Internships at VSA NM

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VSA arts
of New Mexico
4904 4th N.W.
Albuquerque, NM 87107
Phone 505-345-2872
Fax: 505-345-2896
NM Relay Network:
1-800-659-8331
[email protected]

Employment | Volunteer Form | Application for Admission | Contribution Card

Internships/Service Learning Opportunities

VSA arts of New Mexico is a not-for-profit organization which provides access to the arts for people with disabilities. Service learning opportunities for youth include internships with the Buen Viaje Dancers, hands-on work with people with disabilities at VSA's Enabled Arts Center, and administrative internships assisting with non-profit management.

Through Service Learning students are introduced to career possibilities they might not have thought of previously, i.e. "the helping professions." While human and social service efforts are struggling to recruit sufficient staff, service learning opportunities introduce young people to these career possibilities.

Perhaps one of the most striking outcomes of VSA's Service Learning projects teachers and students comment on are the barriers between people with and without disabilities that are broken down and bonds of understanding and friendship are made. Student participants are able to develop and use their artistic talents and derive satisfaction from their involvement with others. We see it as a beginning of lifelong community service.

Comments from past participants:

"The bonds I have made and the fun l have had are something I'd love to continue. There is no way I would give up an experience like this.

"I like the clay studio. I help make different sculptres. Clay is great cause there's more one-on-one experience with the artist. "

"I worked in the paint studio. We were working with water colors. I was helping S______ paint. Sometimes its kinda hard to understand her but if I listen really closely I can understand what she is saying. I really enjoy working with S. because I feel like when I work with her I get to know her a lot better.

"The projects we do are really fun. I could make paper all day long if I got the chance and everyone involved with the projects we do seems to thoroughly enjoy themselves."

Opportunities are available for both groups and individual students, ages 12 - 25. Most activities are scheduled Monday - Friday between 9 AM and 3 PM. Weekend and evening opportunities may also be arranged.

For more information call Deborah at VSA arts of New Mexico at 345-2875, ext. 18.