Washington, DC - Art in Embassies is pleased to announce its acceptance of the 40 Days Around The World Quilt, a unique work of art generously donated to the Department of State by former U.S. Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith on behalf of VSA Tennessee (a state affiliate of VSA, The International Organization on Arts, Education and Disability).

The quilt patches together a collection of colorful squares submitted by VSA affiliate artists from 36 different states and 39 countries. Serving as a reminder of the creative accomplishments and abilities of all people, it will be displayed at U.S. diplomatic facilities around the world for many years to come.

On Friday, July 24, the quilt will be presented to Art in Embassies at a special reception in the U.S. Capitol (10-12 p.m., Room HVC201). The event will feature a multimedia presentation by VSA Tennessee, as well as remarks by Art in Embassies Director Ellen Susman and the Honorable Jean Kennedy Smith. Although the event will be free and open to the public, advance registration is required. Please RSVP to Lori Kissinger This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (615) 210-8819 no later than July 20.

Art in Embassies plays a leading role in U.S. public diplomacy by promoting cross-cultural dialogue through the visual arts. As a premier example of a public-private partnership, with over 20,000 individual and institutional partners, AIE maintains a presence in more than 200 venues in 190 countries worldwide.