2013 Hope University Calendars Now Available!

Chris Friedman's linoleum block print, 'Desert Bloom'.

Jim Lin's water color,  'Fish'.

Darren Petersen's linoleum block print, 'Automated Tree System'.

Yes, we all need one so why not make yours count.  The annual Hope University Calendar is now out and available for purchase.  What a wonderful way to show your support of this community and Hope University all year long.  Each month you will be treated to a unique work of art created by one of the many talented artists here at Hope U.  In the calender you will see watercolors, colored pencil, acrylic paintings and linoleum block prints, each one an expression of the students amazing abilities.  
You can place your order over the phone, send us an email or even come by.  They will also be available at one of the many holiday Boutiques we will be attending as well as the annual Hope U Christmas Show.  So don't wait, get yours now, only $15.00 each. 
All three of the wonderful artworks pictured above are included in the calendar for 2013. 

Artist of the Month for May is....

Our Artist of the Month, Karen Leeb.

Karen has a light touch with colored pencils.

"Box"  watercolor by Karen Leeb.

Karen likes to draw roses.

Karen created this work on the computer using her own drawing techniques.

For the month of May, Hope University student Karen Leeb was chosen as the 'Artist of the Month'.
Karen's art is gentle, colorful and vibrant.  She uses a soft hand with the colored pencils and becomes more bold with other mediums such as watercolor and computer art.  Karen takes art classes and enjoys working with most mediums, as you can see in her work she enjoys repeating pattern.
"I feel pretty good when I do art." is what Karen says about creating her work.
Other students also like to look at Karen's artwork;
"She is very creative."  Lori Slikker.
"They are beautiful." Kris W.
"She has talent." Margaret Kelly.
We all think Karen makes lovely artwork and we hope she continues to make more.

Artist of the Month for February is Jenny Doyle!

Jenny is honored for her artwork.

Jenny's collage and watercolor.

Three colored pencil drawings by Jenny D.

Jenny's artistic interpretation of a shamrock and a rabbit.

A sunset with birds in watercolor by Jenny D.

Each month a Hope University student is honored for their artistic talents.  They receive a certificate and accolades from their fellow students.  Also, their work is displayed at the back of the gathering hall for all to admire.  This month, February, we honor student Jennifer Doyle for her artistic contributions to Hope U. 
What Jenny has to say about her art: 
"I like my artwork, I think I do a good job at art."
"I like to draw with colored pencils, it is good for my coordination to stay on the paper".
On water colors she says, "I like working with watercolors too, it is easier to move my brush back and forth on the paper with watercolors."
On collage, "I like to paste down the pieces so they won't stick up. I thought a lot about the colors, I asked myself, 'what colors should I use' before I chose them."
We are all enjoying Jennifer's work, she is so enthusiastic about her artwork and that inspires us all.
Great job Jenny!

Arts and Letters

Michelle beginning a watercolor painting.

Ben using his hands to help him create a watercolor.

Jenny working on a reading worksheet.

Karen studying the shape of words.

Rene reading before writing.

     Hope University offers many classes.  Here we have some photos of students in two of them, watercolor and reading.  Hope offers many different art classes for students of varying levels.  One of the students in this watercolor class is sight impaired. He uses his hands to find the water in which to dip his brush and then feels for the color pots.  His macular degeneration is progressive but he still has some sight.  Ben says that he loves working with watercolors because he can touch and see the colors.  Michelle enjoys choosing subject matter and using the watercolors to paint what ever she feels like that day.
      The three readers are enjoying copying the words as they say them.  This helps with sounding out and letter recognition.  They all look so happy sharpening their reading skills don't they?

Very Special Arts Festival Westfield Main Place, Santa Ana, CA

Westfield Main Place, Santa Ana California hosted the annual Very Special Arts Festival for artists with disabilities. The Hope University Choir sang and the Chiming group chimed at the performance event. Her we have a flamingo block print done by Hope U student Lori Slikker. She drew the image and carved 3 different linoleum blocks to create this amazing image. Next is Dena Schott (Cerebral Palsy) shown beaming next to her water color and ink painting titled 'Dream'. This was the first year that the written word was included in the show. Here we have a very proud Chih Tseng standing next to his poem, 'At Henry's', a haircut experience.