VSA arts of Florida Artist Registry Members Enid Swift, Bruce Cook and Jack "Mr. B." Beverland spent some time out of their weekend recently to work the VSA booth selling an array of artwork and goods during the Florida Family Café Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, June 13-15. Their own work, as well as the work of several other Registry Members, was on display and for sale throughout the conference. The VSA booth had something for everyone: beaded earrings designed by Susan Kubes, cigar boxes decorated "Mr. B." style, beautiful watercolors by Ginnie Ungewitter, the intricate and colorful woodworkings by Bruce Cook, and more. The artists made great sales and networked with many others. "It was a great experience in how to sell in a public venue," said a very pleased artist.

VSA arts of Florida is pleased to announce the inclusion of an art project by the ARC Community Café of Hernando County in the Summer 2008 exhibition marking the tenth anniversary of the Brooksville City Hall Art Gallery. The art project on exhibit is the culmination of a 10 week teaching artist residency sponsored by VSA arts of Florida and is comprised of individual canvases mounted together to form the image of a butterfly. Recyclable objects transformed into pins and vases are also included in the show. The exhibition runs now through August 10, 2008 at the Brooksville City Hall, 210 Howell Avenue, Brooksville, FL. The gallery is open Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, excluding holidays. Admission is free. For more information, contact Rhonda Hancock at 352-796-0247.

VSA would like to share a success story from our program partner in Marion County. G.S., a first grade student, who is in a self contained autistic classroom has shown a tremendous amount of growth academically, socially and behaviorally. G.S. had the opening solo in a play entitled "Spaced Out." He opened the performance with a solo singing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." He was quite the little ham. He also participated in songs performed by his class. G.S. was on stage in front of an audience of 300 students and parents. This play was performed by ESE students as well as regular education students. You could not distinguish between the two. Prior to this year, G.S. behavior prohibited him from making much progress. He refused to do class work, homework or anything he decided he did not want to do. He would throw things on the floor when he was frustrated and only communicated by talking to his hand. He now makes eye contact and says hello to many staff members who he calls by name. In the classroom G.S. does his work independently and completes most of his homework on a daily basis. He shares family stories when he has the opportunity and asks others about their families.

The Wall Art Gallery in beautiful Fernandina Beach, Florida, hosted the Opening Reception for the VSA arts of Florida Artist Registry exhibition on Friday, June 20th. Featured artists John Bisbee and family and Ann Harrison-May, as well as VSAFL Board of Director members Wade Wetherington and Kathy Burton, were among those who enjoyed the wonderful artwork on display during the 2 hour long reception. The exhibition, which also features artwork from Artist Registry Members Jack Casey, Jack "Mr. B." Beverland, Susan Kubes, Robert Malcom, and Jamie Morhaim, will show until October 7, 2008. For more information on the Wall Art Gallery and the exhibition please visit www.wallartweb.com.

"Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them; but do not let them master you. Let them teach you patience, sweetness, insight."

Marian Winters Executive Director (813) 558-5095, E-mail: mwinters@tempest.coedu.usf.edu

Jan Beals Finance Coordinator (813) 558-5091, E-mail: Beals@coedu.usf.edu

Lee Moniz Education Coordinator (813) 558-5094, E-mail: lmoniz@coedu.usf.edu

Marilyn Farber Professional Development Coordinator (813) 558-1144, E-mail: mfarber@coedu.usf.edu

Jenn Bade Adult Program Coordinator (813) 558-5093, E-mail: bade@coedu.usf.edu

Karen Belsole Media Coordinator (813) 558-5092, E-mail: belsole@coedu.usf.edu

Beth Gordon Cultural Access Coordinator (786) 261-6021 E-mail: bgordonvsa@gmail.com

The content of this informational piece was developed in part through funding provided by the central office of VSA arts, under an award from the U.S. Department of Education. the content, however, does not necessarily reflect the policy of the U.S. Department of Education and endorsement should not be assumed. VSA arts of Florida is funded in part by VSA arts; Florida State, Division of Cutural Affairs, Kurt S. Browning, Secretary of State; The Florida Arts council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Florida Department of Education and the University of South Florida.