Waco Arts Initiative

Casting Vision

2012-01-12T22:55:00.000-08:00

"The Key to economic growth lies not just in the ability to attract the creative class, but to translate that underlying advantage into creative economic outcomes in the form of new ideas, new high-tech business and regional growth."

-Richard Florida, The Rise of the Creative Class

"Humans use patterns to order the world and make sense of things in complex situations."

-C.F. Kurtz and D.J. Snowden, The New Dynamics of

Strategy: Sense-making in a complex and complicated world.

What if Waco was no longer known for its 1993 cult coercion but rather became a city known for its ability to mobilize economy through the creative sector. This is my vision for Waco. I truly believe that the children we are working with now will be some of the key instigators of cultural and innovative change for the future. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2010 report, 22.8% of individuals in Waco are living below the poverty line, almost doubling the ratio in New York City. I want to suggest that Waco is not bound to its definition as "one of the poorest cities in Texas, " but is rather challenged to pursue a quality of life which requires artistic and creative participation. Because art engages humanity beyond the " from us to you" dichotomy that is engrained into our socialization patterns, the emergence of a "creative class" can suggest a more diverse opportunity for humanity to engage one another.

We must no loner frame our city through the lens of poverty but rather through the perspective of imagination infused with hope. I say these two things together, because if children are not given the vision for a brighter future than they will never partake in what their own environment has to offer them. For example, I have hands and feet. What can I do with them? Design, dance, write, strum. Waco Arts Initiative is developing tomorrow's problem solvers and inventors through the "sense-making" frame-work that the arts provoke. Anyone who has volunteered with Waco Arts knows, that each day is an adventure in bringing order to chaos, making sense of a complex world. Is this not what life is all about? Learning to work with life's challenges to create new paradigms for human potential?

As Waco Arts Initiative enters its 8th term, I am so grateful for the many volunteers and interns who have dedicated their time and energy to making WAI happen. This past semester Waco Arts has had 19 interns working with the organization to research, plan, develop curriculum and engage the children of South Terrace through music, dance and theatre. In addition to the weekly educational classes, at the end of October the amazing group of WAI interns put on a benefit show which involved the citizens of Waco in a day of color and sound. With live music, print-making stations, and an exhibit of the children's creations, Waco Arts initiative was able to raise awareness and support for its classes that occur throughout the week. If you would like to be a part of what Waco Arts Initiative is doing in this city please e-mail info@wacoartsinitiative.org. Beginning January 23rd we will start having classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays!

-Grace

(photo by Haley Propes).

2011-10-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

Waco Arts Initiative is having a benefit show this Saturday at Common Grounds! Come anytime from 11 to 5! There is going to be a live art demonstration, concert and screen printing station! Tell Everyone you know!!!

2011-08-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

If you haven't signed up to volunteer with Waco Arts Initiative, do it now! E-mail info@wacoartsinitiative.org for more details. Don't wait or you will have to wait till October. Classes begin September 7th!

Volunteer with us for Fall 2011

2011-08-10T11:19:00.001-07:00

As we look forward to an exciting new semester, Waco Arts cannot wait for you to get involved! Whether you are able to volunteer with us or you would prefer to give your financial support, Waco Arts Initiative is excited for you to be a part of the team!

This summer we re-vamped the art space at South Terrace government housing development and will be focusing our efforts there by having after-school art programs three times a week. Beginning September 7th WAI will be starting music, theatre, and visual arts programs for the fall semester. We need at least 30 mentors/volunteers to buddy up with our children and teach them art. So if you are interested, please e-mail: info@wacoartsinitiative.org. and we will get you set up.

Waco Arts Initiative is utilizing a new curriculum called "Doing Art Together," created by Muriel Silberstein Storfer to allow children to use the different mediums of painting, collage and ceramics during our visual art sessions. With a strong team of student interns, Waco Arts Initiative is looking forward to developing relationships and inspiring children to reach new heights in their creative endeavors.

Here is our Fall Volunteer Schedule:

M: Visual Arts 3-5 PM

W: Theatre Arts 3-5 PM

F: Visual Arts 3-5 PM & Music 4-5 PM

Open House: Celebrating Our 3rd Birthday

2011-06-22T10:15:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Waco Arts Initiative celebrated its third year at South Terrace housing developments. The magic started yesterday evening when children from all around the neighborhood gathered at the front door of our art space waiting for the clock to hit 5:30 so they could come inside, cool down, and enjoy community and refreshments! The Open House was the first time that families, children and friends in Waco were all invited together to see what we do in our little art haven.

Smiling faces shone brightly and feelings of inspiration struck as community members met the children that they had heard so much about, and saw the place where imagination and hope ignite the neighborhood of South Terrace. After working for two months to re-paint, organize, clean and re-vamp the art space, I could tell that the children felt that this was done for them. Yesterday's Open House made it obvious that the past three years had built up to something great. “We are moving forward. “ “We are growing.” “We have reached new heights.” “Anything is possible!”

The vibe that filled the room yesterday was enchantment. The notion that we are all a part of something bigger than ourselves was felt by both the children and community members. Everyone left the art space yesterday knowing and believing that together we can accomplish powerful things! While we certainly have a long way to go and expect lofty adventures to muddle through in the coming days, I know we are on our way to making true impact on the hearts and minds Waco's children. I could not have asked for a better three years and cannot wait to see what is going to happen as Waco Arts Initiative continues to bring imagination and creativity into the neighborhoods of Waco, TX.

"Its Been A Long Time Coming"

2011-03-29T21:56:00.000-07:00

In the words of Sam Cooke: " Its been a long, a long time coming, but I know a change gonna come."

In addition to Cooke's song being the song of the week for our young musicians, this classic tune also represents a theme that I want to hone in on regarding education reform. We all know its been a long time coming and its time that we do things that work. Waco Arts Initiative is playing a vital role in this education reform as an "outside of the school" agency meeting needs within Waco's neighborhoods. What are our children doing when they come home after school? They are doing art. Why is art important? Art teaches individuals how to be innovative thinkers and how to see life differently. Art is an investment.

This evening I had the amazing privilege of hearing Mr. Geoffrey Canada of Harlem Children's Zone speak on education reform. He has given his life to educating the next generation by giving children who would not otherwise have the chance, a bright future and the opportunity to go to college. Canada has tapped into something that works. Through his holistic approach to education and his dedication to the neighborhoods and families of the children in Harlem, his cradle to college model continues to prove successful. Over 600 of his students have attended college and 11,000 more are on their way.

What can Waco Arts glean from Canada's empowering approach? Plenty. What an opportunity we have to be on the doorsteps of Waco's children. The importance of great teachers and leaders is essential to the efficacy of programs like Waco Art Initiative. I certainly feel inspired as a leader to take on the challenges we face at Waco Arts, with a creative mind and willingness to learn from life's road bumps. I look forward to the education panel coming up in May, where collaboration of community entities will birth a plan of action towards true education reform. Waco, its gonna take some work but lets get started.

Waco, Can You Hear Us!?

2011-02-23T09:53:00.000-08:00

What is Happening this Semester:

After Waco Arts Initiative’s Spring kick-off on Martin Luther King Day, the children began a series of activities involving projects which promote healthy living and reflection. With our healthy snack initiative, children are enjoying fruits, nuts, and vegetables rather than packaged foods, thanks to our relationship with Campus Kitchens and the Capital Area Food Bank. In addition to implementing a health and wellness curriculum, children who participate in Waco Arts Initiative are learning about the cultural and academic influences that have inspired artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci in his sketch of the Vitruvian Man.

Having a rich cultural understanding of the artists who have gone before is important to the development of artistic understanding within our students. One way our initiative has proven to be culturally influential is through the mentoring program that Waco Arts implemented at the beginning of the year. South Terrace government housing projects are the first recipients of Waco Arts’ mentoring initiative. On Wednesdays, children meet with a matched mentor to make art and experience meaningful time with their mentor who encourages them towards positive mental and artistic growth. Children who are a part of the mentoring program will also be able to visit local art museums, Baylor’s community garden, and other art ventures happening in Waco such as musical performances and art galleries.

Ways We are Growing:
Often when youth are trying to find their way in life, involvement in the musical arts such as band or orchestra provides a positive alternative to negative activities. Waco Arts is finally introducing music to its children through private music lessons and ensemble! We currently have four guitar teachers, two stringed instrument teachers, two drum teachers, and one piano and vocal teacher. I look forward to the opportunities that adding this music portion will create for our eager-to-learn students.

Waco Arts’ Art to school initiative has begun with Tennyson Middle School and West Ave Elementary School. Children are working on arts and wellness journals and learning about themselves and new and creative ways to think about healthy living.

If you are interested in helping out with any of the activities listed above, we would love for you to be a part of our Waco Arts Initiative team! Contact us at: info@wacoartsinitiative.org

WAI Fall Re-Cap

2010-12-05T23:08:00.001-08:00

As Waco Arts Initiative's third fall season wraps up, our staff looks forward to celebrating our amazing volunteers for all that they have contributed this past semester. If you have volunteered with us, I hope you will join us on December 10th!

In reflecting on the past three months, it is apparent that Waco Arts Initiative has made great strides towards collaboration and has successfully aided many organizations in meeting community needs. Having gained two amazing interns this past September for the Kate Ross, South Terrace, and Family Abuse Center programs, WAI has broadened its sphere of influence and refined its curriculum. Both site leaders created engaging lesson plans and taught the children of our initiative the basic elements of art, including contour lines, symmetry, shape, and texture.

Interns and volunteers have poured themselves out this past semester, challenging the children to see their own creative potential as well as the potential in one another. All volunteers involved in the classes at Family Abuse Center have been privileged to see firsthand the healing power of art. Children of FAC have demonstrated high artistic talent and sincere creativity, engaging arts as a means to express and release. This past week, the children created self portraits; we directed them to describe to one another what they appreciated about themselves. This activity had empowering results as children voiced to one another why they mattered in the world.

Art has proven to be a release not only for children, but for our university students as well. On a particularly cloudy day in mid-October, the rain waited to fall until the end of our "Here and There" art show at Common Grounds coffee shop. Students as well as children and families from all over Waco came out to observe some of the art that our children had created and then make some art themselves: onlookers became artists as they screen-printed, dyed shirts, purchased art pieces, and contributed to a community expression board. Those attending also got to hear from other nonprofits in our area and learn about all they are doing locally and abroad. Thank you Common Grounds for providing your space for this event!

Waco Arts Initiative had another successful "Steppin-Out" day of service event as the Kappa Kappa Gamma and Kappa Sigma chapters of Baylor University came out to South Terrace to help throw a fall festival for our children. While most of the students decorated pumpkins and played games with the children outside, many were inside working hard to clean and organize the space for us. The festival allowed us to make connections with new families at South Terrace as well as recruit more volunteers to help out with our classes during the week. It was truly an effective day of service!

This semester, we were privileged to express our gratitude to the children and families of WAI for being a part of our art classes in two ways. In September, we began a hoody initiative in which jackets bought by WAI volunteers and supporters provided jackets for children of our initiative as well. One of the mothers of some of our students told me that had we not given her children hoodies, they would have been cold this winter. Over 45 sweatshirts have been given to children thanks to those of you who supported WAI in this way! In November, WAI partnered with Campus Kitchens to supply each of its 30 families with a Thanksgiving meal of turkey, stuffing, corn, green beans, rolls, and a pie.

Waco Arts Initiative is proud to announce that in addition to all the support received through collaboration with other non-profits in Waco, WAI is the 2010 recipients of the Phi Chi chapter of Baylor University's annual tithe donation. Thank you again to all who have supported Waco Arts Initiative this past fall; I look forward to all the exciting adventures that lay in store for us in the Spring!

If you are interested in a hoody, e-mail size and color to info@wacoartsinitiative.org. Click this link to see your color options.

2010-11-16T15:22:00.000-08:00

Waco Arts Initiative Fall 2010

2010-10-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

Pictures taken by Elle Wildhagen, left: recent fundraiser; right: playground after one of our programs

As Waco Arts Initiative enters into its third fall season, we are excited to collaborate with Campus Kitchens to bring health education through a dynamic art curriculum and culinary art demonstrations. This semester WAI has taken on two Baylor University art students as interns to train and teach quality fine arts to the kids of South Terrace, Kate Ross, and Family Abuse Center. We also look forard to working with Communities in Schools to provide after school art courses for children in local elementary schools around Waco.

Some events are coming up that everyone should be aware of! The "Here and There" fundraiser is happening on Ocotber 23rd and will be benefitting 3 local and 3 global causes. Starting at 10 AM Waco Arts Initiative and Project (254) will be hosting an art show which will involve an art auction, community mural, screen printing and portrait stations that will all help benefit innovative economy in your neighborhood and around the world. The show will take place at Common Grounds and will be followed by a number of musical performances, starting at 7 PM.

On October 30th Waco Arts Initiative will be heading up a mural construction which will commemorate the 25th year anniversary of "Steppin-Out's" local day of service. The mural is anticipated to placed where Baylor University's local Community Garden is. This is an exciting opportunity for us to serve the community of Waco and allow the kids designs to be displayed.

If you are interested in helping out in any of these events, please let us know! Contact info@wacoartsinitiative.org

Christmas in July

2010-08-07T07:45:00.001-07:00

This past July, Waco Arts Initiative went to the Kate Ross and South Terrace sites and had a Christmas in July party to get the kids excited about the fall and remind them that classes will start again soon. We turned on some Christmas music, put on our scarves and hats, decorated yummy cookies, and let the kids know that as the school year is approaching so is Waco Arts. The kids seemed to be really excited and encouraged by the energy of our volunteers as one can only be when celebrating a holiday 6 months prior to its actual occurrence. The picture on the right was taken by one of our site leaders, Haley Propes, who has been an active participant in this past year's art activities and events. WAI is so thankful to have her on our team!

Trash to Treasure

2010-06-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

A week and a half ago, Waco Arts Initiative had a week long camp at South Terrace apartments. The focus of the week was eco-centered art. A few weeks prior to the camps I had collected old milk cartons from the children of a local elementary school. After cleaning the cartons out and sanitizing them, I cut them in such a way that made perfect beginner plant holders. The kids painted and decorated the cartons on the first day of camp and then were given soil, donated by a local church, to put in their cartons. We gave the children each a few black bean seeds to plant. I set some of the cartons on the window sill of our art space and came back a week later and they had begun to sprout.

The second activity we did was an etching of different types of leaves as we explored shades of green, using acrylic paint to outline our etches. I showed the kids pictures of leaves from different vegetables in order to help identify and distinguish different kinds of leaves. One of my goals is to try and get the children to notice the unique design and complexity of nature.

I think the most exciting activity we did all week was making bird houses out of recycled materials. We used old crayon boxes, plastic and glass water bottles, extra milk cartons, and then we covered them in paper mache and painted them when they were dry. On the final day we put bird seed in the bird houses as the children ate cup cakes made out of healthy ingredients often found in one's garden.

I really felt like the children were able to surpass what they thought they were capable of. Some of the children who don't do as well in school did exceptionally well on the art projects this week and I know they gained confidence from this. It made me so happy to see children complete their bird houses and feel so proud of their work. This week for sure has been one of my favorites and definitely showed the kids that they can turn trash into treasure.

Here is a link to a video I took on my camera:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oifjpdecgII

A time of Expression

2010-04-17T06:28:00.000-07:00

The current spring semester has been full of hands on activities that have enabled the kids to construct all types of imaginative figures and designs. We have utilized recycled bottles, tree branches, and paper mache for the kids to configure art pieces to display their art work. We have also been doing creative writing warm-ups, focusing on a particular artists in order for children to begin really looking at works of art and thinking about them.

As the children mourn the loss of one of their class mates, it has been a difficult journey to know the proper response toward the children's thoughts and feelings about the situation. This past semester we have seen more children open up and be honest and real about what is going on in their lives. If I can use one word to describe this semester it would be "Expressive." Never in previous semesters have I seen children be able to communicate what is inside them as much as I have this spring. Im so thankful to all of our loving volunteers who have been a listening ear and active participants in knowing our kids. Thank you.

2010-03-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aevUEBSaCQ

A beautiful season

2010-01-04T19:37:00.000-08:00

With many hopes for what 2010 has in store for Waco Arts Initiative, we reflect on some of the treasures from this past fall. Having had an overflow of volunteers, Waco Arts Initiative has been blessed in full measure with all the help it has had. Organizations such as stepping out, have helped renovate our South Terrace Site and create an inspiring atmosphere for kids to do art in. Thank you Pi-Phis! Baylor art students have been more than wonderful in making sure the kids learn art techniques and most importantly feel valued for the unique and beautiful individuals that they are. Recently, one of our site leaders took a student through Baylor University's photography department and walked her step by step through the process of developing a photograph, taking her into the dark room, and then giving her a developed photo.

One of the most amazing things that nine of our WAI kids got to experience this past fall was the opportunity to attend a special performance put on my NPR's "From the Top," where our students were able to see young adults play instruments of all sorts. WAI is so thankful to Baylor University for being so involved with Waco Arts Initiative and giving tickets free of charge to this event. We sat front row and the kids were enamored and inspired. This semester WAI hopes to connect with Baylor's school of music to work with some of the kids who attended this performance.

One of my favorite activities we did this semester were "Give Thanks Boxes." The week before Thanksgiving, the students of WAI recycled, designed, and painted boxes which were then placed at eight local establishments around Waco. People all over the city of Waco were able to reflect and write down things they are grateful for, within the community. The week after thanksgiving we read aloud what people had written and children were inspired to write even more things they were thankful for!

Another exciting thing that happened this past semester was the commencement of a new program at a third site in Waco. Having a program at the villages/ Parkside apartments allows us to be able to bring the arts into the "707" area of Waco which has little arts activity happening within the schools.

The past fall, WAI's curriculum focus was based on teaching the basic elements of art to the kids. It has been amazing seeing what the kids are capable of. As we move forward to new heights within the development of our program, we are hoping to do a lot more hands on and creatively stimulating activities this Spring. So this semester’s curriculum will focus more on constructing, painting, and designing as we explore different mediums such as clay, wood cut, acrylic, oil, tempera paints, ink for print and paper Mache! This year, Waco Arts Initiative has been asked by the Urban Garden coalition, a local educational farming organization, to help out with a city wide MLK day of service event. WAI will be in charge of providing a reflection activity through mural art at 9 different schools in Waco. So if you are interested in helping with this, let us know! We could definitely use your help!

Thanks for all the help, prayers, and support to anyone who has been a part of WAI this past year and half. We have come a long way and I cant wait to see what is in store for us as we continue pursuing the opportunities available to us through Waco's community of loving and passionate people!

WAI Autumn Update!

2009-09-12T14:22:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming to a close and that means Waco Arts Initiative has begun its fall program. This past year was a great success, having had over sixty kids participating and over twenty volunteers helping us out. Kids from both the South Terrace and Kate Ross housing districts got to attend concerts, go to art museums, and engage with art in such a way that taught them the value of art. Parents and families of children were able to see their kid’s art and encourage the children when Waco Arts Initiative held a special dinner and art exhibit to celebrate the end of the school year. This past summer, Waco Arts Initiative’s staff worked diligently to prepare a new art space for the children at South Terrace, and officially opened for classes August 31, 2009.

During the approaching fall season, Waco Arts Initiative will be implementing a mentorship program in addition to its current after-school program. Fundraising and getting the word out to the Waco community about what we are doing is also part of what we will be working to accomplish this year. Last January WAI received a grant from an organization called Student Serve, a non-profit helping students establish local organizations. Waco Arts Initiative has also received funding from Waco’s Junior league as well as private donors. With the funding that WAI has received, Waco Arts Initiative will be able to have access to art supplies, take kids on educational field trips, and expand its program so that the underprivileged children of Waco may experience hope and feel valued.

Waco Arts hopes to utilize university organizations and students to help extend art to a broader span of Waco. As the enrollment of children is increasing at each site as well as the number of volunteers, Waco Arts Initiative is in need of larger art space and an increased amount of supplies. If you feel you can contribute to our organization in regards to these needs, please let us know! Contact us at info@wacoartsinitiative.org.

2009-07-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

In order for kids to have the freedom to express and create fully, they must recognize that they are capable of doing more than they think possible. In order to prevent kids from saying "I can't," we must show them that they CAN! Teaching kids that they are able to draw reality and that nature has complexity allows the kids to see their world more significantly. Observing texture, space, line and detail gives kids confidence to create art that doesnt have to be conventional or from the perspective of one type of context. Art gives humanity the opportunity to reach for heights beyond a single-minded paradigm.

Art Space

2009-07-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

This summer Waco Arts Initiative has been cleaning out and setting up its art space in the south Terrace housing district. We have been working hard to make the space a center for children to be able to express and create in an environment which perpetuates artistic growth and inspires creativity. In the space, there is a room that exhibits the children's art. It is important for the children to learn how to observe and approach art, and in a museum setting they can better understand this.

This summer we have also been doing a lot of organizing and developing. By the fall, we will be ready with a fresh art curriculum and instructors that focuse on teaching kids the basics of design, medium, and art history. The space also provides a great place to give individual art lessons to the kids who show particular giftedness in certain areas of art.

Parent Dinner and art Exhibit

2009-05-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday we had an end of the semester art exhibit and dinner for the parents and families of the kids of our South Terrace location. Waco Arts volunteers spent much of the day setting up art that the kids had created over the past 4 months. Watching the kids come in and and show their parents the art that they had produced was so encouraging both to the parents and the kids. One paritcular mother stayed and helped us clean up after we were all done. I was excited to get to talk with her because she is a mother I have been wanting to get to know. Talking with this mom, allowed me to tell her that the purpose of our presence there is soley to do art. It is important to me that the parents know that we support them as parents and are trying to enrich the Children's lives through expression. Waco Arts values the heart and essential worth of people and art is good for the soul. The act of creating, transcends social constructs and allows for individuals to enter into a world beyond their own. On Wednesday this woman and I were able to simply talk as friends. I felt like a bond was made between us that allowed us to see each other as similar people, detached from social identities. Seeing parents and speaking with them allowed us to establish a new place of trust within the lives of our children and parents.

Etching and Ellipses

2009-04-09T18:51:00.000-07:00

Elsa's dream

2009-04-01T07:24:00.000-07:00

On Monday we looked at a painting by surrealist Victor Brauner because he often painted dream-like and fantastical scenes so we had the kids paint their own dreams with watercolor. I was not suprised to find that many of the dreams these kids have are full of violence and fear, however one of our student's paintings stood out from the rest. When we were finishing up the activity, Elsa, 9 years old ran up to me and said, "Grace look at my picture!" pointing at the strokes of blue on her paper, she continued, "these are clouds." I proceeded to ask her to tell me about her dream. She got still and looked intently into my eyes and said, " I had a dream that clouds were all around me and that God was hugging me."

2009-03-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

Figuring out projects that cater to specific ages has been a challenge especially when working with the young elementary school kids at Kate Ross. On Wednesday we did a Van Gogh project, hoping to get the younger kids to begin drawing what they see. March in Texas is full of beautiful days so we decided to let them observe the space outside and using pastels, replicate on paper what was in front of them. Mikki, a girl who was visiting our program for the first time stood out in her artistic craftsmanship as she re-created the community around her!

On Thursday Jaquesha and I had another creative writing session. We began by reading allowed an E.E. Cummings poem then picked out our favorite lines and wrote about what we thought Cummings meant in those lines or if he meant nothing. We later wrote poems based out of words that we decided sounded pleasing to the ear. Every time we meet I am astounded with what is inside the imagination of Jaquesha. I am so pround of her!

2009-03-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday Grace Anne and I took one of our Waco Arts Kids to the Nasher sculpture museum. Every first Saturday of the month there is a kids creative art program and it is free! Last month we took Aisha and Jaquesha to the museum and it was magical. This go round was just as amazing! My favorite part of the day was the hip hop at the end. Not only did Arica get to participate in a visual art project but she also got to learn about the culture and history of hip hop as well as dance to an original hip hop beet. This month the Nasher is featuring George Segal, hence exhibiting his sculprtures of humanity doing every day activities. Arica, the girl who we took, was able to see a demontstration of how plaster sculptures are made as well as see the end results through his work! In April I really want to be able to bring more kids to the Nasher because it is such a good way for kids to visualize where art can take them!

Monsters

2009-02-27T20:02:00.000-08:00

This is a picture from a day we painted objects that we found outside. The kids made creatures out of them!

Drums

2009-02-27T19:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Raysha'n had drum lessons with Jeff and listening to how much he has improved since October is amazing. Seeing the impact that these drum lessons have had on the life of this boy has been both inspiring and gives me hope that what the kids set their minds to can be attained. It wasn't but 6 months ago that Rayshan was begging me to learn the drums. When I finally got him connected with Jeff, he took to it like a natural. Not only have the drum lessons impacted Rayshan but Jeff as well. There is a great sense of satisfaction one feels when talent is shared and imitated. I firmly believe that music is often a way to express and release what cannot be expressed in words. When I see and hear Rayshan on a role, playing the drums, an inexpressible joy comes over me!

2009-02-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

Today's activity emphasized the color orange! We mixed red and yellow as we painted objects in front of us, a flower, a tomato, and a grapefruit. More kids then usual came and the art seemed to be contageous. I was especially proud of Elsa for imitating the objects in front of her, capturing the shade and tints of the different organge colored objects. We finished the day's activity with an orange treat, a yummy Italian dip consisting of roasted belle peppers, pesto, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and feta. The children were amazed that such components, when mixed together, could create such a yummy treat!

2009-02-20T05:57:00.000-08:00

2009-02-20T05:54:00.000-08:00