The exhibit highlights artwork from children throughout the United States and abroad. Ten artists were chosen as representatives and invited to Washington, D.C. to participate in a Congressional Reception on June 9th where they will be honored for their work. The representatives are:

   * Rachael Wilson, 16 -- McKinleyville, Calif.
   * Clinton Cortez, 12 -- Denver, Colo.
   * Martina Gigante, 10 -- Miami, Fla.
   * April Alvarez, 18 -- Laie, Hawaii
   * Brandon Edwards, 10 -- Philadelphia, Miss.
   * Amber Pappas, 16 -- Elko, Nev.
   * Jarred Amat, 11 -- Warwick, R.I.
   * Sara and Sam Weyrich, 6,4 -- Salt Lake City, Utah
   * Sarah Spunaugle, 16 -- Vaughn Wash
   * Alex Fields, 17 -- Tybee Beach, Ga.

"Discover What Art Is ... " Exhibit was designed to raise awareness of the importance of the arts and arts in education for students of all abilities. "The arts stimulate the imagination, open the door to communication, foster respect for other's feelings and perspectives, and promote lifelong learning," said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts. For information on the exhibit and national tour, visit http://www.vsarts.org/ .

VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. Today as a leader in arts-based teaching and learning, VSA arts' programs support key national education goals: literacy and school readiness, teacher training, and parental involvement in education.

A network of VSA arts' affiliates nationwide and in more than 60 countries serving more than 5 million people, develop programs focused on engaging students in the arts by helping teachers create more inclusive learning experiences; empowering artists with disabilities by encouraging their career paths; and supporting arts access to community cultural facilities and activities for people with disabilities.

Source: VSA arts

CONTACT: Marcia Rhodes, +1-202-628-2800, ext. 3883, or Matthew Coffman,
+1-202-628-2800, ext. 3898, both of VSA arts

Web site: http://www.vsarts.org/