VSA Arts Tennessee is not only inclusive of typical and differently-abled children and adults, but the director herself (Lori Kissinger) often writes personal emails to encourage them! A young lady in Knoxville, herself a learning challenged young adult wants to improve her writing. Though that isn't often a component of VSA Arts Tennessee, Lori thoughtfully directed the gal to other sources in a detailed email. Leadership like that brings out the best in Lori's supporters, as well. Being a professor at Middle Tennessee State University, she teaches her students about community projects. All the while, her students take part and volunteer at the various workshops and events. What a winning combination! When a children are given a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder there can be feelings of isolation for the parents. But the non-profit makes quite an effort to reach communities throughout Tennessee. Additionally, VSA's link to the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center smooths the information routes, making the VKC research readily available to remote areas as well as urban ones.

VSA -TN has provided many unique opportunities for my son. During our involvement with VSA-TN he has attended many workshops, had his art displayed in many great venues, participated a week long Art Institute, participated in Art Festivals, and even had the awesome opportunity of recording some of his favorite songs with other VSA Artists providing music. We have both have learned so much by participating in VSA TN events! We really appreciate the unique educational opportunities provided by VSA TN and look forward to many more!

VSA TN has been a blessing for our family the workshops are amazing. My son Sam Moses has learned how to read and write his own stories because of programs I have involved him in and resorces that Pam Weston has refered me to. We are so thankful to all the people involved with Vsa TN

Vsa-TN provides a wide array of art opportunities for people with disabilities. I especially appreciate the opportunities for special education students to work with an artist-in-residence to create meaningful artworks that help teach academic lessons.

My son was so excited to be a part of VSA TN! He felt accepted, appreciated, and valued when he took part in a few of the workshops offered, (and he can't wait to join in more)! As a parent, it means the world to me, that he can be involved in opportunities to showcase his uniqueness and build relationships along the way! VSA TN is a true gem!

VSA of Tennessee is awesome! My family has participated in several unique workshops. We walk away with a sense of accomplishment. It's a great way to make friends and learn artistic skills that otherwise wouldn't be available to us. I have never seen an organization with such a diverse group of talented artists! They are friendly, skilled & so easy to work with. My children always get excited when there is an upcoming workshop. We love VSA of Tennessee!

Fantastic group. Some of the most meaningful projects I've had as a working artist.

"VSA Arts TN has given me many opportunities to learn and to grow and to show others what I can do. I am ten years old now, but I've been participating in workshops and exhibits for VSA Arts TN since I was 5. I have a disability, but these days, people focus on my ability rather than my disability. If it had not been for VSA Arts TN, I would have never had the chance to show people what I can do. When I grow up, I want to be a paleoartist. When I grow up, I will be a paleoartist. " Jalyn