Performing Artist and Musician Dan Egger-Belandria recently visited FBISD Pecan Grove Elementary and KISD James Williams Elementary to demonstrate a percussion based workshop supporting Early Childhood Development. 
 
His workshop, called The Rhythm Journey, introduces drumming techniques to aid in kindergarten readiness, and supports social development, reading and counting skills. The 45-minute workshop helps teachers identify a child’s motor and language skills level and development, as well the student’s ability to interpret and follow instructions. This ARTreach workshop supports early childhood development (ECD) and targets non English speaking in the home, special needs, and/or children of a parent in active military duty, and low income. The program was piloted at both schools to support staff development and Early Childhood Development.
 
Katy ISD, James Williams Elementary piloted a project for their pre-K students on Wednesday October 7, 2009. This project was made possible by ARTreach and a $240 financial contribution by the JWE PTA. “This program offers strong reinforcement of language skills and phonic awareness, said JWE Pre-K teacher, Alma Jarrell, ”the workshop was very helpful, and the kids loved it!  We want to thank the PTA for appreciating the value of early arts integration and providing this opportunity to our youngest and newest students.”
 
The FBISD Pecan Grove Elementary workshop was held on September 25th with funding provided in part by a grant from the Fort Bend Junior Service League. Additional funding for ARTreach programs has been provided by the Texas Commission on the Arts and the Houston Endowment, Inc.
 
Rhythm Journey is available to all schools in Katy ISD and FBISD with financial assistance available to support title one schools and preschool programs for children at risk.
Visit www.artreachonline.org to learn more about ARTreach Programs in the schools and community.
 

October 7, 2009 – This year Katy ISD implemented a new initiative called Sister Schools.  This campus partnership concept matches up two schools that aren’t necessarily close to one another geographically, but share the common value and goals of all Katy schools; educating our kids in learning, loving environment.
Sister School relationships are unique and based solely on the needs and personalities of their campuses. For example this year some volunteers from Williams Elementary went to sister school Sundown Elementary to teach Junior Achievement. Creech Elementary volunteers went to Sister School Mayde Creek to assist in science lab days for various grade levels, then Mayde Creek volunteers were invited to Creech’s International Day to get ideas on how to implement the same program at their campus next year. PTA members from Alexander Elementary volunteered for Cimarron’s Elementary Field Day activities and also included Cimarron teachers in their fall book drive allowing them access to free books for the classroom.
 
As a district partner In education, ARTreach supports the Katy ISD Sister School Program with an arts-in-education matching outreach program. Whenever one school’s PTA brings a Young Audience or other approved cultural arts program or arts in education presentation to their own school,  ARTreach will fundraise to match the costs of the presentation for their sister school. Sister schools only need to confirm presentations and complete an ARTreach application for assistance. 
www.artreachonline.org
To celebrate the sister schools ARTreach is hosting an ARTparty and Happy Hour at Berryhill on the third Friday, October 16th and November 20th. Sister campuses, teachers and parents are invited to the event to enjoy art, music and great tacos! Berryhill is donating proceeds from the evening to ARTreach to help fund the sister school’s Arts-in-Education Program.
 
The Sister School ARTparty and Happy Hour is Friday, October 16th 5-8 pm at Berryhill Baja Grill located at the Villagio Town Center in Cinco Ranch. 

ARTreach is a non-profit art group from Katy, Texas and as an outreach organization they have been developing innovative art programs and documenting positive results in the health and human service arena since 2004. For ARTreach, improving a person’s health and state of mind is not only a science; it is an A R T.  
 
The mission of ARTreach is to bring the arts to underserved communities including children at risk, special needs children and adults, and the elder population. The organization is responding to the growing population of senior citizens and developing new programs serving individuals with Alzheimer’s and residents in assisted living communities. These new programs are utilizing the arts to support health and recovery and promote a culture change in older adult services. The programs adopt a “person-centered” approach that acknowledges and respects long-term care residents and core person-directed values that include choice, dignity, respect, self-determination and purposeful living.  ARTreach pilots initiated this year are made possible by the Texas Commission on the Arts and new TCA Arts Respond Grants supporting Health and Human Services.
 
The work behind the ARTreach vision and mission is to increase the value proposition associated with the arts in general, and show how the fundamental value of the arts includes obvious health and educational benefits.  ARTreach Programs demonstrate just how key the arts are to education, mental health and well being. Their program successes are well documented in order to support new legislation and improved arts funding in the state of Texas.
 
The impact of an ARTreach Program is determined by improvements in grades, behavior and mental health indicators recorded during a pilot.  The impact of the ARTreach pilot supporting seniors in assisted living communities are being measured through a wide range of indicators including reductions in medications, fewer falls, improvements in behavior, and increased social interaction.
 
The new ARTreach Programs serving individuals with Alzheimer’s combine live music, piano, harp and/or acoustic guitar with dance motions and visual art projects to stimulate a creative process.  “We see memories triggered, personalities return, and marked improvements in our resident’s focus and ability to recall and retain instructions,” says Connie Benedict, Activities Director at The Forum at Memorial Woods, “The ARTreach programs support all our objectives devoted to meeting the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well being of our residents,” Benedict adds, “and we can see our residents’ quality of life enhanced by each art opportunity provided.”
 
At the conclusion of a pilot, ARTreach evaluates the program and determines which aspects had the highest positive impact, is it a specific tune, a particular color, a certain action or motion? There is technique related to a skilled artist’s delivery, and a combination of several art disciplines that act like a switch turning on the light  that connects to the creative process.
 
ARTreach from Katy, Texas is leading the way in developing the best art practices in the field of health and human services and education. ARTreach programs are recognized Statewide by the Texas Association for Partners in Education (TAPE), nationally recognized by the Americans for the Arts for featured programs serving at risk youth, and internationally recognized by the U.S. State Department’s Institute for International Education for encouraging minority participation in the arts.
 
The founders of ARTreach believe this work can and should be replicated. Quality art programs need to be available and more easily funded to support social service agencies and school districts in Texas.  The ARTreach website hosts archives that discuss over five years of pilots resulting in some of the best art practices designed for elder care, juveniles in detention, children in foster care or in residential treatment and suffering from anger and behavioral issue related to abuse or neglect . The work encompasses survivors of crime and catastrophe, drug rehabilitation, gang intervention, court diversion programs, afterschool clubs, safe haven programs for at risk youth, and life skills programs developed for children and adults with special needs. www.artreachonline.org  
 
 

August 24, 2009- Since 2004, ARTreach has recognized great people in our community annually as heroes among us for their support and involvement in arts education and outreach.

ARTreach is pleased to announce the 2009 Heroes Among Us!

Christine Stilwell, Hank Richardson, Lori Curtis, Julie Noeldner, Karen Zurawski, Lisa Guidry, Luciano Battistini, Newell Cheatham, Herman Kluge, Tess Thornton, Jane Lowery,  Janet & Sandy Buller, Jerry & Gail Edmondson, Ida Fae & Don Elder, Judy & Mike Sutton, Robin Dombrowski, Vickie & Chad McMillan, Kelly Dillard, Maxine Rothman, Elizabeth Bailey, Keri Aschoff, Mitzi Jones, Robert Bryant, Wendy Duncan, Sarah Goodwin, Steve Livingston, Suzanne Adams, Terri Norman, Connie Benedict, Debbie Beauregard, Beth Nightingale, Shelton Craig, Karen Richards, Brenda Haegner, Marisa Vitolo, Sony Hartley, Brownie Shott, Kavin &Downy Vickery, Carol & Johnny Bonaccorso, Kim & Scott Bartholomaus, Ruthie Courville, Donna Magana, Victoria Roubel, Nicole Yates, Michele Metts, Katie & Taylor Dolan, Michael Guevara, Debbie Stoddard, Sam Dinkins, Rebecca Fox, Joseph Dixon, Todd Frazier, Elin Crockett, Chris Crockett, Cindy Bayne, Barbara Gray, Scott Neischman, Cory Linberry, Kathy & Clint Capshaw, Claire Payne, Fatima & Brett Donaldson, Ryann & Nikki Donaldson, Shannon Boutelle, Monica Meade, Mary Gready, Liz O’Donnell, Terri Yanoviak, Monique & Chris Gamez, John Pape, Helen Eriksen, Carol & Stu Levin, Jane Davis, Kris Taylor, Janet Theis, Martha Brown, Brian Gabbert, Katie Biggers, Maria Masson, Michelle Mitchell, Varsha Tyagi, Chris Hicks, Teri Ward, Don Wolf, Dana Hasting, Senator Glenn Hegar, Katherine Ammer and the ARTreach Board of Directors, 2009 Advisors and our roster of gifted artists!
Thank you for chair-ishing the Arts! We chair-ish you!
 
The heroes have been invited to attend Art Making Workshops on August 22 and September 18th at Berryhill Baja Grill at the Villagio in Cinco Ranch to create chairs that will be auctioned to raise money for ARTreach Programs. Photos above were taken at the Chair Painting Workshop held on August 22nd. The public will be invited to the official unveiling of the heroic works of art at the Chair-ish the Arts Reception being held at the Villagio Town Center on October 22, 2009. For more information about ARTreach programs visit www.artreachonline.org.  For more information about the Chair-ish the Arts Exhibition or the Heroes Among Us, contact Terri Bieber at 281-392-5341
 

ARTreach Gallery opens in Katy
Space donated by Serendipity Hap’ez to support ARTreach Programs
(Katy, Texas)  August 3, 2009- Friday, July 31st marked the official grand opening of the first ARTreach Gallery site in Katy. The ARTreach Gallery is located inside Serendipity Hap’ez, a unique and funky art store conveniently located off I-10 at 539 Pin Oak Road in Katy. Families and volunteers were invited to celebrate the opening by painting a Serendipity Art Car to commemorate the gallery The Art Car project was designed by ARTreach intern Taylor Dolan and numerous children from Katy participated.
 
The gallery at Serendipity features ARTreach roster artists and special displays of work created by children and adults involved in ARTreach Programs.  “Serendipity hap’ez shares the vision of ARTreach, it is an amazing organization, the art in the gallery is donated and the proceeds go to support art advocacy, and kids with special needs among many other great things,” says Kelsey Engleman of Serendipity, “we are doing what we can to help!”

ARTreach brings art-related programs and services to the underserved communities, including children at risk, children and adults with special needs, and the elderly.  ARTreach programs are designed to inspire and empower people to succeed. As a 501(c)3 non-profit outreach organization, ARTreach works through grants and donations to develop unique programs that teach expressive arts, to help individuals develop a sense of self worth and belonging. These programs introduce a variety of art disciplines and provide an opportunity to practice skills that can help address issues such as depression, social dysfunction, grief, anger, drug prevention and rehabilitation, apathy, child abuse, health and recovery.

ARTreach recruits volunteers and trains professional teaching artists to support their programs. They secure the necessary funding to deliver a complete range of quality art, drama, music and dance programs to under-served communities and children who may not otherwise experience the arts as a part of the lives. ARTreach is well known for its active collaborations with local social service organizations, juvenile probation departments and independent school districts and is recognized by the Texas Association of Partnerships in Education and the Institute of International Education for innovative programs encouraging minority participation in the arts.  ARTreach also utilizes resources available through other leading Texas non-profit art, theater and music organizations, plus local art businesses, to augment their educational outreach services. To learn more about ARTreach visit www.artreachonline.org 
 

Institute of International Education and a U.S. State Department delegation from Brazil will review innovative ARTreach programs in the Fort Bend County Juvenile Detention Center 
 
"Promoting Minority Participation in the Arts"
The U.S. State Department delegation from Brazil is touring the United States and will be in Houston the week of July 13th.  The delegation is hosted by the Institute of International Education and traveling under the program title "Promoting Minority Participation in the Arts". The delegation is composed of five individuals, each specializing in a different form of visual or performing arts.  During their trip through the U.S., the delegation will discuss the various ways in which art can encourage open communication and promote tolerance within diverse American communities, focusing on people of diverse racial, cultural, ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.  The delegation will also explore public and private sector support for the arts, with particular emphasis on programs for youth.  While in Houston, they have specifically requested an opportunity to visit with ARTreach and experience first-hand what this agency is accomplishing within this arena.
During the delegate’s tour, ARTreach is conducting a series of workshops for Fort Bend County Probation Department that will benefit youth in the juvenile detention center. The project will demonstrate how to collaborate in the creation of hand built/hand-painted public works of art that will be permanently installed as table tops in the picnic area of the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds this fall.  As an ARTreach project the workshops are designed to support juvenile justice objectives focusing on open communication, conflict resolution, team building and completion of tasks.  Facilitated by Terri Bieber, Elizabeth Linder and Chris Gamez, the JDC Staff participating in the ARTreach workshops will be trained in techniques that will aid in the completion of 10 table tops. This project is made possible by ARTreach and a donation by Fort Bend Partnership for Youth.
ARTreach and the Fort Bend County Probation Department welcome the U.S. State Department Delegation from Brazil. For more information please contact Terri Bieber, ARTreach Executive Director at 281-392-5341 or Paul Cummings at the Institute of International Education Tel: 713-621-6300, x19
 

ARTreach Program aids in the acculturation process and helps refugees learn to speak English
      
This summer ARTreach is bringing visual and theater art classes to the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program to help children arriving from Burma learn to speak English.  The summer project is made possible thanks to Houston Endowment Inc, Berryhill of Cinco Ranch, and an ARTreach intern grant from Shell Oil.

Refugee children often arrive in the United States unable to speak English, and unfamiliar with the American culture. They suffer from the stress associated with family instability and face enormous challenges throughout their acculturation process. This Refugee Resettlement Program is directed by Kai Houston of Catholic Charities to give the extra attention and practice children learning to speak, read, and write require. The program also gives the children the structure they need and an opportunity to practice the social skills necessary to manage in a learning environment. 

ARTreach is supporting the art educational aspects of this unique program to aid in the acculturation process.  “Art and Drama is providing a key component in bridging the diverse communication gaps between the refugee children.” says Kai, “These children are between the ages of 6-14 years old, they have lived in refugee camps most of their lives, now they are in the United States, and art becomes their universal  language.”

The objectives associated with the ARTreach program are aimed at aiding in relationship building and social skills development, to stimulate the creative thinking process, and to support the children in adapting quickly and more completely to their new American home environment.  The summer theater arts program was directed by ARTreach intern Taylor Dolan, she brought in a team of volunteers to support the project and help teach the children to speak English with confidence. “I am the King” is one of the lines rehearsed and recited by Thant, an eleven year and participant in the play.  Dolan wrote the script “The Rabbit and the King” based on a Burmese Folk Tale that related concepts the children learned in their home country to their new life in America. In July, artist and volunteer David Jaros will be joining the team to help the children paint an expressive work of art on canvas that relates to their transition.

ARTreach has a goal to continue the art and theater program for the children enrolled in the refugee resettlement program for the school year.

This is a support project funded through ARTreach, because art and theater teachers plus materials is an expense not easily budgeted for in addition to the overwhelming needs associated already with this welfare and tutorial program. “But we know art is a necessary key to education,” explains Terri Bieber, Executive Director of ARTreach, “ARTreach works to provide the teaching artists and volunteers necessary to deliver quality art and theater art programs that will help these children overcome their difficult transition”. 
ARTreach is seeking $500-$1,000 in annual sponsorships to assure this program has professional artists, theater coaches and art volunteers attending weekly. Donations are needed for art materials and supplies for 45 children per day. Contact ARTreach for more information about sponsoring this special program at info@artreachonline.org. To learn more about the impact the arts have on children at risk, visit www.artreachonline.org.

Thank you to the sponsors that made this summer ARTreach Program serving children at risk possible - Catholic Charities providing help, creating hope, The Houston Endowment, Shell Oil Company, and Berryhill Baja Grill of Cinco Ranch.
 

 
May 2, 2009 - ARTreach and the Katy Heritage Society have teamed to open the Heritage Arts Center and create a monthly event in Katy designed to revitalize the downtown area by drawing visitors with an appreciation for art and an interest in the history overflowing in Katy.   Visitors to downtown Katy on the first Saturday of every month are enjoying “ART in the Park” at the Katy Heritage Park.
 
ART in the Park invites visitors to tour the beautiful Katy historical homes and enjoy a host of artists from the area displaying unique arts and crafts on the front porch of the Heritage Arts Center.  The Arts Center welcomes professional and emerging artists, guildsmen and craftsmen to sell their art and demonstrate techniques for example that include weaving, yarn spinning, and horsehair ceramic pit firing methods.
 
ART in the Park on May 2nd featured the artwork of Katy ISD Art teachers, Marissa Vitolo, Brenda Haegner, Tom Mills, Karen Richards and Sony Hartley on the front porch and artists Carol Adams, Elizabeth Bailey and many others represented inside the Hertiage Arts Center.  Musician, Michelle Mitchell played guitar, Gerry Woodhouse from the Houston Weavers Guild provided a tapestry weaving demonstration.
 
Visitors were able to view and purchase beautiful watercolors, charcoal drawings, pottery, jewelry, and fused glass with a portion of the proceeds benefitting ARTreach Programs and the Katy Heritage Society.
 
Art in the Park is a community event being held the first Saturday of every month at the Katy Heritage Park located at 5990 George Bush Drive.  The next event is June 6th. Professional and emerging artists may reserve table space on the front porch to sell their art by contacting Marissa Vitolo at vitolomarissa@gmail.com
 
The Heritage Arts Center is located inside the Stockdick home and is managed by ARTreach Art Volunteers.  ARTreach is featuring a growing number of professional artists in the community and making their work available for sale at the Heritage Arts Center and at the ARTreach Gallery located inside Serendipity Hap-ez off Pin Oak Road in Katy.  Contact ARTreach Executive Director, Terri Bieber at 281-392-5341 or info@artreachonline.org for more information.

Enriching lives, building self esteem and a sense of belonging through creative art opportunities - ARTreach has been helping children and adults with special needs to experience success and grow in mind, body and spirit since 2004
 
“Students are learning that success is within their reach through art and enterprise practices”
 
 “Within My Reach” is an ARTreach Vocational Art Program that teaches children adults with developmental disabilities how to create functional art items, like ceramic ornaments, dishes and mugs, note cards, silk screened tee-shirts and hand-painted “Gifts With Heart” toys and furniture that can be sold to create income for other projects and important needs.  This program teaches important life skills through creative art and business enterprise practices. 
 
ARTreach ensures opportunities like this for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to maximize their quality of life within their community. This program is available to children and adults in Katy, Fort Bend County and Houston.
 
A field trip towards success
 “Within My Reach” can be scheduled as a series of field trips to the ARTreach Studio in Katy, or delivered on site to Intermediate Care Facilities, Home and Community-Based Organizations, and Assistance Living Communities in Harris, Waller and Fort Bend County.  Local special needs groups can contact ARTreach and reserve one of the weekly timeslots available to participate in the Within My Reach Program. 
Demand for the Within My Reach programs are increasing and ARTreach is seeking the funding needed to double the number of free studio hours available to special needs groups in 2009-10.  ARTreach Programs like this are made possible by the generous donations of businesses and individuals who recognize the impact the arts can have on a person’s quality of life, mental health and well-being - and that everyone deserves an opportunity to participate in the arts, and experience success.
 
Become an ARTreach Sponsor today!
Annual funding for the “Within My Reach” Program for adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities is $5,040. Adopt a program in your community for $420 per month. Studio Field Trips are $120 per week.
 
Annual Corporate Sponsorships are available for $1000 to include company affiliation with this project, volunteer opportunities for employees, and recognition in our newsletters, invitations and program acknowledgement to ARTreach Within My Reach Exhibitions and Craft Shows, press releases and community posters.
 
Become an ARTreach Member and support ARTreach programs serving adults with special needs through an individual donation of $25 or more. Donated art supplies are also appreciated. Art Volunteers and mentoring opportunities are available. Training and background check is required. Contact Christine Stilwell for more information about supporting this ARTreach program c.stilwell@artreachonline.org  (713) 392-2021 or email info@artreachonline.org
 
To learn more about the impact the arts have on a person’s quality of life, visit the ARTreach website www.artreachonline.org
 
Thank you to the following sponsors that made this ARTreach Program serving adults with special needs possible in 2008-09; The Houston Endowment, Inc., Gifts with Heart, Ceramics by Tess, ARTreach Members. You can support this program by making a donation to ARTreach Programs serving adults with special needs today!
 

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!