Saying Goodbye to a Friend

Artists were invited to come forward and add artwork or cards to Gary's remembrance wall.

Gary's silent keyboard is decorated with his favorite things, some fashioned out of clay by his friends.

Gary's full remembrance wall.

Gary Ahearn was a dearly loved member of the Hi-Hopes and a long time artist at Hope Center for the Arts.  He recently passed away.  All of his fellow artists bid him farewell at a lovely memorial service that was held here at the Center.  We decorated his keyboard, drew pictures for him, wrote him notes and shared our memories. Gary was an accomplished pianist who always seemed to have a smile on his face and a song in his heart.  We will miss him terribly. 
Here is a video of Gary created for this event. 

Valentine's Day Party

Dance party fun!

Tom V. is a crazy DJ.

Lori R. and Brian G. pose for a Valentine's Day photo.

On the Thursday before Valentines Day the artists of Hope Center for the Arts put down their brushes and musical instruments to enjoy a day of fun and frolic.  We had a photo station, decoration creation station, passed out Valentines and had a big dance party in the afternoon.  Tom was our DJ for the day and he spun some hot tunes that made everyone just want to get up and dance. 
Some of the artists tell us their favorite part of the day; 
"I liked the music and the dancing." Carol W. 
"Making decorations." Justine A.
"Passing out Valentines." Mary M.
"I liked decorating."  Dena S.
"The photo booth was fun." April R. 

We all had so much fun we can hardly wait for our next Hope Center for the Arts party! 

Visiting Artist Collaboration

We are so pleased to welcome professional artist Cheryl Walker to Hope Center for the Arts. Cheryl has been paired with Hope artist Marvin Castillo for our new mentorship program, made possible through the NEA Challenge America Grant we received. Both artists share an affinity for "Mark Making" and we are eager to see what these two artists create together over the next year. Their partnership will culminate in an art exhibition where all will be invited to view and celebrate their work together. Learn more about Cheryl's body of work at http://cherylwalkerart.com/

What is in a Name?

 

Beginning in January of 2015 Hope University has a new name....
Hope Center for the Arts.
A new name for a new year and new and intriguing changes.  We are welcoming the future and embracing the new. So stay tuned for the exciting updates and follow us as we journey down this current and bright path.  To go along with this new name is a brand new logo which conveys our sense of art, music and movement into the future. 

 

 

 


Monthly inspiration is waiting in the new Hope Center for the Arts calendar for 2015.  Each month is highlighted by an inspiring piece of artwork created by one of the many talented clients at the program.  Clients show their artistic charm in many mediums, colored pencil, linoleum block printing, acrylic paints and etching are just a few. You can purchase one at our Etsy shop and while you are there take a look at some of the other delightful items created by our clients. So start each month with an enlivening alternative to the main stream with a new 2015 calender from Hope Center for the Arts.

Come Shop Hope at Patchwork!

We have been accepted into the hip and popular Patchwork Hand Craft Fair to be held on November 2nd in Long Beach California, Marine stadium. 
We will be featuring a fun selection of our Boutique items. Handwoven scarves, hand felted soaps and several other fiber art items will be available for purchase at the show.  Hope is very proud to be accepted in this contemporary hand craft venue.  It would be great to see friends of Hope U there to enjoy the cool ocean breeze and Pacific view.  There are many restaurants and other places to take in the sights nearby.  Make a day of it in Belmont Shore, walk main street in Seal Beach or even take a tour of the Aquarium of the Pacific, of course all after shopping the Hope University booth at Patchwork Long Beach.  See you there!

Fun at the Orange County Fair!

Gary A. is really 'clowning it up' with his new friends!

This group looks very happy to be at the fair.

On Friday, July 18th we were able to go to the Orange County Fair compliments of 'Friends of the Fair Day'.  The Hope University band 'The Hi-Hopes' celebrated their 16th year of performing for 'Friends of the Fair Day' as well.  The students went in groups which were able to choose their activities.  Some groups chose rides, others chose to shop, some just wanted to watch the Hi-Hopes perform. 

"My favorite thing to do at the fair was hang out with my friends and eat lunch."
Joe V.
"I had fun performing with the Hi-Hopes and going on the carousel."
Ron L.
"The bumper cars were so much fun!"
Rene S.
"I enjoyed some deep fried Reese's Pieces and shopping.  I got a present for my cat."
Justine A.
"I got to go shopping and I liked seeing the farm animals."
Karen L.
"I just really loved shopping and eating.  I bought myself a bracelet."
Michelle E.
"Going on the rides, all of the rides!"
Tanette T.
"The food, like the deep fried Oreos and seeing the gigantic animals."
Mary M.
"I liked going on the bumper cars!"
Raymond R.