Resident and artist Dave Brooker’s cheeks and hair bore rainbow splashes of paint. His hands, white smock, and shoes also carried a slash of red, smudge of blue, and random dabs in many colors as he led children through an afternoon of art in his Newtown studio late last week.

With several Resiliency Center of Newtown (RCN) members on hand, a group of children visited on March 6 and squinted behind goggles as they grabbed up paint brushes and threw paint at the walls, overhead, and in wet swaths across the floor.

Throughout the workshop, Mr Brooker offered his encouragement, and noted that, “I volunteer for the Resiliency Center as much as I can.”

RCN volunteer Rachel Black stood in a corner and, also covered in white coveralls coated in fresh paint, took photos as the roughly 25 guests took turns decorating large white sheets of paper hung around the room.

Glancing at the multi-colored spray of progress, Mr Brooker said, “So far, so good.” Wondering what type of positive results such paint and art therapy would have had on him as a child, Mr Brooker said, “If I had this, life would be a little less stressful.”

RCN Founder and Director Stephanie Cinque peeked through sheets of clear plastic hung to protect the walls and watched the children paint. Mentioning an upcoming RCN gala scheduled for April 10, Ms Cinque said the white sheets now covered in splattered paint, would be used to make greeting cards that will be for sale during the gala. Proceeds will benefit the center’s programming.

The April gala’s theme is “Making A Difference.” The formal event will be held at The Waterview, 215 Roosevelt Drive (Route 34) in Monroe, from 6:30 until 10:30 pm. The event will include an open bar, dinner, silent auction, and live entertainment.

Tickets are $150 per person. Checks payable to Resiliency Center of Newtown can be mailed to RCN, 153 South Main Street, Newtown CT, 06470. Reservations can also be made, and additional information is available, by calling the RCN office at 203-364-9750.

RCN was founded by Ms Cinque following the events of 12/14 to provide resources to individuals. The center is a place where “people feel comfortable connecting with others and with appropriate services to assist in the healing process,” according to resiliencycenterofnewtown.org.