Saying Goodbye to a Friend

Artists were invited to come forward and add artwork or cards to Gary's remembrance wall.

Gary's silent keyboard is decorated with his favorite things, some fashioned out of clay by his friends.

Gary's full remembrance wall.

Gary Ahearn was a dearly loved member of the Hi-Hopes and a long time artist at Hope Center for the Arts.  He recently passed away.  All of his fellow artists bid him farewell at a lovely memorial service that was held here at the Center.  We decorated his keyboard, drew pictures for him, wrote him notes and shared our memories. Gary was an accomplished pianist who always seemed to have a smile on his face and a song in his heart.  We will miss him terribly. 
Here is a video of Gary created for this event. 

Valentine's Day Party

Dance party fun!

Tom V. is a crazy DJ.

Lori R. and Brian G. pose for a Valentine's Day photo.

On the Thursday before Valentines Day the artists of Hope Center for the Arts put down their brushes and musical instruments to enjoy a day of fun and frolic.  We had a photo station, decoration creation station, passed out Valentines and had a big dance party in the afternoon.  Tom was our DJ for the day and he spun some hot tunes that made everyone just want to get up and dance. 
Some of the artists tell us their favorite part of the day; 
"I liked the music and the dancing." Carol W. 
"Making decorations." Justine A.
"Passing out Valentines." Mary M.
"I liked decorating."  Dena S.
"The photo booth was fun." April R. 

We all had so much fun we can hardly wait for our next Hope Center for the Arts party!