Hope U Spirit Week!

Tom V. in his tropical shirt was a great DJ.

Rene S. shows off her island flair.

Gary A. is ready to play some smooth tropical rhythms.

Ben S. looks like he is ready for a day at the beach. 

Conga Line!

Cathy A. is a perfect tourist. 

Darren P. shows us a smile in front of a beachy backdrop. 

The week of August 20th we had Spirit Week here at Hope.  On Monday we had Red, White and Blue Day, everyone wore something that was red, white and blue, we had several  Angel's Baseball outfits!  On Tuesday it was Baby Picture Day, where everyone brought in a baby photo and we tried to guess who was who.  On Wednesday we had a Lu-Wow, complete with a DJ and hula dancers (several students learned a hula and performed for everyone).  On Thursday it was Staff Talent Show day.  There were opera singers, flutists, pianists, comedy performances and guitar playing.  Finally Friday 'topped it off' with Crazy Hat Day, with lots and lots of Crazy Hats! Summer may be on it's way out but the heat is still on here in Anaheim,  California so we may just need to plan few 'Popsicle Parties'. 

Exploring Art

Karen explores repetition and color.

Michelle likes to use acrylics and an easel. 

Joanna finds out how colors work on a dark background.

Tanette gets ready to work on her sewing project.

Hope University is a day program for adults with developmental disabilities.  We have an arts based curriculum centered on exploring each clients abilities.  There are many arts for the clients to choose from, painting, drawing, pen and ink, printmaking, knitting, weaving, sewing, felting, pastels, acrylics, even graphite.  Here we have some views of clients participating in the offerings.  Artwork created by the clients is often used in making items that we sell at our annual holiday boutique as well as on our Etsy shop.  Custom paintings and artwork are available for commission by our talented artists by request.  Please visit our website to view more. 

Felted Wool Barrettes!

'Autumn Sunset' hand felted wool Barrette.

'California Desert' hand felted wool barrette.

'Blueberry Summer' hand felted wool barrette.

We now have our colorful felted wool barrettes available for purchase in our Etsy shop!  They make wonderful gifts for your self or others.  Perfect for teachers, teens, girls or to tuck into a spa basket.  The students here at Hope make the felted wool beads  in the Boutique class with teacher Lisa LoRusso.  100% wool roving is formed into loose spheres and then submerged into warm, soapy water.  The students then rub them between their palms in a circular motion to 'felt' the wool into a solid bead.  After they have been left to dry for several days we use them to make broaches, barrettes, pins, earrings and ornaments.  We also have a few new uses for them in the works, so you can look forward to many new items created by the students. 
We can make the barrettes in a variety of colors to suit your color pallet, so if you want a custom item created, please send us an email or give us a call!
Remember that all of the proceeds from our Etsy shop and other sales go directly to enrich the students day program.  

New Etsy Item!

Our felting classes make the felted soaps that have become very popular gifts.  The felted soaps are now available for purchase on our Hope U Handmade Etsy Marketplace.  They are so colorful and useful too.  They make wonderful gifts for men or women, teens and even children.  The wool felt covering the soap gives it a gentle exfoliant, makes it easy to grip, which is great for those with special motor skill needs.  The soap inside a soothing oatmeal blend with a soft cinnamon scent. If you are interested in purchasing these for resale or personal use you can place your orders through Etsy or convo us through Etsy, send us an email or even just give us a call.   Always remember that purchases from Hope University are tax deductible and all of the proceeds go to the continuation of our progressive arts based day program.  Thank you.

Hope Visits The Orange County Fair!

Allison is very happy to be on the bee ride!

Ben, Joe, Fred, Allison and Darren in the OC Fair garden.

A happy Fred on the trucks.

The Hi-Hopes performing on the OC Fair stage.

Sharon, Michelle and Chris at the Fair.

The popular 'Monster Truck' ride!

The annual Orange County Fair is in full swing and we had a wonderful opportunity through
 'friends of the fair' day to attend.  The Orange County Fair sponsors one morning for persons with disabilities to attend the fair for free.  The rides open early for them and are free as well.  Our students look forward each year for this special morning that is 'just for them'.  Hope University's very own performing musical group The Hi-Hopes, was live on stage for all to see and hear.
Some of the fair highlights were:
"I liked the horn sounds from the bumper car ride."  Ben Simendinger.
"The monster truck ride!"  Fred Mezzo.
"I really enjoyed shopping."  Michelle Emory.
"The bumper cars were the best ride."  Ana Pinedo.
"I liked the bumble bee ride."  Allison French and Bradley Clayman.
"The monster truck ride was fun!"  Jennifer Doyle.

Aritst of the Month Darren Petersen

This month we are featuring Darren Petersen as Artist of the Month.  You may remember some of Darren's art in past posts as he is quite prolific.  Darren generally prefers to work in sculpture, as shown in his robot, helicopter and baseball stadium but this time he ventured into 2D art with linoleum block prints.  Darren's love of all things mechanical is evident in his imaginative subject matter.  He has created a series of vehicles of which a book is being compiled along with a story to expand upon them.  Darren's artwork is certainly interesting and inventive.  Here are a few comments from his fellow students:
"I think he did a good job with the lines."  Margaret Kelley
"I like the Space Vehicle, the way you can see the throttle, the fancy wheels and the body." Fred Mezzo
"The Space Vehicle makes me feel like I am up in space!" Lori Slikker
Congratulations Darren Petersen, Artist of the Month.

International Music Enrichment

The big, long, loud horn.

Instrument demonstration.

The performer asks for audience participation.

Chris is enjoying the show.

The audience looks on.

 A very engaging performance holds the students attention.

A large array of instruments peaks interest.

On occasion we are able to have guest artists come to Hope U and perform for us.  Hope U is home to many talented adults with developmental disabilities, a number of which have exceptional musical aptitude.  Having guest artists exposes the clients to new and interesting instruments, different cultures and how they create music as well as different musical styles that they can integrate into their musical repertoire. In May we were fortunate enough to have the group 'Aconcagua', music of the Andes.  They brought many interesting and unique instruments to show and play for us.  They had drums, pan pipes, flutes, horns and even a small guitar-like instrument made from an armadillo shell!  The student were taken by the diverse sounds created by the traditional instruments as well as the artists ability to play them.  Here is what some students had to say about the performance by 'Aconcagua':
"I really like the way they sang"  Michelle E.
"I liked the big flute"  Cindy Hein.
"My favorite part was the big, long, loud horns!"  Jason Rosales.
"I thought the pan flute was awesome."  Mikki Davis.
"I liked the drums."  Ben Simendinger.
"The flutes were my favorite part."  Lori Slikker.