On Saturday, March 6, ARTreach continued its Art With a Voice series with a presentation by Nigerian, multi-media artist, Folasayo Dele-ogunrinde. Art With a Voice exhibitions focus on art with a message of social justice – art that challenges our world view by taking us out of our comfort zone.

The show opened at 7 which gave those who attended the event a chance to take a look at Folasayo’s paintings and collages. The imagery spoke directly of the lives of women, particularly outside Western culture. In one series about the oppression of Afghanistan women, rope covered the mouth a woman to symbolize the silence that many women live under in cultures where they are unable to go to school or vote.

Also available for viewing was Folasayo’s 2006 short film, The Hunt (warning: strong adult theme, not suitable for some viewers, parental discretion advised).  A disturbing tale of a young woman who turns the table of kidnapping, torture, rape and murder on the men who ‘hunt’ women.

To highlight the evening, Folasayo entertained us with some of her spoken poetry accompanied by African drummers or piano pieces composed specifically for the event by Michael Guevara. With a voice ranging from strong to vulnerable, Folasayo recited poems that encompassed the complex relationships women share with men – romantic love, marriage and divorce.

Adding to the fine evening of art and poetry was a nice selection of wine provided by Katie Biggers. The event took place at The V Gallery at Villagio, Town Center, Cinco Ranch – a wonderful new place for ARTreach roster artists to showcase their work. We look forward to hosting more Art With a Voice exhibitions at The V Gallery. Thanks to all who attended!

Folasayo’s artwork will continue to hang at the V Gallery for another month.

Of course, that isn’t what happened last Thursday night. In fact, we were pleasantly surprised by the number of art lovers who turned out for the grand event. Luckily, the stormy weather of the morning (which was probably discussed) turned to beautiful by the time the fundraiser opened. We had a great turnout and pulled in around $6000 for ARTreach and the participating artists.

The ARTreach chair, painted by our 2009 Heroes Among Us in a workshop staged at Berryhill Cinco Ranch, was auctioned off and will be going to a very good home. I imagine this fabulous chair designed by an equally fabulous arteest (we won’t name names… ok, me) will be quite the conversation piece but it is also very comfortable. I confess I have nestled into it on occasion while it resided in my studio and I can vouch for its comfort-ability factor. What a great book reading chair, plus, it has the dual functionality of wide, sturdy arms to rest a beverage of one’s choice. What more can you ask in a chair? Nothing, I tell you, nothing.

The silent auction proved to be popular. Art, specialty items and baskets of goodies were auctioned off. I believe we will expand on the silent auction next time around. Who doesn’t like the suspense of a good silent auction? I ask you. It’s worth it for the skulduggery alone. You know who you are – sharking the auction pieces to the last moment. I, of course, would never do that. Ever.

The success of this event has emboldened us! Oh yes, we are emboldened. Putting on an art exhibition is a lot of work, yes, but a lot of fun too. We are proud to be able to showcase our area artists in such a beautiful setting as the Villagio Town Center Community Room. The exhibition will hang there for another month. Many thanks to Berryhill of Cinco Ranch (such a great ARTreach supporter) for providing the food. Katie Biggers, ARTreach friend, supporter and all-around fabulous chica, provided the wine.

Of course, all this fun adds up to ARTreach being able to continue its efforts to bring arts education to those in need. We thank you all and hope to see you next time!

That quote came to mind as our Chair-ish the Arts fundraiser draws near. Our showcase piece is a real chair painted by the 2009 Heroes Among Us. They certainly added their own voices to the original chair. It’s quite spiffy.

We are getting quite excited about this upcoming exhibition, which includes a silent auction. Wonderful, original art will be on display by area artists. We hope to see you there. Below is one of the exhibition pieces.

She held the chair in her hand by Elizabeth Bailey

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 require while learning to speak, read, and write . The program also gives the children the structure they need and an opportunity to practice the social skills necessary to be successful 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 developed 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 social service agencies are finding it difficult to budget for art programs in addition to their overwhelming needs associated with providing for basic welfare. “But we know art is fundamental to basic welfare and a key to education,” explains Terri Bieber, Executive Director of ARTreach, “As an advocacy organization, we are seeking improved funding for the arts in Texas, and our outreach remains committed to providing the teaching artists and volunteers necessary to deliver quality art and theater art programs that will educate and help children in need”.

Please be a sponsor of this important program! $3,600 annually will assure this resettlement program has professional artists, drama coaches and mentors attending weekly. Donations in kind are also needed for art supplies for 45 children per day. Contact ARTreach for more information at info@artreachonline.org.

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.