Newtown Cultural Arts Commission (NCAC), Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, and The Connecticut Office of the Arts have come together to create HealingNewtown Arts Space at 5 Queen Street.

The following events have recently been added to the arts center’s schedule. Check The Newtown Bee online archives for previously announced programs or HealingNewtown.org for a full list of upcoming events. Reservations are requested for most workshops and can be done through the art space’s website. Call 203-364-9230 for additional information.

Be sure to check HealingNewtown’s website regularly for schedule updates. Workshops and programs may be cancelled or postponed after their information is published here.

Also, please note that the performance by Blue Jupiter that was scheduled for Friday, May 10, has been postponed. A new date will be announced.

*Mondays, May 13 and 20, 2:30 pm, Healing Sketching.

12/14 happened five months ago. Last week a middle school student took his own life.

For middle and high school students who are having trouble coping with either or both of these events, Certified Arts Therapist Nicole Porter Willcox (Emerald Sketch, LLC) is offering at least two sessions.

Working with an art therapist, notes Ms Willcox, allows one to express emotion through non-verbal communication. Art therapists are trained to use all types of materials and techniques. A background in, or any experience making art, is not necessary. 

Most importantly for both children and adults, art therapy provides a framework for recognizing needs, feelings, behaviors, and concerns, and then transforming them — at one’s own personal pace.

Ms Willcox was at the child therapy for the Sandy Hook Healing Project one week following 12/14 and has established the Emerald Sketch, LLC to function as an anchor to communicate a stable presence of art therapy for the Sandy Hook and Newtown community.

Using a hidden space beyond the gallery for privacy, teenagers may meet Ms Willcox, experience fun art making, and learn about the uplifting and profound art therapy process of healing. Stop in and create art that heals.

*Thursday, May 16th, 7-9 pm, Clay Date for Adults.

 Bring your date, bring your friend, bring a snack, bring yourself to a night of fun, creativity and relaxation while learning about working with clay. No experience necessary. Local ceramic artists Pam Church, Ros Liljengren, Karen Pinto and Joan Zagrobelny will lead the way with various techniques.

Attendees will even have a chance to try the potter’s wheel.