Tag Archives: SHACK

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.!

vox gtr
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!!!

fish art

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.