In the heart of the city, WVSA offers a chance for continued learning through art

By Robert Fulton

The WVSA Arts Connection building located at the corner of 16th and L Streets in Northwest D.C. is a busy area. The building houses a number of programs, including the WVSA ARTiculate Employment Training Program, the WVSA ARTiculate Gallery and the WVSA School for ARTs in Training (SAIL), a K-through-eight charter school.

The WVSA uses art as a medium for learning.

“We are an organization that tries to teach through art,” said Marvin Brown, director of outreach for the various WVSA programs. “Once you get a student interested in art, it opens up their educational mind. All students learn differently, and we know that the one way to start teaching them is through art.”

At any given moment, visitors find students of all ages creating art and learning. The Employment Training Program caters to teenagers and adults with learning disabilities or other disadvantages.

Students create art that they can sell on-site and receive a commission from sales.

The ARTiculate Employment Training and Outreach Program is billed as a “supplemental education service.” Different aspects of the program help in the development of vocational, social and life management skills. The program also assists with literacy and life skills, GED preparation and career assessment and provides feedback on resumes.

“We try to give employment to those who most people think are unemployable,” said Brown, adding that the WVSA has intern programs and works with local businesses to promote education and training to acquire skills.

“Broadly, our mission is to provide people with disabilities and other disadvantages with an equitable access to the arts,” said Richard Offner,

WVSA president and CEO. Offner became CEO in July; however, he has been on the board for 12 years, most recently as chairman. “It provides a way in which we use art for unique instruction for students.”

The WVSA receives funding not only from donations, but also from various sources, such as the Office of the State Superintendent of Education.

“Programs and services are stretched,” said Offner. “The funding isn’t available.”

Chenniah Randolph has been a GED teacher with WVSA for a little less than a year and sees many types of people enter the program.

“Everyone is different,” Randolph said. “It’s really fascinating. Some of the younger people were disillusioned from D.C. public schools, and thought that our educational system was horrible, and as a result they dropped out.”

“A lot of the older people didn’t finish school, as they had to support their families. At one time, a high school diploma was really all you needed to get a job,” Randolph said. “You didn’t need any advanced education.”

Student Andre Barcus has been involved with WVSA for 12 years. As a part of his internship, he does maintenance work in the building. Barcus is currently working towards his GED.

“I can have a piece of paper for when I get a job and to better myself,” Barcus said. “They benefit me job-wise, art-wise, and also educationally.”

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To get involved, applicants are advised to visit the WVSA web site, or get a referral from an agency or case worker.

Visit www.wvsarts.org for more information.