A Very Special Arts Festival 2025

A Very Special Arts Festival is a one of a kind event that celebrates Knox County Students with diverse abilities and the various artistic skills they are learning in the classroom. The event is not a competition, but an opportunity for students with disabilities to share their talents, works of art, and accomplishments with the community. Through this event, we hope to encourage and stimulate feelings of self-worth within these students.

 

This event includes various activities including dancing, games, karaoke, and art making. Workshops of “make and take” arts and crafts, demonstrations, exhibits of artwork, and performances are all elements of the festival. Students will enjoy spending time with local mascot/character favorites, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, a DJ, and more!

 

This years theme is "Reach the Summit"

 

Transportation: Buses can arrive as early as 9:00 am. If you are concerned about the cost of transportation, Dogwood Arts would like to help cover some of the cost in the amount of up to $150.00 per school. Please email Raina@dogwoodarts.com to inquire about assistance if you haven’t already. 

Once You Arrive: You will check in with the Registration Desk first. You will be provided a map of the school including where the changing rooms and restrooms are located. Once you enter the Main Gym, there will be signs for each school in the bleachers. There will be a peer tutor from West High School assigned to each school to help with directions and general questions. As you wait for the assembly, students are free to dance and run around the gym. 

 

Activities: Students will have the opportunity to participate in making art guided by UTK’s Special Education Department’s students. This is a chance for students to get hands-on experience with students of all ages and different abilities. We will have DJ Dre Hilton back again this year. There is always a dance party and karaoke when he is around! There will be face painting, baseball activities, and so much more!

Art Display:  Optional 

We would love for your class to make artwork to display at the event. Whether it’s an individual or a class project, everyone enjoys seeing their art displayed in the gym entrance hall. Please make sure you pick up the artwork as you leave the festival.

Lunch: Dogwood Arts will provide pizza and drinks/water for educators and support staff/nurses.  Please ask any peer tutors to bring their lunch. 

Peer Tutors: West High School will provide one peer tutor per school to help with directions and other logistics.

Nurse Needs On-site: If you have any nursing needs, consult your school nurse before the trip. 

PT Needs: If you have students who require a safety device who haven't ridden a school bus this year, please contact your PT.

 

Media Releases: We will have professional photos taken at the festival. Should you have a student who doesn’t have a media release permission on file, please request a sticker to put on their back as you arrive at the Registration Desk.

 

We are looking forward to having your students participate in this special day planned JUST FOR THEM! 

 

Dogwood Arts + West High School + UTK’s Special Education Department’s

 

If you are concerned about the cost of transportation, Dogwood Arts would like to help cover some of the cost in the amount of up to $150.00 per school.

 

Please fill out the information below, and we will be in contact with you to finalize the payment. 

A Very Special Arts Festival has been held at West High School since the 1980s. Each year, it becomes a place where creativity shines brightest—bringing together Knox County students with disabilities to explore music, dance, visual arts, and performance in a safe, joyful, and empowering environment. For many of these students, this festival is the highlight of their school year. For some schools, transportation costs are the biggest hurdle. This year, we’re aiming to cover $150 of each school’s bus fee—about $2,500 total—so that every student has the chance to participate, regardless of budget limitations. Your gift will directly open the door for these young artists to experience a day of connection, expression, and celebration. Your gift will also go towards lunch for the hardworking educators, nurses, and support staff who dedicate their time and resources to support their students. Whether you give $25, $150, or more, you’re helping ensure that no child misses out and the teachers feel supported! Thank you for supporting this unforgettable day. Together, we can bring every student to the festival—and send them home inspired. With gratitude, [Your Name] [Your Title / Organization]

Each year, the Very Special Arts Festival brings together students with disabilities from all over Knox County for a day filled with creativity, performance, and joy—but for many schools, the cost of transportation is the biggest barrier to attending. By sponsoring our Bus Fund, you’ll help cover the $2,500 needed to pay for every class’s bus, ensuring that no student misses out because of transportation costs. We hope to help cover $150 of the transportation costs for each school. Each bus costs $300 a day. Your support will directly open the door for these young artists to experience a day that inspires, empowers, and celebrates their talents.