in an extended hospital stay for a serious illness, and the VSAI programs offer a respite and chance for creative expression. The program serves children and teens and welcomes parental involvement. After each session, participants leave with art to display and feel proud of, and that parents will treasure for years to come. VSAI Teaching Artists Bella Heilbrunn and Joni Goldman alternate visits each week between Riley Hospital for Children and St. Vincent Children's Hospital. The Lolly Project was named after Lolly Albert, a special education teacher who had a close relationship with VSAI before her death from cancer in 1989. The Lolly Project is funded in part by Psi Iota Xi sorority (Lolly Albert's sorority), and the Indiana Department of Education, Division of Exceptional Learners.

Expressions in Clay

Expressions in Clay is a safe and creative atmosphere to explore the arts with others affected by HIV/AIDS. The class is led by VSA arts of Indiana Teaching Artist David Shumaker, who provides individualized instruction based on participants' interests and experience. Project themes include music boxes, tabletop fountains, sculpture, and other works based around seasonal themes. Class is held at VSA arts of Indiana (in the Harrison Center for the Arts), located at 1505 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, on Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. Fees are based on a sliding scale. For more information, contact Sare Beanblossom at 317-974-4123 or email her at sbeanblossom@vsai.org.