Tag Archives: Newtown Arts

Apr14

Quilters Unite for FREE Program at the S.H.A.C.K.

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Quilters Unite for FREE Program at the S.H.A.C.K. 

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Two weeks ago we received a beautiful donation for the S.H.A.C.K.– dozens of quilts for Sandy Hook children. The aunt of a Sandy Hook Elementary School student put a call out to her quilting friends and soon stitchers form across the country began sewing the love-filled blankets so that children could come and create artwork at the S.H.A.C.K. as a part of the healing process in the aftermath of 12/14. Children of all ages are invited to come to the S.H.A.C.K. on Saturday, April 27th from 11am-4pm to create their own FREE personalized take-home quilt.

*Please note: We had originally offered this program on a “suggested donation” basis for our Spring Break camps, however, the volunteers and donors intended this to be a FREE program. The S.H.A.C.K. apologizes for the error and miscommunication.  The S.H.A.C.K. has been offering many many free programs, classes and workshops since we first began on January 19th and will continue to do so, however, we recently began offering classes on a “suggested donation” basis in order to cover our overhead costs, as our space was not donated. To understand more please click here.

Here is how the comfort quilts all began—

From Patti Gardner—

After 12/14 we were together celebrating Christmas, but more than that just celebrating being all together after the tragedy. Some of us were able to hug my nephew Daniel for the first time since 12/14.  I, like everyone else, wanted to do something to help. We knew this was, and is, going to be a long healing process for all involved. The children’s innocence has been taken from them too early.

My school and neighboring schools delivered to me over 400 snowflakes that I brought down with me in December to decorate the school, but I knew we needed to deal with healing, so I knew we could do something more.  My mother and I have quilted for years and a quilt guild we belonged to years ago use to donate these “healing quilts” to an organization.  I approached my mother on the idea of making these quilts for the survivors of Sandy Hook.  She thought it was a great idea and we reached out to friends and family to help us spread the word so we could get as many as possible to as many children as possible in Sandy Hook.  I set a deadline of 3 months later, as I knew I could deliver them on my spring break.

We had quilts delivered from New Milford, New Fairfield, and Roxbury Connecticut, as well as many towns in upstate New York and then they also came from Minnesota and North Carolina.  People that didn’t quilt donated markers or fabric to one of us who does know how to quilt.  We gave specific directions and explained that the blank squares would be used as part of the healing process. Children will be able to capture happy memories, future goals, collect signatures, or whatever they wanted to express themselves. It is also a quilt full of happiness and bright cheery colors can also bring a snuggle when they need it the most!

–Patti Gardner

Check out our Spring Break camps at the S.H.A.C.K. Join us for a half day or full day session.

Mon 9-12 Cultural Music & Movement with Ms Wendy
*lunch*
Mon 1-4 Quilter’s Workshop – decorate a cool quilt with fabric markers to hang on your wall at home! with Ms Wendy

Tues 9-12 Drumming with Ms Lydia
*lunch*
Tues 1-4 Quilter’s Workshop with Ms Wendy

Weds 9-12 Sculpture Project with Ms Barbara
*lunch*
Weds 1-4 Actor’s Improv & Theatre Games with Ms Wendy

Thurs 9-12 Drumming with Ms Lydia
*lunch*
Thurs 1-4 Quilter’s Workshop with Ms Wendy

Fri 9-12 Puppet Making with Ms Wendy
*lunch*
Fri 1-4 Mask Making with Ms Wendy

Pre-registration is required. The suggested donation is $35 per day (3 hour session) for the half day session from 9am-12pm or 1-4pm (pack a snack) or $60 per day for the full day (7 hour) session from 9am-4pm (pack a lunch & drink). All proceeds go to fund our ongoing free programming at the SHACK to help the community heal through the arts.

Call for more details & a registration form please call 203-304-9555. Pre-registation is required by emailing sandyhookartscenter@gmail..com Space is limited! Register today!

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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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.
Feb25

S.H.A.C.K. Kicks Off FREE TRIAL WEEK With Messy Mondays

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S.H.A.C.K. Kicks Off FREE TRIAL WEEK With Messy Mondays
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Kids were clapping, paint was splattering and bodies were shakin’, at today’s Messy Mondays free trial class at the S.H.A.C.K., Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids. Children from 15 months to 4 years enjoyed getting their hands, and their faces, hair, necks and clothes dirty, while creating mini masterpieces at the class geared toward toddlers and preschoolers.
Each week children will enjoy painting with various textures. Today was glitter so children learned the difference between rough and smooth as they felt the textures while they painted. Each class children will explore various textures and mediums such as clay, gloop, sand and much more. Children’s music is played in the background while kids create which adds to the fun.
If you missed today’s free class don’t worry! We have a whole week lined up for you to meet our teachers and experience an art, music or theatre class at the S.H.A.C.K. the week’s schedule is as follows:
TUESDAY 2/26 - 

Sewing and Textiles age 6 and up
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! Once you have mastered these techniques, you can create ideas of their own with us to help you.

Class runs from 4:30-5:30 & is taught by Emma Craig,experienced art teacher, face painter, and all around cool chick who is fantastic with children!

Collage and Paper Sculpture is for ages 5 and up and will be offered from 4:30-5:30 and 5:30-6:30pm on Tuesday.
Each week we’ll use paint, printing and found paper to make collages and paper sculptures. We will have fun making imaginative puppets, mobiles and other amazing artifacts from paper. We will even learn to make paper itself! Be prepared to use your imagination and learn to be resourceful in creating really cool stuff for play and display!

Class is from 5:30-6:30pm & taught by the lovely Emma Craig who is all of the things I mentioned above AND funny and cheerful to boot! And she’s from “across the pond,” Birmingham England so the kiddos will LOVE her accent! :)

WEDNESDAY 2/27 - 
Teens & Tweens Theatre & Improv is for 5th-12th Graders from 6-7:30pm  with Theresa Talluto, a professional and experienced theatre instructor who lives and teaches in Newtown.A native New Yorker, Theresa performed both on and off Broadway, as well as nationally, prior to combining her love of Theatre with her love of teaching children. Her directorial credits include full scale musicals (West Side Story, Grease, Oliver! and more) as well as Youth Theatre productions which have been seen in both New York City and London, where she enjoyed extensive, concentrated study of Educational Theatre and Youth Theatre practices.

THURSDAY 2/28 - 

Recycled Art Age 5 and up
Each week we’ll use paint,  paper and recycled materials to make 3-D recycled art projects.  We will have fun making imaginative sculptures and other projects from found objects. Be prepared to use your imagination and learn to create awesome art from everyday objects! Class is taught by Emma & runs from 4:30-5:30pm
Drawing for cartooning and animating. Age 9 and up
Budding cartoonists step this way and learn the fundementals of drawing techiniques for figures, animals, expressions, perspective and effects. Design your own characters, cartoons and improve your drawing skills at the same time. Class is taught by Emma & runs from 5:30-6:30pm

FRIDAY 3/1 -

Shake, move & make music at this interactive class from 10:00-11:00am. Cultural Music & Movement for Toddlers & Preschoolers is geared towards children ages 18 months up through age 5-years-old, and their caregivers. Children will hear a folklore tale told by puppets in the beginning of the class to introduce the country of the week and then they will explore moving and making music from around the world! Trial class will be held Friday from 10-11am. See Class Schedule for weekly class times for this and our other classes.
We will also offer cartooning and drawing for children and teens, “Mastering the Masters” for preschoolers and much more. Photography classes will be held first as a workshop and then as a class– stay tuned for more information.
For a class schedule, click here.
To read teacher bios, click here.If you would like more information on these or any other classes, please
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Contact Information:
203-304-9555  sandyhookartscenter@gmail.com
Feb9

Gearing Up for our Grand Opening Saturday!

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Gearing Up for our Grand Opening Saturday!

hearts door

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.  

Jan22

First Free Community Event Was a Furry, Fun-Filled Success!

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Thank you all who came out to our first free community event, Play and Paint for Peace. Hosted by Marci Benitez, owner of Family Fun Kuts, with a second event held at The S.H.A.C.K.’s new studio, the two locations saw close to 200 visitors in one day!

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Children enjoyed painting peace signs at Fun Kuts, getting their faces painted by one of a dozen volunteers and petting one of the five therpay dogs, 3 of which were provided by our partners Animal Assisted Therapy Services (AATS).

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The highlight of the day for all who participated was the healing drum circles. Led by certified music therapist  Lydia Smith, children and families relaxed let loose and brought out their inner joy through their music. There was also a black light puppet show where children learned how to make the world a better place by being kind to each other.

Below is a news clip from our event that was posted on Fox News CT Monday night:

http://landing.newsinc.com/shared/video.html?freewheel=91060&sitesection=WTIC_hom_non_fro&VID=24254267

We officially open our doors on Friday February 1st and will have some “Pop-In” art events opening weekend. Our next puppet show will be a black light glow-in-the-dark Valentine’s Day show and will be held the evening of Saturday, February 9th. More details are coming soon on our events page. Class registrations will also be posted very soon as we finalize details with our teachers and volunteers. We will host weekly free art/music/pet therapy for all Sandy Hook and Newtown families affected by the tragedy. We will also offer low cost classes in art, music and children’s theatre.
Thank you so very much to Marci Benitez and Family Fun Kuts for hosting us and for all of our amazing volunteers for helping us create such a fun family event. There will be many more events coming very soon!
To make a tax deductible donation to The S.H.A.C.K., please make your check payable to “Animal Assisted Therapy/Sandy Hook Fund” and mail to:
The S.H.A.C.K.
100 Church Hill Road
Suite #104
Sandy Hook, CT. 06482
Like us on Facebook!
sandyhookartscenter@gmail.com
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.

Dec22

Sandy Hook Arts Center to Bring Healing & Hope Through the Arts

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Sandy Hook Arts Center to Bring healing & Hope Through the Arts

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After the horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, classmates of the Newtown High School Class of ’87 decided to form a children’s arts center to help children, victims, families and survivors heal through the arts. We have established “The S.H.A.C.K.” which stands for The Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids.

The mission of  The S.H.A.C.K. is to provide a safe haven for the community to come to heal, create and explore various art forms while expressing themselves in a nurturing  environment. We aim to keep the memory of the 20 children who passed away on 12/14/12 alive, who loved drawing, music, dance, acting and the arts, and let their passion and legacy live on through the arts.

Through all of the grief, we want to bring light, love and hope to the community by providing a place people can come and heal by offering healing arts through free art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy as well as low cost theatre, art and music classes.

This will be a way we can impact the community for the long-term and help the victims’ memories will live on through this center.

For further questions or to help please email sandyhookartscenter@gmail.com.