It was 'Comin' Up Christmastime'!

Terry C. (Downs Syndrome) Margaret K. Melanie V.(Downs Syndrome) and Miguel A.(Downs Syndrome)  play the bells.

Margaret K, Chris F.(Williams Syndrome)  Jason R. and Lori R.(Williams Syndrome) dance with snow branches.

Beautiful Crystal S.(Downs Syndrome)  in a graceful dance.

Melanie V.  Marvin C. Frank L. Tanette T. and Darren C. (all with Downs Syndrome) dance and play in the 'inflatable band'.

Fred M. greets the audience in front of Hope U's choir and drama.

Margaret K. Mikki D. Dena S. (CP) April R. (Hydroencephally)  and Cathy A. (PKU) sing with the choir.

Chris F.(Williams Syndrome)  Jim L.(Autism)  Jason R. Tom V. (Fragile X) and Paul K.(Autism) sing with the choir.

'Angels' by student Miguel A.(Downs Syndrome) hung over the stage.

The students of Hope University performed beautifully at their annual Holiday program titled 'Comin' Up Christmastime'.  There was square dancing and sign language, poetry, bells and so much more.  Every student had a part in this beautifully performed show.  There are DVD's of the show available if you would like one, please call the school (714) 778-4440 to get your copy.  The students did an amazing job and fun was had by all.  We had our famous boutique of handmade items produced by the students in the lobby of the theater and sales were brisk.  The talent shown by this population is inspiring and must be seen to be believed.
Some of the highlights of the show were the bell choir playing traditional holiday music.  The dance class performing a magical snow scene and the drama classes wonderful addition of holiday humor!  If you would be interested in attending this years (2011) show or any other of our performances, please call us for more information.

At The Laundromat

Dena (Cerebral Palsy)  loads the washer.

Mikki  takes clean laundry out of the washer.

Mikki gets ready to add wet laundry to the dryer.

Margaret  makes good use of her time by knitting while the laundry washes.

Life skills class takes the dirty laundry to the laundromat.  We go every Thursday to wash our clean up towels. We also launder some of our performance outfits and bell table covers.  The laundromat  is nearby and a great experience for the students to learn how to wash clothes, operate the washers and dryers as well as navigate in a a public facility.  Life skills are often overlooked with this population and with classes like this they can feel empowered and confident that they know how to take care of different aspects of their own care.  They learn how to set the washer, measure detergent, load the washer and use the 'money card' to activate the machine.  Then, after the washer is finished they unload it and move the wet laundry to the dryers where they reload the laundry into the dryer and set it to dry.  Lastly they unload the dryer and take the clean laundry to the tables, fold it and pack it to go back to Hope.  While learning how to do laundry they also must navigate the laundromat space and be appropriate with the other patrons using the facility.  The students are enjoying the laundromat experience, feeling more independent and being out in the community.

New Additions 'Felt' in Hope U's Boutique

We have some new additions to our Hope University Boutique inventory.  They are beautiful felt earrings and necklaces made by the students in Lisa's Felting Class.  There are wonderful colors and textures in these unique pieces of wearable art.  Here we have some photos of hand felted earrings.  Look forward to photographs of the class making felt and perhaps even wearing felt.  These and so many more items will be featured at our boutique on the night of the Christmas Program, information to the left in the 'Upcoming Events' box.  Don't forget the boutique opens early at 5:00pm before the show.  So be sure to get there early for the best selection.  These amazing pieces are not to be missed and will sell out fast! Get your own piece one of a kind wearable felt art, exclusively available at the Hope University Boutique.  If you are interested in any of these pieces and would like to purchase them before the show, you can call us at (714) 778-4440 to inquire.

Halloween at Hope U.

Hope University's Halloween party was a blast!  Fun was had by all.  We were treated to a puppet show, put on by student Frank Luna with an improvisational  performance assisted by Miguel Aldaz.  There was a costume contest and parade, a doughnut eating contest followed by a dance with music DJ'd by Hope U's very own spinning DJ, Tom Veltman.

Amy (Williams Syndrome)  as a Kitty Cat

Carol (NOS) as a Nurse

Sharon (NOS) as a Sheriff

Terry ( Down's Syndrome) as a Lady Bug

Karen (Down's Syndrome) and Chris (NOS) showing off their awards

Shadow (Delores, Down's Syndrome) with her hand in the 'feely box' with Hope U instructor Shelley as Cesar waits.

Here are some photos of the students, costumes and fun.

Exquisite Creatures

In November several of our students' artwork will be featured at a show entitled 'Exquisite Creatures'.  This show takes a spin on the art form of 'Exquisite Corpse'.  This show will be held at the George V. Daneff Gallery,  3962 N. Studebaker road.  # 206, Long Beach CA, 90808.  The opening reception will be on Nov. 5th, 6:00 to 8:00 pm and the show will run until January 25th, 2011.
Some of the Hope University artists included are, Frank Luna, Delores (Shadow) Franks, Sharon Mauck, Jim Lin, Miguel Aldaz, Fred Mezzo and Tammy Grant.
Here are a few pieces of the Exquisite Creature.  You could print them up and add your own!

 Those  Hope University artists have really created some Exquisite Creatures!

Defining Ourselves/CORE 6 Art Exhibit

"Six years running, the CORE exhibit continues to create its own path for artists with disabilities from around the world.  CORE is a space for common bonds and promotes visibility through a diverse art forum.  Curated by Seth Pringle, First St. Gallery Manger and Rebecca Korin."

Several of our students had artwork chosen for this show, we have them here for you to view.  The talent displayed in these Hope University students work is indicative of this populations abilities.  We are very proud of all the artists here at Hope.
There will be many more amazing pieces up at the show, we do hope you will be able to visit and enjoy them all.  

Opening Reception for CORE 6, Defining Ourselves
Oct. 29th, 2010, from 6:00 to 9:00pm
The Edgemar Center for the Arts
2437 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405-3539
Exhibit dates: Oct. 29th - Nov. 29th, 2010

Love by Amy Lacher

Ben Simendinger, Print

Cesar Gonzales, untitled

Darren Petersen, Tree

Fred Mezzo, Accordion

Jennifer Doyle, American Flag

Jim Lin, Dragon

Joanna Buon-Cristiani, Piano Keys

Miguel Aldaz, Arnold

Sharon Mauck, Red Head Clown

Beau Monde Float Fotos

Our last performance of Beau Monde Float was amazing and beautiful.  Here we have a few photos from that performance.  You see Karen as 'Eternity' meeting the Robot.  Her costume was created by the students and staff from paper sculpture, crochet, yarn and painted tubes.  Karen looks so serene as she holds the Earth in her arms and meets the Robot face to face.
We also have a wonderful photo of the stage with the Hand Bell Choir playing.  The students of Hope University practice twice a week to perfect their hand bell techniques.  It can be quite magical to hear them play.
'Everybody is a Parade' was punctuated by over sized paper sculptures, created by the students, like this one of a butterfly.  Richard, Mikki, Cathy and Tom sing the accompanying song as Frank, Rene and Karen bring in the parade.