March Winds Blow Congrats to VSA Florida Students of the Month from Charlotte and Brevard Counties
VSA Florida is proud to announce Gianna Lanza from Palm Bayand Nathanial Kittredge from Punta Gorda, Florida as the VSA Florida March Students of the Month. Both of these students have figured out how to connect with others around them through their visual arts.Here is a brief view of why we selected these wonderful student artists to be recognized this month:
Gianna Lanza
Twelve year old Gianna Lanza,serves as an art role model for others at Westside Elementary School in Brevard County and is known for her amazing attitude which is reflected in her artwork and social interactions daily. Her teacher, Stacey MacDonald tells us, “Gianna has an overwhelming amount of talent”, and unknowingly draws others into becoming involved in art due to the leadership role she takes and contagious enthusiasm. “She is truly a one of a kind, talented and respected artist at Westside”, MacDonald writes, “with integrity”!
At times, Gianna has struggled with academia; however her reading level has improved four grade levels in the past 2 years, a testament to arts and learning. Gianna was the 2013 VSAFL Brevard County Holiday Cart Contest winner, she is a member of the Westside Elementary Art Club and participates in mentoring younger students in the club.
Nathaniel Kittredge
Nathaniel Kittredge’s diverse interest in drama, theater and now visual arts, exemplify how through the arts, he makes a connection and communicates with the world around him. He uses his art to “relate to people, and to share my faith and the value that people have. I need them to see their personality shine through and they can see their value.” Nominator and Florida High School High Tech Program Coordinator, Angela Hemstreet writes, Angela Hemstreet writes, “Nate has shown marked personal growth and maturity; he is focused and passionate about his drawings. His art has the dual purpose of expressing himself and communicating with others.” She tells us that “Nate gets that art is communication”.
Among other things, Nate is involved with his faith-based youth group, shadowed at a local food pantry stocking shelves and has participated in a service learning project at the UF Extension Demonstration Garden revitalizing a butterfly garden. When asked about his autism he shared that he believes it is his gift and that through his artistic expression, “I think my art can help others.”