A message from nationally acclaimed artist P. Buckley Moss

"I wonder where I would be but for art. I was a hopeless student, thought to be lazy and uncooperative. My problem was, and still is, being dyslexic. Through no fault of my own, I could not learn from the normal teaching process.

About 12% of the world's population had some form of learning difference. Many of them never overcome their problems, fail in their education, and end up classified as failures, and, all too often, on the wrong side of the law.

Among those of us who are learning different, there is an above normal talent for the arts in their various forms.

I was fortunate; my mother was a dress designer and I learned design from her. I went to the Washington Irving School where the arts were a hig priority. I failed in everthing but my art. Through my success in the art classes, I started to gain confidence. The feelings of hopelessness grew less, and I saw a value in myself, and I saw a future.

I hate to think what would have happened to me if I had not received the opportunity and encouragement to paint and draw. Today, every child who has a learning problem should have the opportunity to express himself or herself through the arts.

I am very pleased to have been invited to be a part of the Virginians for the Arts. When government can no longer provide funding for the Arts, it is incumbent on all of concerned citizens to rally and keep alive this vital part of our society."

P. Buckley Moss