May16

What’s Shakin’ at the SHACK?!

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What’s Shakin’ at the SHACK?!

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With only five more weeks of school left and dance, gymnastics and sports wrapping up for the season, parents are surely thinking of what they are going to do to keep their kids, tweens and teens busy. We have a summer jam-packed with fun for your toddler, preschooler, tween or teen. There’s always something fun going on at the SHACK, Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids!

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE SHACK:

~Sun 5/19 Free drum circle at 3pm. Bring your own drum or play one of Lydia’s Djembes, hand drums or maracas. Fun for the whole family!

~Sat 5/25 Quack at the SHACK for the Lion’s Club Duck Race! 10-4pm. We will have SHACK artists doing face painting by the river and crafts. Up at the studio we will be giving away free snow cones & drawing on comfort quilts. THEN, as if that were not enough, at 4pm we will have a puppet show  in the studio with a special guest author Will Jay who is doing a book signing for his new book, How Should I Ask?

~Weds 5/29 SHACK Girls’ Night Out Vendor Fair fundraiser at the Newtown United Methodist Church, food, wine, vendors, raffles & fun! 6-9pm

~Sat 6/1 The SHACK Theatre Troupe is proud to present “GRIMM’s FAIRY TALES!” at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 85 Mt Pleasant Rd Newtown (Rt 25/6). The show begins at 7pm, doors open at 6:30pm. We will have a Chinese auction raffle & refreshments available for a small donation. Tickets are $12 each for adults & $6 each for kids. Tickets can be purchased by mail or in our studio.

~Fri 6/7 THE CRANES ARE COMING!!! ALL THE WAY FROM KOBE JAPAN!!!! 1,000 hand folded paper cranes, along with the artists who created them for Sandy Hook, are coming to the SHACK to do a paper folding Origami workshop from 4-6pm. All ages are welcome. Newtown Strong Therapy Dogs will be on hand for love and hugs.

FOR ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOLERS – TUESDAYS: Beginning on Tuesday, June 4th, elementary, intermediate & middle school students are invited to come by the SHACK after school for a drop-in art session from 4-6pm. The cost is $12 for the 2-hour session which includes a supply fee. Explore clay, water colors, painting on canvases, paper sculpture, sewing & more! Try something new each week!

FOR TEENS (9th-12th): Beginning in July – THURSDAYS! Teen Open Mic Night every Thursday from 6-9pm. $5 suggested donation. Bring your guitar, hand drums, ukulele and showcase your talent with fellow local musicians. Coffeehouse setting, light munchies, board games & more!

FOR TWEENS (5th-8th): Beginning in July – TUESDAYS! Tween Karaoke Night every Tuesday from 6-9pm. $5 suggested donation. Bring your friends and your voice and showcase your talent with fellow pop/rock star wannabes! Coffeehouse setting, light munchies, board games & more!

*ONGOING: We are currently enrolling for our June/July Irish Dance session (click here for more info on Irish Dance Class), as well as our Summer Sessions in art, children’s musical theatre & more (click here for more info on summer session)! Classes for toddler-teen.

For more information about our classes, workshops, events and art/music & pet therapy sessions, please email or call us at the studio: 203-304-9555 sandyhookartscenter@gmail.com

May14

Gilleoghan Irish Dance to Offer Irish Dance Classes at the SHACK

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Gilleoghan Irish Dance to Offer Irish Dance Classes at the SHACK

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On Mondays beginning June 8th Catie Thorne, a Champion Irish Dance Teacher, will be holding dance classes at the SHACK for beginners of all ages!

Classes will run on Mondays from June 3rd through July 8th for 45 minutes. No need for fancy attire; a pair of sneakers, shorts and a T-shirt will work just fine.  

Catie Thorne, TCRG, started her Irish dancing career in Danbury, CT at the age of five.
As a champion Irish step dancer Catie placed in the top 10 in all 10 New England Regional Championships, placing as high as 2nd, qualifying for the World Irish Dance Championships 5 times. She competed in numerous North American, All-Ireland and World Championships for solos as well as teams. Catie is excited to join the SHACK this summer to share her love of Irish culture and dance!

The Gilleoghan Irish Dance School is a fully rounded and comprehensive Irish Cultural Program that is available to residents from all over Connecticut. Their programs will offer not only Irish Dance in its various formats, but also Irish Music and Language.

They are Connecticut’s only Irish Dance Studio that offers:

  • International Level Solo Dancing
  • International Level Team Dancing
  • Dance Drama
  • Adult Programs – Competitive and Recreational
  • Show Style Dancing
  • Irish Language (Gaelic) classes
  • Formal Childrens’ Dance Education and Examinations complying with Irish Dance Commission standards
  • Preparatory instruction for Teaching Diplomas complying with Irish Dance Commission standards
  • Connecticut’s only dance studio with World Championship teachers on staff

Gilleoghan is located at 170 Greenwood Ave in Downtown Bethel.

Classes will run on Mondays from 5-5:45pm  from June 3rd through July 8th. The cost is $90 per student for the 6-week session plus a $25 annual registration fee. Sign up by 5/18/13 and we will waive the registration fee! To register for classes please email sandyhookartscenter@gmail.com For further questions please call Gilleoghan Irish Dance at 203.616.5100 or call the SHACK at 203-304-9555.

May7

Upcoming Events & Workshops at the SHACK

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UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS AT THE SHACK

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INTRODUCING Drop in rates & punch cards! Our drop-in rate for classes are $15 per class for any 5 classes. But a card of 5 classes for $75 OR save $15 and buy a punch card for any 10 classes for only $135. During the first few weeks we ask that you call the morning of the day you would like to take class. Not all classes are full & we want to be sure we have a teacher there for you! :)

~Messy Mondays for Toddlers & Preschoolers 9:30-10:30am, explorations in art with various textures: sand, shaving cream, clay, goop & lots more!

~Tuesdays- Cultural Music & Movement with Art Around the World for toddles & preschoolers, explore a new culture each week through art, music & movement 9:30-10:30am

~Tuesdays 3.30-4:30pm Sewing & Textiles for Middle School students. Learn how to sew a toy, a bag, a pillow and other creative textile projects that will teach you the basics of sewing, knitting and other crafts!

~Tuesdays 4:45-5:45pm Sewing & Textiles for Elementary School students. Learn how to sew a toy, a bag, a pillow and other creative textile projects that will teach you the basics of sewing, knitting and other crafts!

~Wednesdays- 4:45-5:45pm Elementary-Middle School art charcoal, pastels, drawing, watercolor

~Thursdays Recycled art at 3:30 & Drawing/Cartooning at 4:45

~Fridays – Puppet Making for toddlers & preschoolers, 9:30-10:30am, paper bag puppets, felt puppets, stick puppets, sock puppets, marionettes & more!

~FREE MONTHLY Pop-In Art Sessions – Every FIRST Friday from 4-5:30pm at the SHACK, 100 Church Hill Rd Suite #104, Sandy Hook. PLEASE NOTE: Due to a shortage on funding and supplies, our free weekly pop-in art sessions will now be held on a MONTHLY basis. The monthly pop-in-art sessions will be held on the first Friday of the month from 4-5:30 through June – next one is Fri. June 7th.

~5/19/13: FREE Family Drum circle, 3:00pm

~5/25/13: Lion’s Club Duck Race 10am-3pm. Puppet show at the SHACK at 4pm, $7 suggested donation per person includes face painting, crafts & snow cones. Comfort quilt decorating, face painting & snow cones all day, donations accepted to fund our ongoing free programs & workshops.

For more information about our classes, workshops, events and art/music & pet therapy sessions, please email or call us at 203-304-9555 sandyhookartscenter@gmail.com

May4

Newtown Fifth Graders Inspired by Charlotte Bacon Spread a “Chain of Love”

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Newtown Fifth Graders Inspired by Charlotte Bacon Spread a “Chain of Love” ~ By Kirsten Tuz

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Left to right: Shannon Jackman, Lindsay Dievert and Natalie Horn. Photo by Kirsten Tuz

On Friday, May 3, 2013, the SHACK hosted Charlotte Bacon Chain of Love and Cards for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  The Charlotte Bacon Act of Kindness Award was introduced to Karen King’s 5th grade class at Reed Intermediate School by Newtown Kindness whose mission is to encourage acts of kindness in children.  Students Shannon Jackman 11, Lindsay Dievert 11 and Natalie Horn 10 got together to spread love in the name of Charlotte. Like a chain letter, recipients receive a paper heart with words of love. The recipient then makes copies and sends to 10 friends. When you receive your “Love” they are encouraged to write a note or submit a photo to their Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/Charlottebaconchainoflove.

The Charlotte Bacon Act of Kindness saw participation from thousands of children around the world in 8 weeks.  Each submission was recognized, however the top 8 awards were announced during a ceremony on Charlotte’s birthday, February 22nd.  During this ceremony, Shannon, Lindsay and Natalie received an award for their Charlotte Bacon Chain of Love.  Today they have hearts in 20 languages from 16 countries and have reach over 10,000 people virally.  Friday’s event was a way for them to extend their original efforts by involving the Newtown Community and supporting the children at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital where all cards and hearts will be sent.

Over 100 children showed up at the SHACK from ages 18 months to 18 years with many parents also making cards and hearts.  The girls provided all of the materials to make the cards and hearts and left them behind as a donation to the SHACK for hosting their event.  Newtown Kindness was present shooting footage for a Kindness Video featuring children and what they think Kindness is.  The SHACK would also like to thank Newtown Strong and their therapy dogs for greeting the children and as always bringing the smiles.

Apr23

Charlotte Bacon’s Chain of Love at the S.H.A.C.K.

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Charlotte Bacon’s Chain of Love at the S.H.A.C.K.

Screen shot 2013-04-23 at 8.46.49 AMPlease join Charlotte Bacon’s Chain of Love on Friday, May 3rd from 2:30-4:30 pm (an early release days for all Newtown Schools) at the S.H.A.C.K at 100 Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook to spread love in the name of Charlotte Bacon to benefit the patients in St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.   Help create  hand-made cards for the children in St. Jude’s hospital to put smiles on their faces. St. Jude’s is a hospital that treats children fighting cancer and other deadly diseases.  The card making event is open to all ages. Charlotte Bacon’s Chain of Love was created by three 5th grade students at Reed Intermediate School in Newtown, CT to honor her life and her love and pass it along! Their mission is to spread love all in the name of Charlotte Bacon.

Donations gladly accepted to benefit St. Jude’s and the S.H.A.C.K.

For more information go to their Facebook page at Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/CharlotteBaconChainOfLove

 

Apr21

Presenting Our Summer Sessions: Art, Theatre, Music & More!

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Presenting Our Summer Sessions: Art, Theatre, Music & More!
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This summer The S.H.A.C.K. will offer 7 weeks of art, music & theatre-based summer activities with special projects each day.
Each week focus on a special theme with arts and crafts based around that theme each day. Each Friday at 6pm at the end of the session, children will perform an open-air outdoor theatre production. Families may bring their own food and drinks or get take-out from any of our local Sandy Hook businesses and enjoy theatre under the sky performed by their children! Bring lawn chairs, blankets, sunscreen and bug spray! :)
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During the daytime session of programming, we will  enjoy outdoor playtime, an area for children to eat lunch, go on nature trail hikes, enjoy splatter art and play fun and COOL water games! Children are encouraged to “dress the part” for each week’s theme. Our summer sessions are open to children ages 5-12 years old and includes the cost of supplies. Children should bring their own lunch, drink & snacks. The sessions run from 9-12, 12-3pm or 3-6pm each day. The half-day 9am-12pm or 12-3pm session is $150/week. Extended play is available until 6pm for an additional fee. Book multiple sessions and receive a discount. Call for details.
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Special guests will visit the SHACK each week. You never know just who might show up! Maybe Ms. Michel, our ukulele instructor, Ms. Janine our children’s entertainer who teaches sing & sign or Ms Lydia, our drum circle leader and percussion instructor. Or maybe it will be our furry friends from Newtown Strong Therapy Dogs?! Your child is sure to enjoy all the creative activities in store for them during each jam-packed and fun-filled week!
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Week #1) June 24-29 ~ Summer Safari Art, Theatre & More! Set your compass for fun and bring your child to a jungle safari with us! Animal art projects and creative movement will have your child acting out their animal instincts and learning about all of the beautiful and amazing creatures that live in the jungle. Morning session will include musical theatre “The Lion King” & afternoon session will include set painting & crafts to go along with our production. A production of The Lion King will be held at the studio on Friday June 29th at 6pm.

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Week #2) July 1-5 (no class on 7/4)  ***FREE CULTURAL ARTS & MOSAIC PROGRAM PRESENTED BY JOHANNA MARTINEZ OF TUSCON, AZ. Stay tuned for more details.

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Week #3) July 8-12 ***FREE CULTURAL ARTS & MOSAIC PROGRAM PRESENTED BY JOHANNA MARTINEZ OF TUSCON, AZ. Stay tuned for more details.

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Week #4) July 15-19 ~ Circus Stars! Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, sep right up to the greatest circus in Sandy Hook! Kids can become a circus star for the week and live out their wildest circus dreams. Fly on a trapeze, tame a lion or clown around at this fun-filled art, music and theatre program. Kids will perform a mini circus, “The Greatest Show in Sandy Hook,” complete with popcorn and cotton candy, at the end of the week on Friday, July 19th at 6pm.

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Week #5) July 22-26 ~ Unicorns, Dragons & Dreams, Oh My! Fantasy week will consist of lots of pretend play, imagination and of course beautiful art projects. Kids will paint a huge play castle, ride on a rainbow to the land of make believe and explore all of their hopes, wishes and wildest dreams. Children will perform an original play, “Unicorns, Dragons & Dreams, Oh My!” at the end of the session on Friday, July 26th at 6pm.

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July 29-Aug 2 ~ ***CLOSED FOR VACATION***

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Week #6) Aug 5-9 ~Morning session, 9am-12pm for ages 5-11. Underwater Adventures & Fishing for Fun! Children will make fish of all shapes and sizes out of many different materials each day and enjoy a colorful underwater adventure. Make a seashell craft, sand art, scaly fish sculpture & much more! Water games and activities will keep kids cool while having loads of fun! Children will perform “The Little Mermaid”  at the end of the session on Friday, July 26th at 6pm.

***FREE COMMUNITY THEATRE PROGRAM FOR GRADES 6-12*** afternoon session 1-4pm ages 12+ up

Students will perform an original play that they will create at the end of the session on Friday, August 9th at 6pm.

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Week #7) Aug 12-16  ~ Princesses & Pirates Theatre & Art! Get ready for an adventure filled week of princess fairy tales, pirate battles and your child’s very own happily ever after story. Children will enjoy theatre games, learn a mini play and create a keepsake journal that tells the story of their “Once Upon a Time.”  A production of the SHACK’s original play, “Cinderella meets Captain Hook” will be held at the studio on Friday August 16th at 6pm.

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To register your child, please email sandyhookartscenter@gmail.com for a registration form. Please call 203-304-9555 for more information.

Apr17

The S.H.AC.K. is Partnering with Connecticut Music Therapy Services to Provide Free Programs for the Community

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The S.H.AC.K. is Partnering with Connecticut Music Therapy Services to Provide

Free Programs for the Community

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The S.H.A.C.K. is happy to be partnering with CT Music Therapy Services, LLC to offer the community free group music therapy sessions at our studio. Beginning on Saturday, May 11th, children, teens and families are invited to come and experience a music therapy session led by board certified professionals in the industry. Part healing, part music and all fun, CT Music Therapy Services, LLC’s programs are a wonderful addition to our mix of workshops and classes here at the S.H.A.C.K. Please email sandyhookartscenter@gmail.com to reserve your spot for  our first set of workshops on Saturday, May 11th. Time slots available are at:

12:00 – 3-6 year old
1:00 – 7-11 year old
2:00 – ages 12 and up
3:00- family group- mixed ages

This program is supported, in part, by the American Music Therapy Association and through the generous funding of the Brenda H. Kaplan Music Therapy Fund.Call 203-304-9555 for more information.

About CT Music Therapy Services, LLC–

Connecticut Music Therapy Services, LLC has been providing music therapy throughout the state of CT since 2005. We help people with a variety of physical, communicative and emotional needs, using music as our intervention modality. We work with individuals of all ages in a wide variety of settings, including schools, homes, nursing homes, private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation settings, and many others.

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program (AMTA). Music therapists are highly trained individuals who have completed a 4-year degree in music therapy or the equivalent, an internship, and have passed the Board Certification Exam in Music Therapy to receive the credential MT-BC. Continuing education is required to maintain the MT-BC credential. Many of the music therapists in our practice have received masters degrees in music therapy as well.

Why CT Music Therapy, LLC is here–

It is important for Sandy Hook families to understand that music therapy is not just making music together with or for others, performing music in public, attending drum circles, etc. Based upon each individual’s needs we are trained to create musical interventions which can help in a variety of areas, for example developing stress management, creative expression, communication, social support, resilience, and positive coping. Like any other type of therapy the client-therapist relationship is private and confidential.

Because we have been called upon to provide services to those impacted by the events of 12/14, we are reaching out to community organizations like SHACK to help the community increase their awareness of the availability of music therapy during this challenging time.

S.H.A.C.K. Session Description–

During MT sessions, a variety of interventions take place which may include singing, movement, listening to music, songwriting, song discussion, improvisation, instrument playing, etc. MT sessions at S.H.A.C.K. are grouped based on the age of participants, and the music is based on their preferences and interests. Parents are welcome and encouraged to participate with their child, or allow music therapy sessions to be a time for independence, as may be the case with older participants.

Special note: Unlike individual music therapy, in community based music therapy sessions, experiences are focused on development/maintenance of resilience and community support/ participation, rather than in-depth processing.