What a lift!

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It’s tough sometimes to drag myself out of the house Sunday nights, when I’d rather be home catching up after a busy week or gearing up for adventures on the horizon. But nothing could have kept me from seeing Dance Theater West collaborate with Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona for a kid-friendly production featuring the tale of “Swan Lake.” So I headed out to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, where I delighted in seeing oodles of families enjoying arts and crafts — and enjoyed meeting a lovely teacher named Alice from New School for the Arts & Academics while taking yet another spin through current “young@art” gallery offerings. “You have such a great energy,” she told me. That was the first lift.

But there were many more, as Storybook Ballet dancers and guest artists performed a charming “Swan Lake” tale compete with lots of lifts featuring youth in gorgoeous peacock blue leotards and tutus — all participating through Free Arts of Arizona partner agencies. Before the show started, I watched Storybook Ballet dancers interacting with their Free Arts friends, as the young dancers sat together in a front row where they’d wait until it was their time for “places.” I was especially moved by seeing one of the taller girls gently hoist one of the smaller girls over one of her hips, carrying her over to talk with folks they knew in the audience. It was a lift of a different sort — the kind that lingers long after the moment fades.

My daughters both took dance classes at Dance Theater West — where they experienced dance as a thing of joy, self-expression and friendship. During Sunday’s performance, my mind often returned to images of Jennifer and Lizabeth leaping across that same stage — and to the many performers we’ve seen there. Mandy Patinkin, Kristen Chenoweth, Joshua Bell, Mikhail Baryshnikov and so many others. While each lifted our spirits, I left Sunday’s dance performance feeling no less inspired by the young dancers who did “Swan Lake” proud while demonstrating the real power of partnerships and friendships forged through the performings arts.

— Lynn

Note: Thanks to Free Arts for the photos of their incredible dancers

Coming up: Bruce under the stars

A mural tale

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I headed over to a nifty Harder Development space on McDowell St. near 3rd Ave. in Phoenix Saturday night for an event dubbed “The Great Paint Escape” — where I enjoyed time with amazing artists, volunteers, at-risk youth and families.

They’d gathered for an evening of conversation and creativity to benefit Free Arts of Arizona, which “brings therapeutic creative arts programs to homeless and abused youth.”

A mural featuring the image of two hands reaching up towards a circle of light, designed by Hugo Medina and Colton Brock, forms the heart of the community art project — which also includes a Sept. 7 auction of artwork.

The Bolivia-born artist, who grew up with two sibs on Long Island, remembers the day his dad “gave us a wall to paint.” Seems his dad told them they weren’t allowed to paint on any other walls. “I covered the house,” muses Medina.

Sporting shorts covered in paint splatter, Medina relished his time atop the scissor lift that makes such mighty murals possible before circling through the crowd to chat with various artists and other folks who’d gathered for an evening of art from the heart.

Robert Booker, executive director for the Arizona Commission on the Arts, shared insights about the role creativity plays in the success of civil societies while watching children small to tall enjoy assorted art projects.

Inside, children and teens who participate in Free Arts programs gathered around two long conference tables that’d been covered with white butcher paper. One was loaded with markers while another held paper cups filled with brightly colored paints.

Families from nearby neighborhoods and other parts of the Valley joined them, and the tabletops blossomed with gardens of flowers, rainbows, hearts and such — all the work of friends new and old united by a shared love for art. “Art brings people together,” reflects Barbara DuVal Fenster, executive director for Free Arts.

Around the room’s periphery, artists stood or sat at easles, creating works they’re donating for next month’s auction. Families snagged small canvases and started their own works, some sitting cross-legged on the floor near a large cloth where people placed finished works to dry.

DJ Shane Kennedy spun tunes a la laptop as people milled about, admiring all the works in progress. Those who stayed a while got to see artworks go from penciled sketches on white canvas to finished products. As they painted, artists graciously chatted with folks attending the event.

In a smaller adjacent room, I spotted two artists from New School for the Arts and Academics in Tempe and alerted them to a story about one of the school’s students appearing in next month’s issue of Raising Arizona Kids magazine.

Nearby I spied an artist wearing a UCLA School of Law t-shirt, and learned he’s the proud brother of a recent graduate just starting her job search in Phoenix and L.A. Soon a couple of Free Arts kids camped out at his table, and I enjoyed watching them work alongside each other.

A three-panel chalkboard stood in the middle of the room, and folks armed with chalk gathered around it to weigh in on the question of what Phoenix needs more of. Color. Identity. Love. And more. Nearby tables filled with treats from Scrumptious Angel and other fab places saw plenty of action too.

Outside, neighborhood kids and Free Arts youth joined in painting the glass on a large window with images of everything from fruit to robots. Courtney Lonergan looked on as children drew chalk art in the parking lot where muralists were working their magic along with anyone else who wanted to join in.

“It’s always good when we come together to focus on our young people,” shared Lonergan, who works as a community organizer with Partners in Participation. Her 9-year-old son told me with chalk in hand that he’d come to “have fun and play.”

For years to come, those who took part in Saturday’s event will see the mural they helped to create or watched come to life and recall the night friends of Free Arts partnered to create the perfect mix of creativity and community.

— Lynn

Note: Art supplies for “The Great Paint Escape” were donated by Calle 16. Watch for details about the Free Arts of Arizona auction (with pictures of children who took part in Saturday’s event) in an upcoming online exclusive for Raising Arizona Kids.

Coming up: Heading back to an old haunt, Youth gather for NYT awards, Teachers night out

A delightful detour

Detour Company Theatre was founded in 2000 to “provide quality and authentic arts education and performance opportunities for adults with developmental and other challenges, including deafness, blindness, and autism.”

I learned about Detour from Susan Silverman, director of the classical ballet program at Dance Theater West and artistic director for Story Book Ballet Theater (both in Phoenix). Story Book Ballet Theater collaborates in performance with Detour Company Theater, Free Arts of Arizona and Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Detour’s founder and artistic director, who goes by simply “Sam,” holds an M.F.A. in theatre from ASU — and is currently working with more than forty five performers and “coaches” who blend story, music and dance as their work together builds confidence and self-esteem.

I attended Tuesday night’s rehearsal for their next show — a musical review featuring songs from shows performed during the last decade. Think “The Wizard of Oz,” “Oklahoma,” “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown,” “Grease,” “Guys and Dolls” and more. Then check out a few rehearsal photos — featuring cast members, coaches, interpreters and director Sam — below…

The rehearsal was held at the John Paul Theatre on the Phoenix College campus, which you’re already familiar with if you attend Arizona Jewish Theatre Company productions. Turns out Detour is actually performing two shows at the John Paul Theatre this month.

“Into the Woods,” their first production featuring Detour actors as well as Detour coaches, opens Thurs., Jan. 5 and is also being performed Jan. 7, 8, 13 & 14. “Some of Our Best,” which sounded amazing during Tuesday’s rehearsal, runs Jan. 6-8, 12 & 14. There’s no cost to attend because the company has a “free for all, donate as you can policy.”

Detour recommends making reservations on their website or by calling 480-538-0874 so you’ll be assured a seat. To learn more, visit them online at detourcompanytheatre.org.

— Lynn

Coming up: The fine art of costumes, Learning from the masters

Photos: Lynn Trimble

Tea times three!

It’s been a while since I did the tea party thing with my children, who now range in age from 18 to 22. But recently I’ve learned of three tea parties that almost leave me wishing I could turn them very tiny again.

The Ballet Academy of Arizona is holding their “Fairy Godmother’s Tea Party” Sun, Sept 25 from 3-5pm in the Camelback Ballroom at the Phoenician Resort & Spa in Scottsdale. It features a high tea (with menus for children and adults), singing, dancing and a silent auction.

Also an appearance by the fairy godmother and a performance by “Jolly Roger” the magician, who’s entertained at several parties my own children once attended.

Ballet Etudes holds their Nutcracker Sweet Tea in November

Yet another charming tea takes place this fall as Ballet Etudes presents its “Nutcracker Sweet Tea” both Sat, Nov 12 (at 10am and 11:30am) at the Wright House Reception Hall in Mesa and Sat, Nov 19 (at 11am) at the Johnson Ranch Golf Course in Queen Creek.

The “Nutcracker Sweet Tea” invites those who attend to explore the “Land of Sweets,” enjoy a light luncheon buffet, decorate their own cookies and listen in on storytime. They’ll also experience a Ballet Etudes performance.

Scottsdale Ballet Foundation presents their “Nutcracker Sweets Tea” Sun, Dec 4 from 11:30am-2pm at the Phoenix Country Club ballroom.

Another delightful dance event takes place Sun, Sept 18 at 1pm. Storybook Ballet, the student ballet company of Dance Theater West in Phoenix, and children from the Professional Artist Series program at Free Arts of Arizona present “Wonderland” at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Free Arts of Arizona is dedicated to healing abused and homeless children through artistic expression, and Dance Theater West is one of many community partners who join them on the journey. RSVPs for this free event are requested by Wed, Sept 14 (602-258-8100 or info@freeartsaz.org).

Like many parents, I spend far too much time chasing espresso when I should be sipping tea instead. How lovely that Valley arts organizations give us opportunities to slow down and really linger over time with our little ones, who don’t stay little for long.

— Lynn

Note: Learn more about these family-friendly tea parties at www.balletacademyofarizona.org, www.balletetudes.net and www.scottsdaleballetfoundation.org. Visit Dance Theater West at www.dancetheaterwest.com and Free Arts of Arizona at www.freeartsaz.org. Local resorts like The Ritz-Carlton, The Phoenician, and The Arizona Biltmore offer high tea. Check with Girly Girlz for girl-friendly tea parties (www.girly-girlz.com).

Coming up: Celebrating holidays arts and culture style

Fun with Free Arts

Participants in a 2010 Free Arts of Arizona multicultural arts camp

After Phoenix arts therapist Margaret Beresford met with Malibu arts therapist Elda Unger in 1993, she gathered a small group of citizens whose work evolved into an organization called Free Arts of Arizona — now one of a group of four Free Arts affiliates.

Early on, Free Arts of Arizona had just five volunteers serving 60 youth and a budget of $30,000. Today, Free Arts reports a staff of 16 and a million-dollar budget. More than 350 Free Arts volunteers work with more than 5,300 children each year.

Child donning a mask created through a Free Arts of Arizona program

The organization cites a study by the British Columbia School of Art Therapy which indicates that art helps abused and neglected children heal in several ways — enhancing their self-esteem, creativity, expression of feelings, insight and more.

Free Arts of Arizona programs include weekly mentoring, professional artist series, free arts experiences and arts camps. Youth served by Free Arts are currently enjoying multicultural arts camps — and the showcase event being held this Friday is free and open to the public. Think world drumming, spoken word, social dance, visual arts and more.

The showcase, being held at 11:30am on June 17, takes place at Desiderata Alternative High School — located near Thomas Rd. and 35th Ave. in Phoenix. RSVPs to 602-258-8100 or info@freeartsaz.org are requested no later than the Thursday before the event.

For more Free Arts of Arizona fun, head to the Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix for a free performance of an original work developed by theater camp participants. It’s set for Fri, June 24 at 7pm. 

A teen performs as part of a 2010 Free Arts of Arizona theater camp

The “I was, I am, I will be” production features performance by “20 teens from group homes, shelters and treatment facilities.” The 45-minute work was developed during a two week theater camp experience, and is based on the campers’ “own life experiences.” It’s open to the public, and will be followed by a reception. RSVPs are requested by June 20 to 602-258-8100 (ext 10) or info@freeartsaz.org.

While you’re at the Herberger Theater Center, pick up a brochure featuring their diverse offerings for the upcoming season. There’s music, dance, theater and plenty more. Take time as well to enjoy local artworks located in the Center’s second-story art gallery.

Folks eager to support the Free Arts of Arizona cause of helping children heal through the visual and performing arts can make a difference in all sorts of ways. Attend their art exhibits and live theater productions to cheer on the children (and those who work with them). Volunteer your time, talent or financial resources. Tell others about Free Arts and their important work.

In the world of making a difference, it doesn’t get more fun than helping kids explore, make and share art. And who knows, you might even enjoy a few therapetic benefits of your own.

— Lynn

Note: Ever feel like there’s a friend or family member you just never get to spend enough time with? Consider volunteering together on a regular basis.

Coming up: Theater geek alert!, Do the math, Art adventures: Gilbert

Photos courtesy of Free Arts of Arizona

Update: This post amends an earlier version which incorrectly noted an additional showcase event–please note that a multicultural camp showcase is not being held on June 24. The June 24 event is a theater showcase as noted above.