VSA-NYC & Marquis Studios to Celebrate 'A YEAR IN PICTURES'

In partnership with VSA-New York City, Marquis Studios proudly celebrates "A Year In Pictures", an art exhibition featuring the work of NYC Public School children with disabilities. A private viewing and awards ceremony on November 24, 2015 from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Pratt Manhattan Gallery (144 West 14th St, 2nd Floor, New York, NY) includes VSA Founder, Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith and recognizes Mr. Clay Aiken, City Council Members, and student artists. This exhibit is part of the ongoing celebrations of VSA's 40th Anniversary, promoting art by and for people with disabilities.

"For us, it's thrilling to present unique, original artwork from New York City students in a professional art gallery'" says David Marquis, Executive Director of Marquis Studios. "As the premiere arts-education services provider in the public school sector, our goal is to inspire a passion for learning through the arts to enrich lives. In our minds, there is no better way than to showcase their pieces on a professional platform."

The exhibition will be open to the public with FREE admission on the following days:

Saturday, November 21, 2015, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Monday through Wednesday, November 23-25, 2015 from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday, November 28, 2015, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

For further information on the exhibit, please visit www.marquisstudios.org

ABOUT MARQUIS STUDIOS

Marquis Studios is a 39-year-old nonprofit organization providing arts­in?education services to over 100 New York City public schools, annually. They strive to forge strong partnerships between artists and teachers by providing arts programming to supplement traditional classroom learning..

Each residency focuses on a specific visual or performing arts discipline selected by school staff and administration.. For more information on their mission, please visit www.MarquisStudios.org.

ABOUT VSA-NYC

VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, was founded more than 40 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to provide arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities and increase access to the arts for all. With 52 international affiliates and a network of nationwide affiliates, VSA provides arts and education programming for youth and adults with disabilities around the world.

Each year, 7 million people of all ages and abilities participate in VSA programs, in every aspect of the arts - from visual arts, performing arts, to the literary arts.

Four principles guide VSA programs and affiliates:

• Every young person with a disability deserves access to high quality arts learning experiences.

• All artists in schools and art educators should be prepared to include students with disabilities in their instruction.

• All children, youth, and adults with disabilities should have complete access to cultural facilities and activities.

VSA believes all individuals with disabilities who aspire to careers in the arts should have the opportunity to develop appropriate skills. For more information on their mission, please visit http://www.vsanyc.org.