Home > News Releases > State to Honor Oshkosh Resident with Career Achievement Award

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development News Release
Friday, October 8, 2004 Governor Jim Doyle Secretary Roberta Gassman	News Media Contact Chris Marschman   608/261-6705 e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us fax: 608/266-1784

State to Honor Oshkosh Resident with Career Achievement Award

Madison - The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) presented Jonathan Wos with a Career Achievement Award today at the UW Oshkosh Fine Arts and Communications building.

"Jonathan's positive attitude and open mind turned obstacles into open doors of opportunity, and I am proud to recognize him for his achievements," said DWD Secretary Roberta Gassman.

As a child, Jonathan took several trips to Washington D.C., not for pleasure or part of family vacations, but because he was born with a condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, causing brittle bones. He participated in research at the National Institutes of Health.

Today, trips to Washington D.C. have taken a different purpose, as Jonathan has pursued a career in fine arts. In 2003, Jonathan was awarded the grand prize in the VSA Arts Road Trip - A Journey of Discovery competition. In 2004, the same organization recognized Jonathan by inviting him to participate in their International Festival.

DVR Administrator Charlene Dwyer said, “Our agency is so proud to have been a partner in Jonathan’s success and we look forward to enjoying more of his art as he develops his talents and continues in his career.” DVR is the state agency that provides employment services to people with disabilities.

Jonathan’s successful, and still blossoming, career began as a hobby. As a child, bone fractures would often confine him to his bed, and drawing became a way to occupy his time. Jonathan said of art, “It’s always been in my life.” He began to consider art as a profession when a drawing he donated was purchased at a fund raising auction for the Make a Wish Foundation.

He is currently a student in the Fine Arts program at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, with an emphasis in drawing and sculpture, which includes glass, ceramics and stained glass.

After graduation, Jonathan hopes to open his own studio and continue his career as an artist. “I want to see where it takes me.”

For more information, including pictures of Jonathan's work, please visit http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dvr/

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Content Contact: Rose Lynch

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