"VSA: Very Special Arts of Iowa"

John Jannenga
Blue Bird
Color and Graphite Pencil

Very Special Arts of Iowa is part of an affiliate network associated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Founded in 1977 by Jacqueline Merritt of Iowa City, it is the only organization in Iowa devoted entirely to artists with disabilities and annually provides art experiences for more than 30,000 disabled children and adults. Each year a new VSA Iowa Traveling Art Exhibit debuts during the Governor's Festival at the Iowa State Fair. The exhibit travels across Iowa to public sites until May of the following year.

The current exhibit contains two-dimensional works in photography, acrylics, oils, watercolors, pastels, color pencils and mixed-media, along with some pieces of poetry. The talent and skill level of the artists range from novice to trained professionals.

More information about the VSA of Iowa organization is available at web site: www.vsaarts.iowa.gov.