Engaging & Connecting the Community through the Arts

   Programs


Creative Communities


HCOA has developed a program of regular, informal, adult interactive groups to allow members of the community to engage in their creative endeavors in our warm, well-lit space. These will begin in the fall. Join the HCOA newsletter to stay informed of starting dates.


Starting with ART CITY SINGS Sunday August 14th, 6-7:30pm. Cherish Bee will lead these friendly sing-alongs, "If you can talk, you can sing," she promises. Singing for simply the joy of it.

Monthly: Second Sundays 6-7:30pm.

Starting Sunday August 14th, 6-7:30pm


CREATIVE SALON Participants will bring projects to join like-minded people to paint, sketch, knit, carve, craft. Whatever your pursuit, this is the place to share and create.

Weekly: Tuesdays 5-9pm.

Starting October 4th


The WRITER'S REFUGE gathers writers to share drafts, writing prompts, read aloud, ask questions and discuss technique in an encouraging environment.

Bi-weekly: First and Third Mondays 6-8pm.

Starting October 4th


THEATER WORKS Dramaturgs and playwrights meet to read scripts, stage plays, share ideas and inspire one another to performance.

Bi-weekly: Second and Forth Mondays 6-8pm.

Starting October 11th


MUSICIAN'S ROUNDTABLE Composers, lyricists and musicians gather among other innovators for feedback, encouragement and suggestions to support and feed the creative fire.

Bi-weekly: Second and Forth Wednesdays 6-8 pm.

Starting August 25th



Creative Communities FAQ


We'd like to hear your thoughts about Creative Communities. Call or email us or, if you prefer, you may find this subject in the Discussion section on our Facebook page.



How many and what kind Creative Communities will you have?

The following Creative Communities will meet in the HCOA Gallery:

  •      The Salon: Creative folk bring projects and paint, sketch, knit, carve, sculpt, bead, whittle or craft leather in good company. Whatever the pursuit, this is the place to share and create.
  •      Theatre Works: Enthusiasts meet to read scripts, block scenes, share ideas and inspire one another to performance. Anything related to stage production is fair game.
  •      Writers' Refuge: Wordsmiths gather to share drafts, propose writing exercises, read aloud essays, ask questions and hear constructive feedback in an encouraging environment.
  •      Musicians' Roundtable: Composers, lyricists and musicians convene to share feedback, encouragement and innovative ideas to support and feed the creative fire.
  •      Art City Sing: If you can talk, you can sing! Open to anyone who wants to sing in a casual, lyrics only, no need to read music atmosphere.

I don't get it...are these classes?

All Creative Communities are essentially drop-in evenings to ply your craft in the company of like-minded people. There is no teacher and no fee. Participants determine how they wish to interact.


Do you provide any supplies?

No. HCOA provides the space and promotes the Communities. Participants bring their own active projects, supplies and ideas.


Can I bring my kids?

This is adult creative time. However, if a mature teen really wants to make a case for participating in one of the Communities in order to pursue a serious artistic interest, let's talk.


Does it cost anything?

Creative Communities are free to attend. Donations are welcome and encouraged, as there are costs associated with after-hours light and heat in winter, plus cleaning the space and marketing the program. We hope all participants will become members to show their commitment to HCOA.


When and how often will they be?

  •      The Salon: Tuesdays 5-9pm
  •      Theatre Works: First and Third Mondays 6-8pm
  •      Writers' Refuge: Second and Forth Mondays 6-8pm
  •      Musicians' Roundtable: Second and Forth Wednesdays 6-8pm
  •      Art City Sing: Second Sunday 6-8 (starting August 8)

When do they start?

Originally, they were going to start in October. However, interest is building and people want to start now! Stay tuned!


How can I participate?

We want to hear from you:

1.if you think you'll attend, tell us which one (or more) appeals to you and why, and if we can send you a reminder.

2.let us know if you'd like to help develop it (this just means to help come up with a loose structure and volunteer to play host at the first couple of meetings in the Gallery).

3.tell your friends!

4.stay posted by joining our e-newsletter.



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