Art Show and Mall Field Trip

Students admire their artwork on display at the mall.

All smiles in the food court and a stroll around the shops.

Keith shows us his artwork on display.

Oscar thinks his piece is #1.

Allison is very proud to have her art work on display.

Keith is taking a moment to relax.

Darryl is excited about the food court.

A relaxing lunch in the mall food court for Lauren.

A ray of sunlight is a perfect lunch spot for Darren.

Ben and Jenny take a moment after lunch to people watch.

VSA California sponsors a wonderful show of artistic talent every year at the Westfield MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana, California.  Artists with physical and intellectual disabilities are given the opportunity to showcase their art, music, dance and drama in the mall.  Each year Hope University participates in the weekend festivities and takes a field trip to see the artwork on display and enjoy some time outside of the classroom.  

Here are some favorites of the day:

"I enjoyed seeing the artwork on display, some of it was very nice."  

Amy L.

"I liked going to the mall, walking around, getting out of school for the day and keeping cool in the air-conditioning."

Margaret K.

"The mall was nice and cool, the day was so hot.  I liked seeing all of the artwork and paintings."

Jenny D. 

"I really liked seeing the artwork of my friends up on display, it was very pretty."

Rene S. 

"My favorite part was the food court.  I liked choosing my lunch.  Seeing the puppies was fun too."

Michelle E. 

"I saw a painting of a piano with different colored keys.  I thought about the music and sounds it would make."

Darren P. 

As usual, the food court was a big favorite.  Having the opportunity to choose, order and pay is very exciting.  The mall had so much art from schools and programs all around the Orange County area that it was hard to pick a favorite. The Disney store and the candy store seemed to be the most visited.  We had such a good time that we are already looking forward to next year's trip to the Westfield Santa Ana MainPlace Mall for the VSA show.   

VSA Art on Display in Santa Ana

Joanna enjoys the artwork.

Richard points out a favorite.

Gary gets the best seat for art viewing.

It's nice to take it all in.

Mikki and Howard pose in the food court.

Alexis is very happy after eating cheese fries.

Joanna relaxes after a long walk through the mall.

Miguel's linoleum block print that will travel to Laguna Beach.

Ben's linoleum block print that will travel to Laguna Beach.

During the week of April 30 thru May 4th the students of Hope University were given the opportunity to go to the Westfield Main Place Mall in Santa Ana, California, to view their artwork.  Many schools, day programs and school districts throughout Orange County were included in the show.  Artwork was also selected from this large show to continue on to Laguna Beach for a traveling show.  Two of our students were selected for this special showing, Ben Simendinger and Miguel Aldaz are the proud artists.  We were able to take small groups to view the work, stroll around the mall and enjoy lunch in the food court.  Here are some favorite moments from the trip:
"I like all of the artwork and also buying lunch at McDonald's."  Kim Mumper.
"Looking at the artwork and the shops was fun."  Kris W.
"I liked looking around the mall."  Joanna Buon-Cristiani.
"There were many different artists work there, I liked seeing it all.  I also liked getting a break from school to walk around the mall."  Margaret Kelley.
As you can see the Westfield Main Place Mall is a hit with the students.
Our artwork is on display until May 13th.

Admiring the Mural

Cindy H. admires the mosaic.

Darren C. gets up close to a leaf.

Vicki V. poses with a flower.

Joanna B. with a car.

Rene, Chris and Karen enjoy their veggie burgers.

Hallway art gallery.

Diane, Chris and Rene view the art work.

This week the students of Hope University are took several small groups on a field trips to Integrity House in Santa Ana California.  We had  lunch with them, enjoyed the hallway art gallery and admired our beautiful mural which was created in tandem with that program.  Students, staff and volunteers from Hope University all collaborated in creating the mural on the outside of the Integrity House building.  It incorporates drawings, paintings and mosaics of the students art work. Whimsical and representational as well as some portraits of the clients at Integrity House.  We enjoyed veggie burgers, french fries, salad, apples slices and lentil soup, all of which were prepared by the staff and clients at Integrity House. 
On the dedication addition to the mural it states:
Trees represent a place of shelter.
Flowers represent the blossoming of a person.
Birds represent the ability to soar beyond other peoples expectations.
All of these are true about both programs and the students and clients who attend them. 
They find shelter and understanding with peers and staff at their programs.
They blossom as people, friends, family members and productive members of society.
They often soar well beyond all expectations put upon them by society and even themselves!
All so very true, and so much can be learned from them and their amazing ABILITIES!

Mall Crawl Field Trip

Art on display at the mall.

Fred Mezzo's 'Las Vegas Girls'.

Ben S. with his poetry.

Kim and Cesar in the elevator.

Kim M. in front of Hope U artwork on display at the mall.

Rene S. in front of Hope U artwork on display at the mall.

Christie C. making a purchase at the mall.

Hope U students taking in the sights at the mall.

After the Hope University students performed at the Westfield Mall in Santa Ana there was an art show that remained for all to view.  One of the Hope U students' favorite field trips of the year is the one to the mall to view the art.  We all love going out into the community and enjoying a day of walking about, window shopping and eating lunch in the food court.
Several Hope University students had their artwork chosen to go on the traveling exhibit.  Crystal Serna, Miguel Aldaz, Sharon Mauck, Tanette Tuttle, Chris Friedman and Lori Slikker will all have art 'on the move' with the traveling exhibit.
All of the students love going to the mall.  Some of their favorite things to do and see are:
"My favorite thing at the mall was seeing my artwork on display."
Fred Mezzo
"Seeing my Hope University friends artwork hanging in the mall.
Tammy Grant
"I liked seeing the puppies in the puppy store!"
Tanette Tuttle  (This was several students favorite activity too).
"Walking around the mall and enjoying the sights.

Margaret Kelley
"Going to the food court!"
Lori Slikker

Spending time in the community and participating in daily life activities are just some of the things Hope University provides for their students.  The staff's favorite thing about going to the mall was seeing how much fun the students had!