Tag Archives: Sandy Hook Arts Center

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.

Apr15

FREE Classes & Workshops at the S.H.A.C.K.

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FREE Classes & Workshops at the S.H.A.C.K. 

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As many of you know, the SHACK has been offering free events, classes and workshops since we began on January 19, 2013 at our studio. We are 100% volunteer-run and have been operating on the dedication of faithful volunteers who have given hundreds of hours of their time. We are also grateful for the kindness of our supporters who have donated art supplies and funds that have kept us operating these free programs for the past 3 months.

We will continue to offer many more FREE programs, however we will ALSO offer other classes and workshops on a “suggested donation” basis. The reason we ask for a “suggested donation” is not to pay an executive director or staff salary because we are volunteer run. The suggested donation is to pay the teacher leading the workshop and to cover our overhead costs, as our space was not donated, in order to CONTINUE to offer free programs. As stated since day #1, we will also continue to offer free art/music/pet therapy sessions to help bring healing to the community through the arts.

Below please see upcoming FREE workshops & programs…

FREE Pop-In Art Sessions – Every Friday from 4-5:30pm at the SHACK, 100 Church Hill Rd Suite #104, Sandy Hook

FREE Healing Drum Circle – Sunday, April 21st, 3:00pm with Lydia Smith, at the SHACK, 100 Church Hill Rd Suite #104, Sandy Hook, all ages are welcome & a second session will be added if necessary

FREE Comfort Quilt decorating – Saturday April 27 from 11am-4pm at the SHACK, 100 Church Hill Rd Suite #104, Sandy Hook, ages 2+ up are welcome

FREE Comfort Quilt decorating – Saturday April 27 from 10am-4pm at the Newtown Earth Day Festival, Queen St, Newtown, ages 2+ up are welcome

FREE Chain of Love Card Making Event – Friday May 3rd (time TBA), make cards for St. Jude’s children as a way to show kindness, inspired by Charlotte Bacon Act of Kindness Award & Newtown Kindness, led by SHS/Hawley teacher Lisa Dievert, at the SHACK, 100 Church Hill Rd Suite #104, Sandy Hook

FREE Wood Turners program – Saturday May 18th -Use a lathe & other tools to make a wooden pen, 4 sessions: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, at the SHACK, 100 Church Hill Rd Suite #104, Sandy Hook, ages 8+ up are welcome

FREE Art Camp for Kids & Teens – July 1-5 & 8-12, cultural art & community mosaic project, at the SHACK, 100 Church Hill Rd Suite #104, Sandy Hook

FREE Summer Theatre Camp for teens – Aug 5-9, middle school & high school students are welcome, at the SHACK, 100 Church Hill Rd Suite #104, Sandy Hook

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 

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!

Mar11

Butterflies for Dylan Event Brings Love for Hockleys From All Over U.S.A.

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Butterflies for Dylan Event Brings Love for Hockleys From All Over U.S.A.

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On Friday, March 8th Dylan Hockley would have  celebrated his 7th birthday. Support for the Hockely family during this difficult time soon went viral on Facebook as friends and community posted events such as “Purple Birthday Balloons for Dylan Hockley” and “Wear Purple for Dylan.”

We at the S.H.A.C.K. wanted to show the Hockley family our love and support as well and created the “Paint Purple Butterflies for Dylan” free community event. We planned on opening up our studio to the community to paint purple butterflies for Dylan on Friday, March 8th, however Mother Nature decided to pour out more beauty on Newtown in the form of cold white snowflakes. The kids enjoyed a snow day and we postponed our event to Monday, March 11th.

As children and families entered the S.H.A.C.K. all decked out in their purple for Dylan, it was apparent that children as young as 4-years-old even knew why they were there- “to remember Dylan on his birthday up in heaven,” one little girl said.

Every seat was filled as children and parents carefully sketched out their creations to honor Dylan. Two Golden Retriever pet therapy dogs, Libby and Shelby, from Newtown Strong Therapy Dogs comforted children as they painted. The walls of The S.H.A.C.K. are an exhibit in progress as well-wishers send in their artwork and love from California, Texas, Louisiana and even as far as  the Philippines.

A teacher from Oxford brought a full bag of purple butterflies painted with her students’ purple handprints.

The Newtown High School Creative Cultural Arts Council founder and volunteer Sarah Clements brought canvases painted by CCAC members and assisted the children with their paintings.

The completed paintings will be displayed and auctioned at an art exhibit on Wednesday, March 20th, the first day of spring, from 5:00-8:00p.m. at the studio, 100 Church Hill Road, Suite #104, Sandy Hook. Monies raised will go to fund ongoing free community art events and cover overhead operating expenses.

To R.S.V.P. to the art show please visit our Facebook Events page by clicking here.

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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
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.

Feb18

Feeling Lucky? Win a Complete Electric Guitar Package from Route 7 Music at The S.H.A.C.K.!

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Feeling Lucky? Win a Complete Electric Guitar Package from Route 7 Music at The S.H.A.C.K.!

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Are you feeling lucky? Then you should stop by The S.H.A.C.K. during their studio hours to win a complete electric guitar package, donated by Route 7 Music in Brookfield. Owner Phil Forbes went to high school with The S.H.A.C.K.’s founder and director, Wendy Mitchell, and wanted to do something to help out our non-profit arts center.

The guitar is electric guitar and comes with a starter amp, gig bag, cable, strap, picks and Korg tuner; everything you need to rock! Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and can be purchased at the studio, 100 Church Hill Road, Suite #104, Sandy Hook, CT. One lucky prize winner will be chosen at The S.H.A.C.K.’s Awesome 80s Prom fundraiser on Saturday, April 20th at the Ethan Allen in Danbury. For ticket information to the gala/80s prom, please email sandyhookartscenter@gmail.com or call the studio at 203-304-9555.

Route 7 Music is located at 355 Federal Road, Brookfield, CT and offers music lessons from beginner through expert. Check out their website for more information by clicking here.

Feb11

It’s Not Too Early To Start Thinking About SUMMER SESSIONS!!!

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It’s Not Too Early To Start Thinking About SUMMER SESSIONS!!!

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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.
We will also have an outdoor area for the 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 5-10 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 9am-12pm session is $150/week. The 12-3pm session is $150/week. Extended play is available until 6pm. Book multiple sessions and receive a discount. Call for details.

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.

Week #2) July 1-5 (no class on 7/4) ~ ***FREE CULTURAL ARTS PROGRAM PRESENTED BY JOHANNA MARTINEZ OF TUSCON, AZ.

Week #3) July 8-12 ~ 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 July 12th at 6pm.

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.

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.

Week #6) July 29-Aug 2 ~ ***CLOSED FOR VACATION***

Week #7) 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. 

Week #8) Aug 12-16  ~ Science, Nature & Art Week! Kids will make art projects, hand-made puppets and sculptures out of objects found in nature, enjoy hiking outdoors and create a keepsake journal of their daily activities. Children will be treated to an original puppet show at the end of the session on Friday, August 16th at 6pm.

On the last day of our summer sessions, all S.H.A.C.K. campers and their families are invited to a FREE Hawaiian Luau barbecue!

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

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.