SAC Staff Member Named Artist of the Year

Joan Fabian, visual resource technician in Creative Multimedia, received the honor from Texas organization

San Antonio College (SAC) staff member Joan Fabian, visual resource technician in the Office of Creative Multimedia, has been honored as “Artist of the Year” for 2018 by VSA Texas the State Organization on Arts and Disability. Fabian received the award this fall.

Fabian received the first ever Haven Allen Artist of the Year Award from VSA Texas. The award was created to highlight “an artist with a disability who, through a one-time creative act or a substantial record achievement, embodies the vision of VSA Texas.” The award is named in honor of Forrest Haven Street Allen, a past board member of the organization.

"It sure was a suprise to receive this award as well as a great honor. I was just doing what I do and it happened!" Fabian said. 

In announcing the Artist of the Year award, VSA Texas called Fabian “an accomplished abstract artist” whose artwork has been exhibited around the world, including Togo, Africa; Delft, Holland; and Rotterdam, The Netherlands. She was a CIES Fulbright Scholar in Pakistan and has received numerous awards and commendations from Texas, U.S. museums, and foundations.   

Established in 1996, VSA Texas challenges perceptions of how people contribute by creating an arts-inspired, inclusive community of individuals with diverse abilities. The organization partners with supporters, volunteers, community organizations, educators, and state and local governments across Texas to promote and facilitate people with and without disabilities working together to create inclusive and strong communities.

To see Fabian’s work, visit her website at http://www.joanfabian.com .