ARTreach Newsletter
in your community April/May 2009 
The need for art programs serving children at risk and children and adults with special needs are increasing.  ARTreach is responding to the needs in Houston, Katy, Sugar Land and the Woodlands and you can help!  ARTreach artists, dancers, musicians, volunteers and supporters reach out - every donation of time, talent and dollars makes a difference.
ARTreach in the community
 
 chris  
Houston - ARTreach URGEWORKS Programs serving children at risk are running in underserved schools in Houston and the third ward community. These programs are directed by international dancer and visual performing artist Chris Gamez and are popular with principals and social workers, because they focus on improving a young person's self esteem, self awareness, and sense of belonging.  URGEWORKS Programs further utilize the arts to support character education, anti-gang behavior and drug abuse prevention.  You can help! Chris is currently training dancers and urban artists to work with students at various school and community locations including Jackson Middle School on Wednesdays, and Caldwell Elementary on Mondays 1:30-2:30 p.m.  Contact ARTreach for more information.  You can also help by sponsoring an URGEWORKS presentation in an underserved community this summer. Presentations will be held in the Houston Public Libraries. Visit the website calendar for a list of dates including the Jungman Neighborhood Library on July 8th at  4 pm, and July 14th at 10:30 a.m. at the Houston Central Branch located at 500 McKinney. 
 
Residential Treatment Centers that support CPS Foster Care children ages 11-17 with high levels of care can apply for free Urgeworks Pilots. These are ARTreach arts-in-education programs that utilize the urban arts to help teach math, language arts and science. ARTreach is documenting the impact on this targeted population and measuring reductions in behavior infractions in the classrooms. A limited number of program hours are available for treatment centers in the Houston area.  Please visit our Programs link on the website for a complete description of all the URGEWORKS and Urban Arts Programs serving children at risk. Artists and dancers interested in training to support these programs please contact Chris Gamez at c.gamez@artreachonline.org  Agencies and schools interested in booking URGEWORKS programs may contact ARTreach. All ARTreach member agencies and underserved campuses are qualified for assistance. Contact ARTreach for an assistance application.
FBISD Dan Egger Belandria
Fort Bend ARTreach - Dan Egger Belandria and his World Rhythm Journey took a tour to Mission West Elementary and Townewest Elementary this past month in a project funded by Fort Bend Junior Service League and private Sugar Land donations to bring the arts to children in underserved FBISD campuses.  Dan is also an ARTreach Program Director overseeing projects for the Austin area. As an ARTreach roster artist and touring artist listed on the Texas Commission on the Arts. Up to 50% matching funds are available for many of Dan's programs by applying for support through the TCA.

ARTreach is also piloting a new creative writing program in Fort Bend ISD designed by ARTreach teaching artist Suzanne Adams of Sugar Land. Her program is called "All About You" and combines character education with creative journaling exercises to build a stronger sense of self worth in 6th grade girls. This project runs Monday and Thursday through May 7th 3:30-5:15 pm at Garcia Middle School in FBISD. You can help! Are you an artist that would like to teach? Contact ARTreach for a list of opportunities. Art volunteers are needed at this time.
TAPE 
ARTreach was named the 2009 Crystal Award winner for innovative art partnerships in Texas by the Texas Association of Partners in Education (TAPE). Featured programs were serving children at risk in Fort Bend ISD.
community project   Iris
Another Fort Bend area project spotlighted this month features  ARTreach artist Kelly Dillard with a unique community project for the Newland Communities TelFair Neighborhood in Sugar Land. Kelly worked with children attending the annual Spring Festival at TelFair to create a beautiful work of art that will be displayed at the community center. 

ARTreach Scholarship Winners Announced! Program Director Elizabeth Linder announced the recipients of our 2009 ART Studio Scholarships, Nathan Byrne of Fort Bend and Aaron Melcher of Katy. Luke Stoddard was the recipient of our Cinco Ranch Conservatory of Music Award for private violin lessons. Stop by Tradition Bank 1515 Grand Parkway to see our Gallery Exhibition and Silent Auction on display until the end of April. _________________________________________________________________________________ 

ARTreach was awarded the 2009 Shell Oil Summer Intern Grant and is currently accepting resumes and applications from college students with an interest in the arts and social service and looking for a great job this summer! info@artreachonline.org
  

   
ARTreach offers a variety of Studio Programs in Katy.  "Within My Reach" is an ARTreach Vocational Program that serves adults with physical and developmental disabilities enrolled in the ARC of Katy Day Care Program. Participants are learning to create a sellable line of ceramics, ornaments, note cards and even tee shirts to help raise money for other important needs.  This program also trains adults with disabilities for job placement.   Other ARTreach Studio programs serve the elderly and Alzheimer's patients in assisted living, including the ARTreach Breakfast Club running weekly on Tuesdays at 10 am and 2 pm at the ARTreach Studio.  These programs are offered for free to residents in assisted living and are taught by ARTreach Program Director Tess Thornton. 
 
There are ARTreach Studio Programs open to the general public, including The Breakfast Club for Senior Citizens on Thursdays, ARTreach Adults Night Out the last Thursday of each month, and Teen Art Night the second Friday of each month.  Call for reservations 281-381-7202
 
The ARTreach Studio in Katy is located inside "Ceramics by Tess" in the Times Square Shopping Center off Grand Parkway near I-10. Volunteers are invited to assist in ARTreach Programs serving the elderly or special needs adults on Tuesdays and Thursdays to create special projects.  Volunteer today!
 
WITHIN MY REACH!
Parents with children ages 16-65 with physical and development disabilities can sign up for "Within My Reach" ARTreach Vocational Arts Summer Day Camp. The cost is $80 per week per student. Students will learn to make silk screened tee shirts, note-cards and functional ceramics that can be sold. Our ARTreach Vocational Camp ends with a "Within My Reach" craft show at the ARTreach Heritage Arts Center at Katy Hertiage Park. Our students will have an opportunity to sell their own line of crafts created in the camp to recoup the cost of the camp and earn money!  
 
Music Makes My Day! New ARTreach Program Director Michelle Mitchell offers a weekly Music Program to benefit adults with physical and developmental disabilities and the ARC of Katy. Volunteers are welcome to attend and participate in this hour of music and sing-a-long every Wednesday at 9 am at the ARC Day Program located at the Beverly Laws YMCA Camp. Michelle also volunteers at the Sunrise Senior Living Community. Thank you Michelle!
  
ARTreach Program Director Lorena Fernandez offer Expressive Arts Workshops to the general public, as well as hospitals and recovery centers. This is a Healing Arts practice that helps individuals cope with difficult times, life changes, grief, illness and recovery.  Contact L.Fernandez@artreachonline.org  to register for a session or workshop in your area.
    
Summer is Coming! ARTreach is partnering again this year with the Cinco Ranch Property Owners Association to bring a series of cultural art presentations to La Centerra Town Shopping Center and the Katy community this summer. A complete list of upcoming events and presentations is posted on our website calendar. See Dan Egger Belandria, Sam Dinkins, URGEWORKS Dancers, Jean Kuecher's Marionette Playhouse, Storyteller Dan Gordon, harpist Sara Shute and more!
Woodlands  mural
The Woodlands - ARTreach has been running special projects directed by Vickie McMillan for two years in the Woodlands. Vickie has donated over 141 hours to ARTreach this year and is currently directing social projects for the We Care Residential Treatment Center. We Care Residential Center is a placement center for youth in juvenile probation and in need of therapy and educational programs that that will help the child cope with anger and issues related to abuse and neglect.

Vickie recruits volunteers to support We Care and we wish to thank our Woodlands ARTreach volunteers Joy Parvis and Sheryl Preece for the many hours they have donated to support this program.  Vickie is organizing an art supply drive for summer ARTreach projects and arranging special field trips. Woodsedge Church and local businesses like The Olive Garden in The Woodlands are long time supporters of field trips and art activities for the children at We Care.  Woodlands ARTreach Programs are also offered via the Woodsedge Church, AIDS Compassionate Outreach. Vickie is offering art classes and supporting volunteer training at the AIDS Residence off Buress Street near the Woodlands. If you wish to become involved please contact v.mcmillan@artreachonline.org  
 Africa Workshops Africa Africa
International -ARTreach is partnering with outreach organizations and churches to utilize the arts in an effort to educate and make changes in Africa. These programs are directed by Vickie McMillan of Katy, Texas.

ARTreach  programs in Nigeria are teaching artists a range of new painting techniques and how to sell their work in galleries for a living.  Workshops are offered weekly in watercolor, acrylic, and basic drawing. Children's workshops were conducted at the Hoedspruit South Africa orphanage for 3 months in the summer.

ARTreach is collecting materials for international projects this year. We need canvas, paint, brushes, books, stickers, paper, colored pencils and markers. Please contact us if you can help organize an art supply drive for ARTreach at this time. 
 
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ARTreach Volunteers make a difference
ARTreach Volunteers for 2008-09 include staff members, Christine Stilwell, Chris Gamez, Elizabeth Bailey, Terri Bieber, and Program Directors Vickie McMillan, Elizabeth Linder, Tess Thornton, Sandy Buller, Lorena Fernandez, Michelle Mitchell, Stacy Baer, Dan Egger-Belandria, Maxine Rothman, Janet Buller, Kelly Dillard, Kelly Litvak, Suzanne Adams and art assistant Lori Aguiluz, IT support by Brett Toney and special video DVD project by Danny Russo. Our volunteers recorded over 2400 hours donated to ARTreach. This represents a value of over $84,000 in program and operational dollars saved thanks to our volunteers! Carol Eckels Adams was recognized this year as our Board Member of the Year for supporting our new partnership with the Katy Heritage Society and helping to open the ARTreach Heritage Arts Center at the Katy Heritage Park.  Our Advisor of the Year is Monica Meade, Fort Bend ISD social worker for donating hours supporting our FBISD projects. Thank you to all our artists, mentors, board directors and advisors. You make a difference!
  
Please help ARTreach by making a donation, volunteering to teach, or by attending our community events and fundraisers.  Several communty art events and fundraisers are planned for the
month of April and May.
 
APRIL - ARTreach Exhibition and Silent Auction at Tradition Bank, 1515 Grand Parkway. Stop by this month and see our student art exhibition and bid on great items created by our National Charity League and Living Word Lutheran Church volunteers and students with special needs from Carrie's Heart and ARC of Katy. Help us raise money to bring the arts to children and adults in need.
 
April 16th- Join us for breakfast at the Bagel Cafe at 631 S. Mason Road. Our artist will be "Painting with Coffee" and raising money thanks to Bagel Cafe donating 15% of their proceeds to ARTreach on this day.
 
April 17th- BerryHill Baja Grill in the Villagio at Cinco Ranch- Margaritas Today, ARTS Tamale! This is an ARTparty on the calendar the third Friday of every month! Music and art activities throughout the evening 5 pm til closing. Thank you BerryHill Baja Grill in Cinco Ranch donating 10% of your proceeds to ARTreach!

Thank you Books-A-Million at Katy Mills Mall for supporting ARTreach on April 11th. Everyone is invited to stop by Books-A-Million to see our community painting created by over 60 children and families on the day as we celebrated Reading and Creativity the ARTreach way.  
art BAM 
 
April 28th- Houston West Chamber of Commerce- HWCOC members can participate on an ARTreach Day of Caring for Vita Living residents being held at the ARTreach Studio from 4- 6 p.m. Email t.bieber@artreachonline.org to volunteer.
 
May 2nd- ARTreach Heritage Arts Center at the Katy Heritage Park - 5990 George Bush Drive in Katy is open the first Saturday of every month. The center displays and sells beautiful crafts and original work from artists in the community to help raise money for ARTreach programs. On May 2nd th Heritage Arts Center will feature Marissa Vitolo and Sony Hartley and several other Katy ISD Art Teachers with their own line of beautiful arts and crafts to sell- just in time for Mother Day!  
  
We are also looking forward to Tuesday, July 7th -ARTreach will be at the Fish City Grill in North West Houston Champions Area in the Vinatage Park Shopping Center. We are inviting the neighborhood, NW Art League and Tomball Art League to celebrate the arts with ARTreach at Fish City Grill - Fish City Grill is donating 15% to ARTreach on this day!
 
We are looking for creative business partners in the Sugar Land, Katy, The Woodlands and West Houston area that will support an ARTreach fundraiser by donating 10-20% of proceeds earned during an ARTparty. We'll create an ARTscene in your community to help raise money!  Contact Christine Stilwell at c.stilwell@artreachonline.org  to host an ARTreach ART party and Fundraiser in your restaurant, neighborhood or business!  Help us to bring the arts to children and adults in need!
Donate online www.artreachonline.org