[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 138 (Wednesday, September 28, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       VERY SPECIAL ARTS TURNS 20

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I rise today in honor of the 20th 
anniversary of Very Special Arts.
  Very Special Arts was founded in 1974 by Jean Kennedy Smith, today 
our distinguished Ambassador to Ireland, as an affiliate of the John F. 
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Its mission is unique and 
important--to promote awareness of the educational, cultural, and 
personal benefits of the arts for people with disabilities. By 
sponsoring programs in creative writing, dance, drama, music, and the 
visual arts, Very Special Arts helps provide people with disabilities 
the skills they need to be full participants in the arts.
  Mr. President, Very Special Arts sends the message that the arts are 
for all people. Today, it has programs in all 50 States and the 
District of Columbia, and in more than 55 countries worldwide. It is 
among the largest and most diverse international organizations serving 
people with disabilities.


                        notable accomplishments

  Over the last 20 years, Very Special Arts has sponsored many 
groundbreaking programs at the State, national, and international 
levels. I would like to highlight just a few of its recent 
achievements.
  In April 1991, in a joint project with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, 
it hosted the first National Native American Very Special Arts Festival 
in Santa Fe, NM. This 2-day festival showcased the artistic 
accomplishments of native American students from many different tribal 
groups. Since then, the festival has reached more than 3,000 students 
nationwide.
  In 1992, Very Special Arts issued a Call for Art, inviting people of 
all ages to submit artwork for a U.S. Capitol 200th Anniversary Art 
Exhibition Project. This project was designed to challenge artists to 
use their imaginations to explore the history of one of our Nation's 
most important landmarks. Last fall artists from all 50 States were 
represented in an exhibit in the Rotunda of the Cannon House Office 
Building.
  Start With the Arts is an instructional program for young children 
ages 4 to 6 to help educators and parents create meaningful learning 
experiences in all the arts--visual arts, creative movement, creative 
drama, and music. This program gives these young children an early 
opportunity to excel.
  In May of this year, Very Special Arts hosted its second 
international Very Special Arts Festival in Brussels, Belgium. Over 40 
States and 75 countries sent delegations to Brussels for performances, 
workshops, and other cultural exchanges, and more than 1,000 
individuals of all ages with and without disabilities took part in this 
exciting week-long celebration of the arts.
  Other programs have included ``The Young Playwrights Program,'' ``New 
Vision Dance Project,'' ``Young Soloists Award,'' ``The Yamagata 
International Visual Arts Program,'' and ``Arts for Children in 
Hospitals.'' The list goes on and on.
  The nonprofit Very Special Arts operates two galleries--one in 
downtown Washington, DC, and a new sister gallery in nearby Georgetown. 
These galleries play an important role in boosting self-esteem and 
professional careers. Proceeds from sales support exhibitions and Very 
Special Arts programs. World-renowned artists such as Hiro Yamagata, 
Robert Rauschenberg, and Frank Stella help Very Special Arts through 
unique print and poster editions displayed in the gallery.


                           SERVICE TO KANSAS

  In my own home State of Kansas, Very Special Arts recently lauched a 
new initiative involving one of the most important groups of people in 
this country--our veterans. In August, Very Special Arts Kansas began a 
drama program for the veterans of the day treatment center at the 
Colmery O'Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka. Led by Chuck Bland, a drama 
therapist who is also a vietnam veteran, over 50 veterans between 28 
and 80 will create and perform a historical play. The play will be 
later performed at other sites in Kansas with a final performance for 
the friends and families of the veterans.


                          A CONTINUING LEADER

  Mr. President, no doubt about it, for 20 years Very Special Arts has 
been a leader. I congratulate them for service and commend them for 
their continuing commitment to excellence and their dedication to 
providing opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy 
meaningful experiences through the arts.

                          ____________________