This donation is in honor of Ruthie Jannoun.+1 (813) 385-1199:
Ruth Beatrice Jannoun lived a long, beautiful 94 years. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she spent her days taking care of others. Although busy, she found time to learn the art of painting. She began taking classes at USF and continued for years. Dozens of acrylic canvases tucked into boxes show how truly unassuming she was (about her art and most everything). Her paintings are a beautiful reminder of her talent, her love of nature and how truly wonderful she was.
Through the artist residencies organized by VSA Arts, I have experienced the personal growth of ESE students. The children I worked with realized new potentials for their skills by participating in art projects of various mediums. Students gained confidence and beamed with pride at their projects! I believe VSA provides an invaluable service through these residencies as well as their other programs for people with disabilities. Too many people are not otherwise given a real chance to develop their personal skills, or may not have had enough encouragement without programs such as VSA provides. More than once I have worked with students who would first say "I can't do this" and after showing them how, and encouraging...they would complete a drawing or project, and I would say, "See, you CAN do it!" The realization, the light on their face and in their eyes makes it all worth while.