Tag Archives: Healing Sandy Hook

Apr9

Spring Has Sprung at the S.H.A.C.K.!

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Spring Has Sprung! And the S.H.A.C.K.’s Creative Programs Have Begun!

 

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Spring is finally here and we are gearing up to participate in some GREAT events to celebrate warm weather,  beautiful surroundings and new beginnings. Please see our events list below and share with anyone you think would be interested in attending. We are a non-profit and could use as much help as possible getting the word out to fund our ongoing free programs in art, music & pet therapy. Thank you!

Mon Apr 15-Fri Apr 19 Spring Break Camps at The Shack! 9am-12pm or 1pm to 4pm. $40 suggested donation per session of $70 per day. Drumming, Sculpture, puppet making, musical theatre, Improv, art & more! Call for details 203-304-9555

Sat Apr 20th from 11am-1pm Sing & Sign with Ms Janine! $7 suggested donation or $25 max per family.

Sun Apr 21 FREE Healing Family Drum Circle w/Lydia Smith. Percussion instruments will be provided or bring your own. Space is limited. Register by emailing sandyhookartscenter@gmail.com

Fri Apr 26 Teen Karaoke Night. 7-9pm under the tent at the Shack. $5 suggested donation

Sat Apr 27 ~ 3 Events!!!

  • 11am-4pm at the SHACK: Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity’s “Spring Fling” Block Party! Face painting, snow cones, art projects, food & fun!
  • 10am-4pm at Newtown Earth Day at Newtown Middle School. The SHACK will have a booth where kids can make recycled art projects out of found objects.
  • 7pm-9pm at the SHACK: Open Mic Night under the tent! Bring your guitar, instrument of voice and jam under the tent. $10 Suggested donation to benefit ongoing free programming at the Shack. Register by emailing sandyhookartscenter @gmail.com or call 203-304-9555 for more information

Sun Apr 28 You are invited to our “Visions of Tomorrow” Art Show & Auction to benefit the Shack. Presented by Bear Givers, Inc. Come bid on art work donated by Sandy Hook students, Newtown High School Creative Cultural Arts Council students, Sen. Joseph Lieberman, Regis Philbin, Edie Falco & more! Live broadcast by Radio 104.1fm. Live music by Guy Tino & friends. Route 7 Music guitar raffle! Complimentary hors de oeuvres provided by Sandy Hook Deli & Sandy Hook Wine & Liquor.

Mar4

Award Winning Los Angeles Music Producer Launches “Love is the Answer” Campaign in Support of Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids

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Love is the Answer-03-03
Award Winning Los Angeles Music Producer Launches “Love is the Answer” Campaign
in Support of Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids (The S.H.A.C.K.)
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When Los Angeles music producer Nathan Duvall heard of the tragedy in Sandy Hook he knew he had to do something to help. He understands the power of music and its ability to inspire the listening audience to act.  As music publisher, producer, and music supervisor, Duvall  has contributed to some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters that have generated over a billion dollars in ticket sales combined.
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In 1998, Duvall established the music department for motion picture advertising company The Ant Farm. Duvall produced the trailer scores for the Lord of Rings Trilogy including the worldwide hit “Requiem for a Tower” from the Two Towers feature campaign and contributed to Key Art Awards “Best In Show” winners Unbreakable & Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring.
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Music publishing success allowed Duvall to debut record label Corner Stone Cues in 2006. “Requiem for a Tower” was the first release and became a worldwide licensing phenomenon in sports and product advertising including licensees such as the Olympics, Super Bowl, NBA, NFL, Sky Sports Theme, and Boston Celtics. The Eton Path release from 2007 boasts an adaptation of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” currently featured in Disney’s John Carter feature trailer.
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Nathan tells why he wanted to help The S.H.A.C.K. in his own words:
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After the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary I took a personal inventory and found myself feeling guilty and partly responsible for not participating more in the community. Sure I may pick up trash on my run each morning or donate time to tree conservation or dog shelters but not much with children and adults.
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Some of my best memories were years spent as a summer camp counselor. I remembered how much fun the kids had when you introduced loud music and games based on keeping time, dancing, clapping as one big group.
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When my wife and I made our 2013 New Years resolutions it hit me like a thunderbolt that I should resolve to bring some of that summer magic to Sandy Hook. I spoke to artist Mr. Biscuit and asked him to build a logo/design based on the idea  ”Love Is The Answer” so we could outfit the kids with t-shirts and empower them with music. We would then take the idea to the school district and see if we could hold an event with this theme for the children and parents.
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It was incredibly difficult to reach almost anyone in the Newtown School Superintendent’s office. They were besieged by press and people like me who wanted to help. Somewhere in that quest the Giggling Pig’s “Heart Project” popped up so I called them for help. Hannah Perry from the Giggling Pig was super helpful and said that I should consider collaborating with The Shack.
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That led me to Wendy Leahy Mitchell who explained that The Shack is all about helping kids and adults express themselves through arts, crafts, and music. The icing was the fact that Animal Assisted Therapy Services was sponsoring The Shack for their 501c registration and provided dogs at some events, “Are you kidding me? Kids, dogs, and adults working together at FUN! Dude, count me in!”
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Wendy explained The Shack needs $50,000 to make a big difference by hiring licensed therapists and teachers. My hope is to begin a national campaign of awareness helping people understand that if they get young children ages 6-11 to play constructively as a group we will build a generation of healthy leaders.
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We decided to establish a crowd funded project on indiegogo.com titled “Love Is The Answer” to serve both our purposes. The mission is to raise $250,000 gross and allocate 50% net to The Shack, 25% Mr Biscuit, and 25% to my company Corner Stone Cues.
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Our dream is to raise $50,000 for The Shack and see 12,000 or more people on Facebook wearing a Love Is The Answer shirt. Then we will hold our first music event with The Shack in Sandy Hook and show kids and their caretakers how to empower themselves with music.
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We can create a new beginning right now….we just need to believe that Love Is The Answer.
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Love is the Answer is selling t-shirts, baby onesies and tote bags to spread the message of love and help the Sandy Hook community. To order your Love is the Answer tee or tote, please click here.
Feb20

Newtown High School Creative Cultural Arts Council Partners With The S.H.A.C.K. to Help Sandy Hook Heal Through the Arts

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Newtown High School Creative Cultural Arts Council Partners With The S.H.A.C.K. to Help Sandy Hook Heal Through the Arts

Newtown High School Creative Cultural Arts Council members & volunteers.

Newtown High School Creative Cultural Arts Council members & volunteers.

Over the past 3 weeks the Newtown High School Creative Cultural Arts Council (CCAC) has provided volunteers for almost all of the free events and pop-in sessions that have been offered to the community at The S.H.A.C.K. What we have seen is an incredible group of young leaders who have given of their time and talents and have help put smiles on the faces of many who were directly affected by the tragedy. Below is an interview the S.H.A.C.K. held with the founders of the CCAC,  Newtown High School Juniors, Sarah Clements and Lindsay Fuori.

Sarah Clements–

Sarah Clements

Sarah Clements

Why/how/when did you start the CCAC?
We started the Creative Cultural Arts Council initially to help to promote high school artists (from writers to visual artists to musicians and more!) by putting on programs and events around town and within the high school alone. But shortly after what happened, there was sort of a natural shift of focus for our projects. The first meeting after, we sat around and spoke about all the different things we could do to help the town heal through the arts. We created a laundry list of ideas, some of which are for the long-term and some of which are happening now (like helping the SHACK, creating a mural in the high school that displays a sense of hope and moving forward, and aiding the youths in town through art). The CCAC is still doing what it initially was set out to do, but we now have a very refined and service-driven list of projects, which is a great thing!
 
How did you hear about the SHACK?
 
I heard about the SHACK on Facebook, actually. I saw a link for it and learned more about it. Finally, I got in touch with Wendy, to see if the CCAC could help in any way.
 
Why did you want to help?
 
When I saw what the SHACK was all about, I immediately wanted to help because it is such an important goal, and it is a similar one to the CCAC goal: help the young people in Newtown heal and move forward with love and hope through the arts. The SHACK is such a beautiful, intimate space that is literally an art shack. When you walk in, you smile because no matter what age you are, it feels safe and calming and pleasant. That is so important for us right now, so for the CCAC to be able to lend volunteers is an honor for us!
 
What does helping this project mean to you personally?
 
This project is incredibly personal to me. My mother is a teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School, I went there when I was younger, and I know every faculty member who works there. I have spent countless hours in that building, whether visiting or learning or helping set up classrooms for the new year. After what happened, I and everyone else needed some sort of assistance in healing, and we still do, I think. I am a very creative, artistic person: I love to write, play music, make short films, etc. so I knew after what happened that this was going to be one thing that would help me now and in the long run. Even if you are not an “artistic” person, per se, it is so important, no matter what age, to take a deep breath, sit down at a table, relax, and draw (or paint or play an instrument or take pictures or write). Especially in this moment, where there is no rulebook for how to deal with things, I truly believe that, as Governor Malloy said at the Interfaith Vigil, “We must act childlike, not childish”. I strongly believe that we all must express ourselves through the arts because otherwise, you could be holding our healing back. I think this project is personal to us all, which is why the SHACK means so much to Newtown.
 
What do you hope it will accomplish?
 
I think the SHACK has already accomplished so much: it has helped Newtown youth, it provides a safe, sacred space for people of all ages, and it uses a type of art therapy, in a way, to do so. I hope, though, that many people use the space and take part in the opportunity the SHACK offers. There have already been so many great events, and I encourage everyone to stop by and take an hour or two out of your busy days to relax and do something for yourself. I hope that the SHACK reaches its full outreach potential.
Lindsay Fuori–
Lindsay Fuori

Lindsay Fuori

Why/how/when did you start the CCAC?
Having known each other since Reed School, and having been in art classes together, Sarah and I often found ourselves talking about art projects and events we dreamed of one day doing. We planned out a day of art, de-stress days, and cafeteria performances. Sitting in Starbucks talking one day over the summer we decided we needed to make these ideas come to life. We created a proposal for a club that would foster creativity, innovation, and community connection and create an avenue for us to follow through with our ideas. Mr. Hiruo, an Assistant Principal at NHS loved the idea and gave us the support we needed to get started.
How did you hear about the SHACK?
Sarah was the one who originally heard of the SHACK. After Wendy came to visit the CCAC’s meeting I found the Facebook page and began looking into what the SHACK’s goals were.
Why did you want to help?
I found that the SHACK and the Arts Council stand for similar things. As I’ve grown in my art I’ve come to realize how important it is to advocate for the arts and give back. I remember art classes with Mrs. Gunn at SHS; she made me, and my peers, so excited about art. She was always so kind and loving, if we weren’t feeling up to the project that day there were tons of other artistic outlets around the room. That’s another reason I was so drawn to the SHACK: Sarah and I both went to SHS and went back to visit and lend a hand. That school, and the people in it mean so much to us and art is such a great tool for healing, if our passion and love for art might help someone else’s healing, we’re there.
What does helping this project mean to you personally?
In addition to the personal connection it has for me I also think it’s helping those who volunteer. The CCAC members who have been to the SHACK rave about it! It’s a blast, and it’s great to see all the smiling faces.
What do you hope it will accomplish?
I think the SHACK is a great place that is going to give kids something to smile about, and will support creativity in our youth. Life has become so scheduled and regimented and that’s a shame, but I’m confident that the SHACK will become a place of freedom and creativity for kids to forget the world outside, and be what they are: kids.

To support the ongoing efforts of the SHACK, please visit our fundraising page by clicking here.

Feb9

Gearing Up for our Grand Opening Saturday!

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Gearing Up for our Grand Opening Saturday!

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Today, we were supposed to have our Grand Opening Valentine’s Event, but due to Storm Nemo we had to postpone until next Saturday, Feb. 16th from 1:00-8:00p.m. Since (sort of) opening our doors last Sunday at our soft opening, we have been so grateful for the outpouring of love and support for The S.H.A.C.K. in our community and beyond.

Thursday we received hundreds of hearts from all over the country, courtesy of Hearts to Newtown, just in time for our Valentine’s Day Grand Opening event. Volunteers have also come out of the woodwork to offer help for our non-profit children’s arts center.

Newtown High School juniors Sarah Clements and Lindsay Fiori are the founders of NHS’s Creative Cultural Arts Council, a group of student artists striving to enhance recognition of student artists. Sarah contacted Wendy Mitchell, founder of The S.H.A.C.K., and offered ongoing support by way of volunteers, fundraising and marketing via video projects. Sarah said: “You are making such a difference and we can’t wait to help!”

Twelve-year-old Fraser Woods student Julia DiMartino contacted the S.H.A.C.K. after organizing an art drive as part of her community service Bat Mitzvah project. Julia collected art supplies, gift cards and materials for children to use at The S.H.A.C.K. She said she wanted to make an impact in the community. Julia said she wanted to help–

“Because the S.H.A.C.K. really stood out for me as being different. I want to help people and make an impact on the community. I want to support it so that it will be successful and help people.”
The S.H.A.C.K. has also received help from Fun Kuts for the Whole Family, Animal Assisted Therapy, Servpro of Newtown, Bob’s Discount Furniture,  and countless volunteers who have helped staff our center for our free community events. We are so grateful for the support. While February’s events are “free,” a suggested donation will be collected at the door at Saturday’s event to help cover overhead costs for our center.
For our Grand Opening this Saturday, Feb. 16th, we have a FABULOUS line-up of talented local musicians and artists planned and the schedule will run as follows:
1:30-2:15pm Sing & Sign with Ms. Janine (children’s entertainment)
2:30-4:00pm Family Ukulele Workshop with Michel Rae Driscoll
4-4:30pm Black Light Valentine’s Puppet Show $5 suggested donation
5-5:30pm Black Light Valentine’s Puppet Show $5 suggested donation
6-8:00pm The Knox Sisters & Kevin Luis, live acoustic music $7 suggested donation (cabaret style seating, which means B.Y.O. W. whatever you wish!)

Please R.S.V.P. to our Grand Opening event as space is limited by emailing your name, number of people attending and TIME SLOT (very important) to sandyhookartscenter@gmail.com or call 203-501-7424 for more information.  

Jan17

The S.H.A.C.K. Has a Home!

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The S.H.A.C.K. Has a Home!

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We are happy to announce that The S.H.A.C.K., also known as the Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids, has found a new home in Sandy Hook Center!

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We’ve never been so excited about getting a new key!

This key will open the door to countless ways children can explore, create, and express themselves through the arts. This key opens the door to the S.H.A.C.K., but opens a whole world of possibilities as well. Our new home is located at 100 Church Hill Road, Suite 104, Sandy Hook, CT. The building is the former location of “Life’s a Peach” gift shop and is a few doors down from 100 Church Hill, The Iron Bridge.  The space has plenty of parking in the large parking lot and a ramp on the side of the building making it handicap accessible and easy for parents with strollers.

The S.H.A.C.K. is in the process of obtaining our non-profit status and is currently operating under the umbrella of a well-established 501(c)3 organization, Animal Assisted Therapy Services, Inc. of West Haven (AATS). The S.H.A.C.K. will strive to bring healing through the power of the arts to the communities of Sandy Hook and Newtown. We are also partnering with Arts for Healing of New Canaan, another already established 501(c)3 organization. Both charities will serve as our mentors and  help us until we acquire our own 501(c)3 status, within the next 6-12 months. AATS is setting up a bank account with People’s in Newtown to collect funds to cover our overhead and operating expenses. An announcement will be forthcoming within the next week regarding the details on where and how to donate to the tax-deductible fund.

Our Board of Directors is made up of a well-seasoned group of professionals including artists and alumni from the Newtown High School class of 1987 who, after hearing the tragic news of December 14th, wanted to do something to help the families and community.

We plan on opening our doors on February 1st and will spend the next two weeks painting and getting the store ready for children and their families. Future students can get a sneak peek at the space this coming Monday, January 21st, on Martin Luther King Day during our first FREE event, Paint & Play for Peace. We will have three therapy dogs, two drum circles, a puppet show and arts and crafts all day. Our arts center will offer free art, music and pet therapy to these in need and free or low-cost music, theatre and art classes for kids and families.

While our first event Play & Paint for Peace and the activities for that day are free, haircuts are not. The space has been generously donated by MArci Benitez, owner of Family Fun Kuts, 111 Church Hill Road, where the event will be taking place. We are grateful for their willingness to help us. Donations will be graciously accepted for The S.H.A.C.K.’s new space on the day of our event. Click below for more details about Play & Paint for Peace. Space is limited for this event so call or email today!

Play & Paint Event

SHACK Facebook

SHACK Website

Contact Information: Email- sandyhookartscenter@gmail.com ~ Phone- 203.501.7424 ~ Address: 100 Church Hill Road, Suite #104, Sandy Hook, CT. 06482.

Animal Assisted Therapy Services, Inc.

AATS Facebook

The S.H.A.C.K. is a proud member of the Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity, S.H.O.P., a local business organization that was designed to “help revitalize the Sandy Hook Design District, to help current merchants succeed, and to attract new businesses to the area,” according to their website.  The S.H.A.C.K. will be actively involved in the many upcoming events S.H.O.P. organizizes. We support our local shop owners by shopping local and promoting their businesses and events and encourage you to do the same.