Click here to enter your comments in a Google form.
Welcome to IAV’s Digital Memory Book. As we approach the sunset of Inclusive Arts Vermont at the end of June, we wanted to create a communal space to share our memories from the past 40 years.
Our work could not happen without community. We are so grateful for all the experiences, art, creativity, community, inclusion, and impact we have made together.
To participate, please fill out the form linked above. The form will ask if we have your permission to share your reflection with the larger public through our website, social media, and as part of a potential slideshow at an event honoring our work in June.
If you would like to participate in an alternative format (phone or email), please get in touch with Megan at megan@inclusiveartsvermont.org or call (802) 556-3668.
If you agree to make your comments public, we will share your reflections below. Thank you.
I had minor involvement in the early days of Very Special Arts” (VSA) in Washington, DC when it was was started by Jean Kennedy Smith. I was working for Special Olympics in DC through the 1980’s and it was inevitable that my relationship with Eunice Kennedy Shriver would put me in VSA’s orbit. When I moved back to my native Vermont in 2004, I sought out VSA VT and became a board member. A great organization!
Steven
Interning at Inclusive Arts Vermont changed the course of my life and my career. I found my passion integrating art, education and working with people that led me to pursue a graduate degree in Art Therapy and Counseling. I think back on my time at Inclusive Arts with such fondness, witnessing the magic that happened when art and expression was made accessible in so many ways to so many people through visual arts, music, and dance. I learned so much working with the IAV team and the participants.
Rachel
I came out of retirement (I directed and taught pre-school for 20 years) to become an instructor for the early childhood Start With The Arts program under Peggy Rainville. Basically, I missed playing with children. I wholeheartedly supported the philosophy of child-directed activities and art had been a big part of our pre-school program. I looked forward to messing around with art materials and kids. What I didn’t expect to love was working with the providers….I felt more comfortable with youngsters. However, working with the caregivers, teachers and directors became what I truly enjoyed about the job. I was in awe of their kindness, dedication and interest in better understanding of the arts. We all supported each other and it was wonderful. We read great books together, we provided a variety of art experiences to children, and we saw them grow in confidence and self-awareness. I miss that rewarding work, and I miss the other SWTA instructors who were so inspiring and supportive. IAV can be proud of the service it provided to so many teachers, and in turn to so many children and families who perhaps found a creative part of themselves through art.
Carol
You are such an excellent organization to be involved with, and have helped me move to where I am today. I was with you when your title was still VSA Vermont, and you helped with my hop from VT to NYC with my first work experience with VSA NYC.
Sasha
Another strong memory that will relay is through your promotion of one of my graphic designs to Bernie Sanders office.
As an artist, it has been devastating to lose Inclusive Arts and all it means to the disabled community. Over the years, their gallery shows have brought about amazing connections between artists and amongst viewers too. There is nothing comparable to discovering that your work has touched someone and that your voice through art means so much to others. Especially so, as a person with chronic illness that is often isolated by necessity. To feel seen, heard, and understood is a powerful thing for all involved.
Lissa
I just wanted to take a minute to share some love about the incredible work Inclusive Arts Vermont has done with us over the years. Before we became Eagle Bay Academy, we were two separate schools: OnTop and Horizons. And honestly, some of our most joyful, creative, and connected moments came when Inclusive Arts Vermont artists showed up and transformed our spaces into places of expression, courage, and community. I also had the experience of doing numerous residencies and partnerships while I lead the Integrated Arts Academy. Regardless of which school the partnership occurred in, t wasn’t just about making art, though that part was powerful. It was about students discovering something in themselves they didn’t always know was there. Confidence. Voice. Choice. Belonging. I remember watching students who barely spoke in class light up during a residency. Students who struggled to stay present suddenly didn’t want the session to end. That’s what Inclusive Arts did. It met kids exactly where they were and invited them to be seen, to create, and to shine. It was also a gift for staff. The planning sessions, the embedded PD, the Universal Design for Learning practices, created opportunity for us to us reimagine what access and inclusion could actually look like in a classroom. And that still shows up in how we do things at Eagle Bay today . So much of what we believe in here and are building, student agency, restorative relationships, healing through creativity, was nourished through those residencies. Inclusive Arts Vermont didn’t just bring in teaching artists. They brought in partners, collaborators, people who truly cared about our kids and their stories. So if you’re reading this and wondering if Inclusive Arts Vermont made a difference, a resounding, YES! It really did. Thank you for believing in our students. And thank you for helping us build the kind of school where art, identity, and community are all part of the learning journey. Your community guidance and support will be greatly missed.
Bobby
When I started with IAV I barely made a handful of pieces. IAV accepting my piece show me that I could achieve anything I wanted despite what others have told me. This gave me the confidence to pursue firefighting. After years of denials from various departments due to my hearing loss I can finally say I’m a firefighter for Winooski. IAV gave me the confidence to not accept what is given to me. To not be afraid to take up space and stand up for myself.
David