VSA arts 'Shifting Gears' Exhibit Extended at the Smithsonian

A National Juried Exhibit By Young Artists With Disabilities

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- The "Shifting Gears" exhibit at the S. Dillon Ripley Center, Smithsonian Institution has been extended through November 29, 2005. The exhibit is composed of artwork by 15 artists with disabilities ages 16-25. The touring exhibit debuted at the S. Dillon Ripley Center on September 27, 2005.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to extend the viewing period for the "Shifting Gears" exhibition. The exhibition will remain on view in the S. Dillon Ripley Center through November 29th, giving several thousand more visitors the chance to experience this wonderful show," said Ellen Nixon Dorn, director of exhibitions for the S. Dillon Ripley Center.

VSA arts and Volkswagen of America, Inc. have partnered for the fourth year to present this opportunity for young artists with disabilities. "As reflected in VSA arts' mission, 'Shifting Gears' reiterates the necessity for providing support and encouragement to young people with disabilities. Programs like this, offer life changing opportunities for young artists," said Soula Antoniou, President of VSA arts.

A distinguished panel of experts reviewed 215 submissions, which responded to a particular theme. "Shifting Gears" challenged artists to reflect on a pivotal moment in their life that led to a greater understanding of themselves in relation to their art and their disability.

The Grand Prize awardee, Isaac Powell, from Pullman, Washington, received $20,000 -- the largest cash award for young artists with disabilities -- for his artwork, "Growthplate," an acrylic, graphite ink on panel; First awardee, Xang Ho, from Baltimore, Maryland, received $10,000 for black and white photography, "Straw Men #1"; and Angelica Busque, second awardee from Chicago, Illinois, received $6,000 for her graphic novel, "Morning Star."

The following each received an Award of Excellence in the amount of $2,000: Thomas Barnett (North Carolina), Ben Brown (California), Jarrett Camp (California), Brent Emerick (Maryland), Andrew Holmes (North Carolina), Alex Iverson (Oregon), Timothy Kadish (Massachusetts), Matthew Lawson (Tennessee), Dana Liebermann (New York), Hannah Miller (Illinois), Noelle Nevolo (Massachusetts), and Lindsey Williams (Michigan).

Upon closing, the exhibit will begin a two year nationwide college campus tour. For more information visit http://www.vsarts.org/prebuilt/showcase/gallery/exhibits/vw/2005/tour.html

VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where all people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. VSA arts provides educators, parents, and artists with resources and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities. VSA arts showcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year millions of people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in more than 60 countries around the world. VSA arts is an affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For more information visit http://www.vsarts.org/

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Volkswagen believes that the "heartware" is equally as important as the "hardware." For people with disabilities, the automobile provides both freedom of mobility and self-expression. Volkswagen. All drivers wanted. http://www.vw.com/