ARTS FESTIVAL KNOWS NO LIMITATIONS.

Byline: - Betty Kwong

They're coming. Painters, sculptors, actors, dancers, singers and musicians of many genres. Hundreds of artists with one thing in common - they happen to have a disability.

Very Special Artists, a nonprofit affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, hatched the idea five years ago.

Now the third annual International Art & Soul Festival comes to Los Angeles for the first time.

Actors Anthony Edwards and Marlee Matlin will host opening ceremonies for the festival that begins at 8 p.m. May 28 at the downtown California Plaza. Events continue May 29 through June 2 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel. And it's all free to the public.

A panel of judges selected the top artists, from novices to professionals, who will be showcased in this year's event. The artists represent 38 states and 37 countries, and their works are as diverse as their personal stories - from the abstract, impressionistic paintings of legally blind Tara Arlene Innmon of Minnesota to the energetic performances of the London-based CandoCo Dance Company, a troupe of seven dancers, two of whom are in wheelchairs and another who has no legs.

The five-day celebration also includes ArtCareers 2000, an opportunity for artists and visitors with disabilities to hear about career options in the arts. The event, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 1, will include employer exhibits, guidance seminars and exhibitions.

For more information about the International Art & Soul Festival, call [phone], or visit Art & Soul's Web site at www.artandsoul.org. For questions about ArtCareers 2000, call [phone].

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Photo: The CandoCo Dance Company of London will perform at the third annual Art & Soul Festival, starting May 28.