AWARD WINNER – Talented artist targets music as his life's ambition

St. Albans resident Derren Jean was the only New York State student to be recognized during the international VSA Arts contest &#8220A View From My Window.”
The children's exhibit was for students with disabilities in kindergarten through 12th grade. Children were asked to enter a piece of artwork showing a view of their life that was unique. Of the entries, ten winners were selected.
Jean, who is an 18-year-old senior at the Queens High School of Teaching, said that his painting shows what he hopes he'll see in the future.
&#8220I made a music office,” said Jean, who has Down syndrome. &#8220After high school, I want to be in the music business.”
Jean, who has always been creating artwork, said that he wants to work in the music industry and have an office overlooking Madison Square Garden. He said he would one day like to work with artists such as Usher or Daddy Yankee.
As one of the winners, Jean went to Washington, D.C., along with his father, Frank, for the art exhibition's opening at Union Station.
&#8220It was pretty good,” Jean said. &#8220I think Washington was very nice.”
While in Washington, Jean met with Senator Hillary Clinton, who had called and asked him to come to her office. She spoke with Jean and his father and also took pictures with them.
&#8220I was happy with the fact that I had the opportunity to meet with her,” Frank Jean said. &#8220She showed us that she was very interested.”
&#8220It was an honor to meet Derren and congratulate him on being selected to exhibit his artwork on the national stage,” Clinton said. &#8220Wonderfully creative and talented, Derren is an inspiration. I am thrilled that so many people will have a chance to see his artwork and understand how important art is to people with disabilities.”
Jean said that Clinton now has something in her office to remember him by.
&#8220I gave my painting to her,” said Jean, whose favorite school subject is reading.
Frank Jean, who said he was proud of his son, also liked that this contest would show people what the disabled can accomplish.
&#8220I thought it was a pretty good experience because it's giving the impression that a disabled person can do the same as a normal person,” he said. &#8220I was really happy for him.”