Visual Voice Project Art Reception

On Wednesday, August 26 from 1:00-3:00pm, a group of amazing artists displayed their work for all to see at Metro Hospital. Patients on the Assisted Breathing Unit have been working with Teaching Artist, Carol Johnson each Wednesday afternoon over the past 12 months.

These adults have all enjoyed their time with Carol, both for the community and voice it has provided them, and for the beautiful art they have had the opportunity to create. They have created self-reflection collages and poetry, have made intricate prints, constructed mobiles, and much more. Two of the artists learned to paint and draw with mouth pieces and everyone learned new artistic techniques.

The art reception was a wonderful celebration of all the accomplishments and beautiful art that has been created by amazing artists through the Visual Voice Project.

VSA Adult Fall Classes Announced!

We have an exciting line-up for this Fall with various opportunities to fit your interests.

To sign up or for more information, call or e-mail Katie Timmermans at #616-885-5866 or vsaprogram@iserv.net.

1) Graduated Art Advanced Class: Book Making! For adults 18 and up who have taken one or more session of Graduated Art and/or want a more challenging class. The cost is $75 and includes artist fees and supplies. It will meet on Mondays from 5:00-6:00pm for ten weeks beginning September 28.

2) Graduated Art Class: Art Explosion! For adults aged 18 and up. The cost is $75.00 and includes artist fees and supplies. It will meet on Mondays from 6:30-7:30pm for ten weeks beginning September 28.

3) Very Special Choir: This is a great opportunity for learning and growing in musical ability while making friends and having fun! For adults 18 and up. Thursdays from 12:30-1:30pm throughout the year. The cost is $110 for the year (30 sessions). The choir will begin September 24 and meets at Kuyper College (3333 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids).

Graduated Art Summer Session Ends

Our summer session of Graduated Art was a smashing success. We had 15 adults in the class, many volunteers, and a wonderful artist, Vickie Reynolds. Projects this session included reverse paintings, sea shell mirorrs, and much more!



The fall session of Graduated Art will begin Monday, September 28 and runs for 10 weeks from 6:30-7:30 each Monday. Please call or e-mail Katie at #616-885-5866 or vsaprogram@iserv.net to sign up and reserve your spot for the fall!

Free Money for VSA--Just Sign Up!

eScrip is a way that you can raise mony for VSA without it costing you ANY money and only five minutes of extra time! By signing up for eScrip, when you use your credit or debit card at participating establishments (which include hundreds of stores and restaurants including One Trick Pony, Mangiamo!, and Forest Hills Foods), a portion of what you spend will go towards supporting VSA.

Please take five minutes to sign-up for eScrip and support VSA nearly effortlessly. To sign up, go to http://www.escrip.com/ and follow these simple directions.

1. Click on “Members/Supporters” on the upper left hand corner
2. Click on “Sign Up Now” under the section titled, “We make it easier to keep you informed!”
3. Under “Group Name” type in VSA arts or type in the Group ID number 500018635 and click on the “Select” button
4. When the next page comes up, click VSA arts of Michigan-Grand Rapids
5. Proceed to fill out requested information and you are done.

Thank you for supporting VSA in this way!

Hope Network Residency

Monday concluded a ten week summer art residency with 15 Hope Network clients.

Artist, Vickie Marnich Reynolds presented these gifted artists with unique projects each week: constructing tack boards, creating shell creatures, and designing beautiful mosaic tiles. By the end of the 10 weeks, it was evident that each participant had found their own creative voice and the created pieces were truly inspired.

Thanks to all our Hope Network participants, helpers, and VSA volunteers. You will all be missed!