|
TAO Artists Add Joy to Summer Camp
TAO is ready for summer, bringing the healing power of the Arts to camp programs for campers with special needs throughout Hampton Roads.  Musical instruments of all kinds set the summer stage as The Dentz, Acoustic Railroad and Dr. Bob and the Burning Desires work with campers who have special needs in South Hampton Roads. "The folks at Up Center's Camp Horizon were dancing and singing along throughout the TAO program," related Rebecca Schultz from The Dentz. Young adults at Camp Horizon also have been known to take to the mics and perform their own numbers - to the delight of their fellow campers, camp staff and TAO artists.
Arthur Lopez shares his passion for percussion with campers at the Eggleston's Civitan Acres Camp, through his high energy 'Drum Your Dreams' workshop. The vibe is amazing as 40 campers experience a drum circle while beating, chanting and losing themselves in tribal rhythms. One counselor related that the non-verbal self-expression facilitated through drumming was a terrific stress reliever for her young clients.
Cerebral Palsy of Virginia's camp is will host the warm and spectacular Kaliki Dancer's. These dynamic, colorful Polynesian dancers give from the heart as they share authentic music, flowing hand gestures, flower leis and Hawaiian sing-a-longs. Their hands 'speak,' the lyrics, providing non-verbal cues that tell the song's story. Matched with their twinkling eyes and sweet smiles, an aura of joy and delight steadily grows throughout their programs. These markers are palpable reminders of how richly rewarding the arts can be in helping us connect with one another.
On the Peninsula, TAO artists are giving clients at VersAbility Resources the chance to be creative and express themselves. Ashleigh Diehl, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at VersAbility, shares ''It is the goal of Versability Resources to help all people see people who have disabilities as genuine friends, neighbors, community members, and mentors ...we appreciate TAO's support of a more inclusive society by using the arts as a bridge to acceptance."
This summer TAO will work with over 1,200 campers, assisted living residents, hospital and long-term care patients and people in crisis. We are grateful to have so many talented, creative and compassionate artists willing to share their talents. With your support, we will continue to make live, quality arts experiences accessible to everyone.
|
Create | Relate Pilot Project
 | |
Photos by Jim Knox
|
TAO and the Alzheimer's Association's SEVA chapter created two pilot workshops for drop-in arts experiences to help people living with Alzheimer's disease. The programs goals are to reduce isolation, offer a group experience, and provide opportunities for creative self-expression and sensory stimulation. The pilot programs were a hit with caregivers and participants alike.
One caregiver said it was the first time he'd seen his wife smile in six months - think about what this must have meant to both of them. We are looking for funding to expand this program. Click here for the full story; please call or email for more information.
|
|
TAO Golf Tournament October 2, 2014
|
|
We Hope You'll Vote for TAO in
Giving Back Awards Nominations
Coastal Virginia Magazine announced the third annual Giving Back Awards, to honor Coastal Virginia's outstanding non-profit organizations.
The "Giving Back Awards," presented by Old Point National Bank, aims to celebrate the often unrecognized groups living among us who transform our communities and enrich the lives of others. The winners--as determined by reader votes--will be revealed at a special awards reception at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery and profiled in Coastal Virginia's November/December 2014 issue. The nomination period is now open and runs through August 1, at which point the contest will move onto its voting rounds. Please vote for TAO here. You need only enter your email address, name and the NPO of your choice to enter. Thank you! |
|
Telling Our Story
TAO is looking for marketing help to tell our story.
We are interviewing consultants and working to re-start our volunteer Marketing Committee. It's vitally important, and we could use your help finding the right people. Please reach out to MaryAnn Toboz, Executive Director, if you have suggestions for us, or if you can offer support. Thank you.
|
