To paraphrase the chorus of a popular song of some years back, "everybody may be a star - but it's difficult to shine when you don't have a home, or don't have enough to eat, or your neighborhood is filled with crime, poverty and violence". The mission of the VSA Arts of Vermont's HOME IN THE ARTS PROGRAM is to provide the children of Burlington's Old North End - Vermont's poorest, most blighted inner-city neighborhood - with an opportunity to shine. Through the power of art, children and young adolescents can be stars as actors, painters, sculptors, dancers and writers. And, most importantly, VSA Arts of Vermont provides these opportunities to homeless and low-income children for FREE.

The 32-week, twice weekly program is conducted with the Committee On Temporary Shelter and the Riverside Housing Community. These sessions are run by professional, trained arts instructors who are neighborhood residents and can continue to serve as mentors and role models to the children and young adolescents after the end of class. HOME IN THE ARTS includes drama, dance, music and the visual arts, and sponsors exhibits and public performances by the participants. These public displays of the kids' creative talents create a much-needed opportunity for achievement and the recognition of their successes.