Very special arts program planned

Singing, dancing, poetry.

The essence of a cultured civilization.

Students of all ages will host a very special arts performance titled "Essence" this Tuesday.

The performance is the culmination of a summer arts program, which includes the Merced County Office of Education's Orthopedically Handicapped and Deaf and Hard of Hearing programs and the Enrichment Center.

The Enrichment Center is an arts-based adult day program for people with developmental disabilities, provided by the Merced County Arts Council.

Student performers range from simply not being able to walk correctly, to severe learning disabilities.

The program is partially sponsored by VSA Arts of California (formerly Very Special Arts California), which works to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the arts and that schools, hospitals and business communities provide education, career training, and support in the arts -- through which children and adults with disabilities can improve their skills and enrich their lives.

The performance will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the main theater on the first floor at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center, 645 W. Main St., and is free to all.

On the third floor of the arts center, there will be activities for younger attendees beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The students will also have self-portraits in the lobby at the arts center.

For more information, call the arts center at (209) 388-1090.

-- Danielle Gaines