April 2007

Dear Friends,

Welcome to ANGEL FRAMES: A Collection of Very Special Art. We are pleased to be in our 5th year with the therapy project. The official launch of the art tour will be held at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena on August 10, 2008.

Angel Frames is of great value to the children and adults of Villa Esperanza Services and has many success stories. One student, at the beginning would not make eye contact or even participate in the art. By week three she was following the lead of the instructor and after each stroke would look up and connect visually with the teacher. Now at the end of the eight weeks we see a young woman engaged in eye contact and with a smile. In addition, she’s created a beautiful art piece with vibrant colors and style.

This is just one story of how this program makes a difference. Angel Frames gives us the opportunity to celebrate our children’s achievements and focus on their capabilities rather than their disabilities-which they are so often defined by. Because communication is often one of the greatest challenges for the individuals Villa serves, art therapy allows them to express their hopes and desires while also providing an outlet for their creativity. Angel Frames touches the heart of anyone who sees the exhibit and gives our families much deserved bragging rights. Many families beam when they view the work exhibited at the gallery for the world to see.

Grants for the art therapy program were provided by The Green Foundation, the Tournament of Roses Foundation, the Rowe and Gayle Giesen Trust and Oak Tree Charitable Foundation. The art therapy program is under the guidance of professional artists who worked with Villa’s children and adults on a variety of art pieces ranging from layered collages to large and small painted canvases.

Last year’s exhibit was such a success; it toured 11 different venues in Pasadena, Burbank and Los Angeles. Hundreds of people celebrated the achievements of our ‘artists’. We also created blank note cards from some of the original art pieces. Visit the local artists stationary section of Vroman’s Bookstore and you’ll find three Villa Angel Frames cards for purchase!

Angel Frames is just a snapshot of the wonderful successes taking place at Villa Esperanza Services. Since 1961, Villa has provided care and education to children, adults, and seniors with disabilities and support for their families. Our comprehensive school serves children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other disabilities. Our adults and seniors are integrated into the community through Villa’s residential, day and vocational programs.

Villa strives to maximize each person’s potential with love and patience, regardless of the disability. Thank you for joining us to celebrate our children’s achievements.
Enjoy!

Denise Sparks
Villa Parent
Angel Frames Chairman
Board Member

Go to Angel Frames Art Gallery >>