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!

VSA Performance

The Hope University Choir

The Ladies of the Choir accompanied by Hope U student Ron Langloe on the guitar.

Men of the Choir.

Terry C. and April R. perform with the dance.

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Hi-Hopes!

Hope University student Jim L. accompanies the Hope U. Dancers on the violin.

In April the VSA had their annual event at the Westfield Main Place Mall in Santa Ana California.  There was art on display by clients and students from around Orange County. Hope University was represented by several visual artists, poets, musicians, singers and dancers.  The Hope University Choir performed along with the Hi-Hopes and the Hope University Dance class.  The art is on display currently.  The students and staff of Hope U will be going on field trips to view the art work, so look for the blog posts about the field trips!

Several art pieces were chosen for a traveling show as well.  Hope University artists will have their work on display across the continent.

April Open House

Mr. and Mrs. Slikker view their daughter's Polar Bear print.

Some of the Open House attendees listen to the Hi-Hopes perform.

A selection of Boutique items for sale.

Bradley showing his mother one of his favorite programs in the computer room.

Felting supplies and finished beads.

Mosaic mirrors.

A showing of prints.

Lori demonstrating her knitting skills.

An 'Open House' was held at Hope University's Anaheim location on Wednesday, April 13th.  We welcomed students, parents, prospective students, guests, board members and donors to come.  The turn out was wonderful, we enjoyed showing our program to many people, some familiar and some new.  Each instructor had examples of the work created or done in their classes.  There were demonstrations of block cutting and printing, knitting with needles and a circle loom, interactive computer programs and self advocacy.  We had on display many items from classes such as poetry, mosaic, math, reading, literature, paintings, drawings, felt making, and others for all to see.   The attendees were entertained by the Hi-Hopes, Fred Mezzo on the accordion, the handbell choir and Joanna Buon-Cristiani on the piano. Those who wanted to shop were treated to a showing of our boutique items, all made by the students here at Hope. 
A student recounts her experience at the Open House, by Lori Slikker:
"When we had our Open House here at school, I was asked to come and show my knitting skills.  I was more than happy to do it!  A little girl came over to where I was sitting and asked me to teach her how to knit.  I was really happy to teach her.  She picked it up really fast and I had a big smile on my face.  Even my knitting teacher was impressed with how I was able to be a knitting teacher here at the Open House."
All of the staff was very proud of the students who attended and performed that evening.  

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?

Artist of the Month

  

A very happy 'Artist of the Month'

'A Penguin Painting'

'Circle Drawing'

'A Penguin Drawing'

      Tanette Tuttle is the Hope University artist chosen for the month of  March's  'Artist of the Month'.  The artist of the month is honored by having their work hung in the gathering hall for all to see.  Their name is prominently posted above their work and they also receive a certificate.  The students at Hope U are always happy to see who is chosen.  This month it is Tanette Tuttle.  Tanette love to work with pen and ink, colored pencils and water colors.  Some of her favorite subjects to draw are penguins and Orca Whales.  She loves to go to Sea World in San Diego, to observe her subjects in person.
     When asked about what she likes about penguins Tanette's response was,  "I just love penguins so much, I like to see them swim and wobbly walk."
     Many students here share her love of aquatic animals.  They are very fun to see!

Mural Mosaic

Sharon M. working on the mosaic.

Darren P. enjoying the view.

Fred M. showing hands on artistry.

Darren P. Fred M. and Sharon M. all very proud of their work.

Entrance way mural in progress at Integrity House.

Earlier in this blog we showed you photos of the mural going in at Integrity House in Santa Ana California.  Well, work has not stopped on this amazing project.  Now the students have finished the painting phase and have moved on to the mosaic addition.  All of the artwork used in the mural was student and Integrity House consumer generated.  This has been a wonderful collaboration of efforts from both facilities as well as countless volunteer hours.  Here are two blog posts, one showing the mural's painting phase and the other is of only some of the volunteers who have given so much of their time in this project.  We are hoping to have the mural completed by the summer of 2011.  There will be a grand unveiling and reception to honor this artistic achievement. 
The students are so excited about the mural, seeing their artwork on this large of a scale is so validating.

Celebrating Our Volunteers

The Hand Bells Perform.

Kim M. on keyboard and Dena S. singing.

A dramatic moment for Cindy H. and Jason R.

Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn, speak about volunteering.

Nick Latimer, board member and volunteer.

Matt Sauer, Hope University Board President.

Michelle E., Carol R. and Mikki D. in a drama performance.

Waiting to go on stage.

On Thursday, February 24th, Hope University honored last year's volunteers with a Volunteer Appreciation Celebration.
The Hi-Hopes performed, the Hand Bells and Chimes were rung, the Choir, Glee and Ensemble classes and the Drama class performed.  We recognized our volunteers with a gift and many 'thank yous'.
Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn spoke to us about helping at the mural, Nick Latimer, a board member, told us of the fun he is having here as a volunteer and the board president, Matt Sauer, spoke about his experiences with our program. 
We do appreciate our many volunteers and hope to see many more in 2011.
Thank You Volunteers!