VSA arts of Michigan- Grand Rapids is dedicated to enriching the lives of disabled and non-disabled persons through the arts. Our programs provide opportunities in the arts for all.

VSA hires local, professional artists to teach hands- on art workshops in classrooms of students with disabilities within the Kent Intermediate School District. The workshops are designed to incorporate curriculum or developmental goals for the classroom, through the use of dance, music, drama, pottery or other visual arts. Students that participate in these workshops experience growth in creativity, increased understanding of traditional academic subjects, more developed fine motor skills, and enhanced self-esteem and self-worth.

These workshops focus on a specific artistic medium to graduating special education classrooms. The students in these programs are traditionally between 19-26 years old and are preparing to move into semi-independent care facilities. Through art, these workshops concentrate on providing students the skills and support needed to successfully integrate into the community at large.

This program seeks to help pre-primary children with disabilities, between the ages of 2-6, learn developmental skills, while providing parents and families an opportunity to interact both with their children and with the teachers and staff in a positive, success-orientated environment. Art is the perfect bridge for these goals. The students can express and create, without failure, and work collaboratively with their siblings and parents. Each event features up to five local, professional artists, who provide specially designed interactive, art workshops for these young participants and their families.

LLDC is a group of individual dancers of varying disabilities and ages. The company performs throughout the community, with numbers ranging from disciplined folk and traditional dances to contemporary, free form movement with musical influences rooted in jazz, rap, alternative and world-beat. The dancers at schools, senior and community centers, museums, at festivals, conferences, and the university level.

This day-long event is a celebration of the arts for children and adults with disabilities, and includes opening ceremonies, workshops, performances, and hands-on arts activities. In all, over 2,000 individuals participate, including 1,400 students with disabilities, 300 regular education students, teachers, staff, and 300 community volunteers.

In collaboration with the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, VSA hosts two summer evenings at the new Lena Meijer Children’s Garden for children with disabilities and their families.

This choir is open to any adult, over the age of 16, with or without a disability, who is interested in singing, learning about music and having fun. Interested members need have no prior choral experience and or ability to read music. ALL ARE WELCOME!

Rehearsals are every Thursday afternoon from 1:00 – 1:50 pm starting Thursday September 21, 2006. The choir meets at the Dan Vos Chapel. Cost is $106 for the year.

Register Now!

These art classes are open to any child, youth or adult interested in the visual arts. Classes are held at Keystone Community Church.

Fall Classes start Wednesday October 11, 2006 and meet from 4:30-6:00 pm.

Register Now!

Students with cognitive disabilities between the ages of 18 and 26 learn life, work and social skills through art in this year-long transition program in partnership with Grand Rapids Public Schools' Kent Vocational Options.