HealingNewtown is continuing to host weaving, writing, clay dates and an open studio for hand work. In addition, the arts group will welcome Newtown resident and actor Kate Katcher, who will offer a summer acting program for young adults.

Visit HealingNewtown.org and click on Calendar for a full listing of upcoming offerings, and to make reservations.

Programs are presented at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street. Contact Director Valerie Culbertson with any questions at artshealingnewtown@gmail.com.

*The next Clay Date with Karen Pinto and Rosiland Liljengren will be Saturday, May 3, from 1 to 3 pm.

Class size is limited, and registration is required. A $5 donation is requested at the door, and those under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Partial proceeds will benefit HealingNewtown’s Summer Arts Program.

*Creative Storytelling: Writing Workshop will be Sunday, May 18, from 1 to 3 pm.

Local authors Hamilton Brower and Annette Parker Martin, co-authors of Magnificent Words To Live By, will illustrate how each person adds to the tapestry of storytelling by leading participants in the creation of both a funny story and an inspiring poem.

A fun-filled afternoon of creativity and collaboration, each individual will leave with an experiential appreciation of the creative writing process plus original pieces of collaborative art.

All ages are welcome. Suggested donation is $5, at the door

*Spring Weaving Workshops with Hanna Roehrs continues Mondays, noon to 3 pm, through May 19.

An introduction to weaving for beginners, including advanced weaving techniques for more experienced weavers, beginning weavers will learn to prepare a warp, dress the loom an complete a sampler project.

Experienced weavers will receive help designing and completing their own projects in different weave structures. Students will work on four harness table looms. Some yarn is available.

Suggested donation is $10 at the door, with 20 percent of donations received to benefit HealingNewtown Summer Arts Programs.

Registration is appreciated.

*Open Studio: Close-Knit Group, is being offered Thursdays, from 10 am until 12:30 pm, through June 26.

Attendees are invited to show and share their passion for hand work, including knitting, crocheting, weaving, embroidery, tatting, traditional or rug hooking. Learn something, teach something, and have fun with others who enjoy making things by hand.

Bring your current projects to work on, or browse our stash of donated yarns and get inspired to create something new.

This is not a class, although beginners are welcome and more experienced crafters can mentor. Group members should bring their own needles, hooks, etc. 

*Connor Taylor will present a Hands-On Ukelele Workshop Sunday, June 1, from 1 to 2:30 pm.

Mr Taylor is a guitar, bass, and ukulele instructor at Guitar Center Studios in Danbury. In addition to playing and instructing, Connor composes and performs music for aspiring hip hop and electronic producers throughout the area.

*“A Different Artist, A Different Day” will be the theme of the Healing Newtown Summer Art Camp. 

The camp will be July 7-11 for ages 7-11 and July 14-18 for ages 12-15.

Hours for each session are 10 am-1 pm, fee is $50 per child, and each day will focus on a specific artist and project.

*Stray Kittens Summer Theater for Kids, directed by Kate Katcher, for ages 8-16, will begin with improv sessions on Thursdays, June 19 and 26, and July 17. Sessions will run from 5 to 7 pm, to prepare original performance for workshops.

It will then move into the workshops, Monday through Friday, July 21-August 1. These sessions will run from 10 am to 3 pm.

The two week workshop will cover theater games, improvisations and performance, working on acting and communications skills in a fun-filled, supportive environment.

Class limited to 16 students, who will need to bring a bag lunch and water, as well as sunhats and/or sunscreen for outdoor theater games.

Cost is $300 per student, due at registration. Registration is open through HealingNewtown’s website. For additional information contact Ms Katcher at 203-514-2221.