On behalf of VSA of Alabama’s ArtPartners on the Bay, we would like to thank the many people who made the 2011 event such a success. After several years of collaboration with VSA Alabama, the Eastern Shore Art Center was named an official VSA Program site in June 2011.

ArtPartners is a signature program of VSA Alabama designed to provide a socially inclusive environment where emerging artists with disabilities and chronic illnesses partner with established local artists to build a relationship through direct one-to-one participation in the creative arts. This fall, Mobile and Baldwin area community artists worked directly with children and adults with disabilities to generate unique pieces of art. Not only were beautiful masterpieces created, but lasting friendships and learning processes were developed.

This year’s culminating event was held Oct. 20 at the Eastern Shore Art Center. This year’s event marks the 5th annual ArtPartners on the Bay event at the ESAC. It was truly a memorable evening, which included great food, live music, dancing and both live and silent auctions. All proceeds from the ArtPartners on the Bay 2011 will benefit future VSA Alabama arts programming at the Eastern Shore Art Center and the Independent Living Center of Mobile. A member of the VSA’s board of directors said, “I saw all the smiling faces coming through the door … and I remembered what it was all about.” We at the Eastern Shore Art Center see every day how “Art Changes Lives.”

This amazing evening was made possible by the generous support of community sponsors including Red or White Wine/United Johnson Brother’s of Alabama, Ravenite Pizzeria, Cabot Creamery, Cathy Brumback, Dede Wilson, Joe Riemer, Shelley O’Sullivan, Susan Wright, Smith Prestwood, Carolyn Green, Lynn Oldshue & Annie Stewart. We also need to thank our Creative Commotion Sponsors, Pam and Jim Prestwood and our New Perspective Sponsors, Sara and Rodney Henderson.

To the many professional community artists who donated their time to ArtPartners, thanks for sharing in the joy of creation. Everyone who attended felt your enthusiasm that was demonstrated in your artwork.

Kate Fisher & Susan Wright

ArtPartners 2011 Committee Chairs

Nancy Raia,

Community Outreach Director Eastern Shore Art Center