FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama’s Collaborative Special Education program and Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society, are teaming up to host the Very Special Arts Festival (VSAF), Friday, Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at Spring Park in Tuscumbia.
The VSAF is a one-of-a-kind event that celebrates art and discovery. Intended for students with diverse abilities and artistic skills, the festival provides an opportunity for students to experience multiple art forms.
“We hope this will become an annual tradition for the Shoals area”, said Dr. Trudy Abel, associate professor of Elementary Education and Collaborative Special Education program advisor.
The event, designed for K-12 students with exceptional learning needs, from Florence, Lauderdale County, Muscle Shoals, Colbert County, Sheffield and Tuscumbia School Systems, will provide art activities in four areas: visual art, music, performance and sensory discovery.
Dr. Lamont Maddox, UNA
These activities will be designed and implemented by UNA Education program students and facilitated by instructors Susan Riedel and Dr. Trudy Abel.
Dr. Lamont Maddox, UNA associate professor of Secondary Education and Kappa Delta Pi advisor added, “The VSAF will include music, dance and movement activities intended to draw students into participating. We’ll also provide gift bags for the students that include art supplies,” he said.
Students will have an opportunity to paint t-shirts and create crafts they can take home with them.
“It’s all about getting their hands dirty, so to speak, and giving them a chance to really be involved with all aspects of art,” said Maddox.
To participate as a demonstrating artist or sponsor of VSAF contact: Dr. Trudy Abel, tabel@una.edu or Dr. Lamont Maddox, lmaddox@una.edu.
Media Release/UNA/Bryan Rachal, APR
Director, Communications and Marketing
