Works of art by clients of the VSA, such as the one above, will be on display at the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization offices in Boynton Beach. Photo provided
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By Mary Thurwachter
This time of year, art shows seem to pop up everywhere; but this month there’s a very special one. The exhibit, a Very Special Arts Fair, begins March 3 at the Gold Coast Down Syndrome’s resource center at 915 S. Federal Highway in Boynton Beach.
Running through March 28, the show will include representation from the digital art/photography, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, fused glass, mixed media, abstract painting, classical painting, watercolor, and drawing and cartooning programs offered through the VSA organization. Artwork is available for purchase.
“We are so excited to commemorate World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) with an exhibit of artwork from participants in the Very Special Arts program,” said Terri Harmon, executive director of Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization (www.goldcoastdownsyndrome.org), a nonprofit educational support and advocacy group that empowers people with Down syndrome and their families.
“It’s a wonderful way to remind our community that people with disabilities have many capabilities which often can be expressed in amazing art.”
“We have lots of wall space at our resource center and thought a show would be a very nice way to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day,” said Anne Dichele, director of public relations for the organization.
VSA Florida-Palm Beach County (www.vsapbc.com) serves 1,800 children and adults with disabilities in classroom performance, performance halls and art studios throughout the county. Holly Bennett is the visual arts program coordinator.
Down syndrome, a genetic condition, occurs in one out of every 691 births and affects people of all races and economic levels. Typically, babies receive 23 chromosomes from their mother and 23 from their father. A baby with Down syndrome, for unknown reasons, will have three copies of the 21st chromosome instead of two.
Other events this month:
• Members of the Florida Self-Advocates for Independent Living are holding their second annual World Down Syndrome Day food drive. The group, made up of adults with disabilities, is collecting canned goods through March 21. The goal is to deliver 321 items of food to the Palm Beach County Food Bank. To make a donation of nonperishable food, stop by the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization, 915 S. Federal Highway in Boynton Beach, or contact Anne at (561) 752-3383 or ad.gcdso@bellsouth.net.
• Local businesses and schools will be holding Dress Down Days to build awareness about Down syndrome and raise money for Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization throughout March. Participants include Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, American Heritage School and Everglades Elementary School. For more information, email ad.gcdso@bellsouth.net.
Very Special Arts Fair will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 3-28 at the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization’s resource center, 915 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach. Free. Call (561) 752-3383 or visit www.goldcoastdownsyndrome.org.
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