“To create a world in which the arts are universally accessible.”

1. “To create a world in which the arts are universally accessible.”

2. WHAT IS VSA Florida? • Member of the VSA Affiliate Network • Program of the JFK Center, Washington DC • State organization for arts and disability • Housed on the USF Campus, Tampa

3. VSA is thrilled to renew our partnership with the Dept. of Juvenile Justice and to create a positive experience for those they serve.

4. The arts provide: Academic outcomes: Creative thinking Cognitive development Problem solving Social Outcomes: Peer interaction Self confidence Social tolerance Learning experiences: Provides new challenges Opportunity to be creative Gain new skills

5. The partnership provides: Teaching artists to work hands on with teens for 10 - one hour sessions in Drama, Music, Movement or Visual Arts.

6. The DJJ Residencies have reached: • 2013 summer • 31 Residencies • 2261 teens • 2013-14 winter • 19 Residencies • 1093 teens

7. Residencies are chosen by the Dept. of Juvenile Justice VSA Florida coordinates the Teaching Artist with the site The artist contacts the facility to plan programming and set up the session schedule

8. Teaching Artists Responsibilities: • Attendance Sheet • Curriculum Map • Artist Evaluation • Artist Narrative

9. DJJ Residency Responsibilities: • Site agreement • Provide safe and positive environment • Staff present at all times • Site evaluation

10. Because of the different types of facilities, with teen attendance varying, artists create individual and group projects.

12. Palm Beach County - Palm Beach Juvenile Justice Facility 2014 - Teaching Artist – Sharon Koskoff “Painting the murals at the center seems like a lot of fun, but is actually a very serious event. We had art talk time, that required introspection and focus of attention. One participant talked about the “first time” he was in jail and a positive group conversation ensued about how this could be the “only time”in jail or the “last time” in jail. We talked about possibilities and that a person capable of making a big mural and working together with others was also capable of making this the “last time” he visited jail. The idea of creating murals, signing only their initials and leaving it behind as a mark that they were there but NOT to return to jail and see the murals in the future…made a considerable impression. “ - Teaching artist

13. Artists use the curriculum as a way to educate the participant in more ways than just art • Creating a safe atmosphere to share ideas and discuss personal / physical challenges • Building self esteem through skill building and self awareness • Allowing for leadership roles • Giving them a way to succeed

14. Creating a sense of cooperation • through teamwork • Diversity, understanding and acceptance

15. The value of self expression as a means of communication .

16. Visual Art Residencies: • Create murals, portraits, collages, landscapes and masks • Discovering different art media: charcoal, pastels, watercolor, etc. • Learn composition, color theory, value, and focal point • Introduction to historical styles and artists

17. Marion County - Juvenile Correctional Center 2014 - Teaching Artist – Marlene Jacobwitz “When I began the residency I met C. He was a very sad and shy young man. Art seemed to be the only thing that made him come to life. His use of colors and creativity were outstanding. The artwork was so good it was hard for me to select only one item for display at a future exhibit. Slowly, he began to open up to me and share personal information about his family, which is very important to him. He said “ Painting helps to stabilize my nerves and forget my problems for a while”. Most of his artwork was dedicated to his family. He would like to continue to take art classes once he gets out.” - Teaching artist

18. Art show after residency – Liberty County

20. Dance Residencies: • Experience different dance movements • from salsa to modern • Learn about historical and cultural significance of dance

21. Music Residencies: • Songwriting • Music terminology, tempo, half and whole beats • Music styles, Folk, Caribbean, Jazz and Blues • Sampling of various instruments, rain sticks, bangos • drums, guitars

22. Orange Co. – Pace center for Girls Jim Flautt Music “JRB, along with many other students carry a great deal of anger and frustration caused by their situations in life. She was one of the very reticent attendees who at first exhibited a lot of “acting out” and somewhat aggressive behavior towards her fellow students. As the 10 session residency continued, JRB was one of the drum circles strongest supporters and helped other students who initially were disruptive in the sessions. JRB’s feedback card that I always solicit from attendees stated that the drum circle sessions allowed her to get “a lot of stress out” and gave her “coping skills” that she could use outside the drum circle sessions. JRB also greatly assisted the sessions by working with me to incorporate songs that we used to get everybody “on board” and participating in the drum circle program. She also stated that she looks forward to further sessions in the future.” - Teaching artist

23. Drama Residencies: • Scriptwriting • Use of spoken word • Poetry • Roleplaying • Storytelling

24. Madison County – G4S Joann Bridges Academy 2014 - Teaching Artist - Alice Cappa “Several of our students would make comments to me the morning that Alice was to come about how they had maintained their level so that they could participate in the activity. They understood that in order for them to experience positive things they must work hard to stay positive themselves. A few who experienced difficulties and could not participate on a particular day were disappointed with themselves. It gave me an opportunity to help them process the “Why’s” and “What could you have done differently?” I think over all the majority of our students not only enjoyed but also learned something about themselves... even if it was as simple as “I like to paint!” - Site Evaluation

27. Any questionswe can answer for you?

28. INFORMATION VSA Florida/University of South Florida College of Education/Sp. Ed/VSAFL 4202 E. Fowler Ave. EDU105 Tampa, Florida 33620 813-974-0712 Fax: 813-905-9878 www.vsafl.org