HCA News

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Over the last several years, the HCA has partnered with the Michael Lisnow Respite Center to provide its clients with instruction in visual arts and ceramic classes. HCA instructors Marion Buricatu and Cheska Kommisar cite these classes as some of their favorite to instruct.

After several classes of work, enough material was produced to host a Respite Art Gallery show in February. For many, it was their first time having their artwork on display for a public gallery exhibition, and they and their families were simply thrilled!

February and April school vacation weeks were hopping at the HCA. Parents were pleased to have their children take part in a variety of visual arts, theater and music programs offered by HCA.

The HCA February and April school vacation workshops have been some of the most engaging programs my daughter has ever participated in. Not only were the people fantastic, but the activities fostered a joy in the arts. This was the first school break program we have ever attended where my daughter would come home and continue the activities from the day, like practicing the Ukulele or writing a screenplay for the other students to perform.

According to Lily, “The best part was the friends and the acting. It gave me a chance to express myself by writing my own screenplay and bringing my thoughts and emotions to life!”

She’s already asked to participate in the summer workshops!

— Parent, Stephanie Penley

One such workshop was called Storybook Theater and was under the direction of HCA instructor Alyssa Rae Surrette. Kiddos ages 5–7 participated in acting out stories and learned about sequencing— story beginning, middle and end. They also did imaginative play by making puppets and then acting out the characters. In addition they learned teamwork through creating a project together based on the book Monster Needs A Costume.