At The Heart of Virginia Foundation, Every Day is an Earth Day

When we asked founders Nancy Hunter and Tommy Edwards if they wouldn't mind us coming to find out about the Heart of Virginia Foundation, we didn't expect to have this much fun over a really serious cause. Although we shot this short interview on Earth Day, the fact that the Heart of VA's new Center for Integrated Arts is housed at Grandin Gardens and offers programs which involves its participants in art, poetry and music makes every day an "earth day" experience.

Their Mission and Campaign page of their website explains it best, "The mission of the Center for Integrated Arts is to advance public awareness and increase opportunities for our community to experience the wellness and healing benefits of expressive arts and therapies. Group and Individual Programs will be person-centered and accommodate special needs. The center may incorporate and integrate existing programs and organizations that are in alignment with or mission, as well as, offer new programs that will allow for organic growth a greater understanding of sustainable living in the 21st century and beyond. Opportunities will include, art and music therapies, fine arts education and instruction, performing arts, media arts, healing arts, physical arts, meditative arts, drama, dance, live performances, exhibits, support groups, mentoring programs and various other community activities."

Please visit The Heart of Virginia Foundation's website for more information, whether it be for you, someone you know, or to find out how you can be of valuable help to your friends and neighbors. And it is a neighborhood, a community, and a piece of the global village - back in my time (oh, at least a century ago) we called it "a small world."

What the Heart of VA does, however, is in no way small. It is nothing short HUGE, as is Tommy and Nancy's heart and dedication to their movement in providing a key answer to the stigma of mental illness through their concerted efforts and the fruits of its highly needed volunteerism.

PS: The band that is playing in the background and on camera at the Grandin Gardens in this footage is called The Flying Rugs. Please check them out on My Space by clicking on their name above. Their music is Americana-Folk Rock and we were delighted to have their wonderful talent included in the video!!

Upcoming Coverage of The Heart of VA and Earth Day 2009

Earth Day Festivities last Saturday April 18th were held in conjunction with The Heart Of VA Foundation and its Center for the Intergrated Arts along with Grandin Gardens, Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, and other supporters in the Grandin Area of Roanoke.

There were displays of art and sculpture along with the free live music. Amongst some of the vendors were Local Roots Café, Dogtown Pizza, and Star City Coffee.

Leda and I spent the afternoon taking in the live music in the neighborhood and visited with its founders Tommy Edwards and Nancy Hunter. We will have the interview with Tommy posted here within the week or so that Tommy graciously provided for the benefit of educating our blog’s readership on his foundation’s mission.

The Center for Integrated Arts is still in the process of renovating its cottage. The Heart of VA is planning a grand opening, which was moved to a later date to accommodate the completion of its renovations. They are seeking volunteers to give them a hand, which is a great opportunity for many Roanokers to participate in and take pride in their community efforts. We urge you to visit their website for more information on how to be of service.

Here is a listing of artistic programs they offer at:
CENTER FOR INTEGRATED ARTS SPRING 2009 ACTIVITIES
Spring Session runs May 4 - June 6, 2009. Please email nancy@theheartofva.org for a registration form. Registration begins Saturday, April 11, 2009.

Tuesday Nights 6:30-9pm: Slow Jam with Joanne McGowan Slow Jam is open to all, but geared toward less experienced folks. Those with more experience are welcome to share their knowledge. Acoustic instruments, mostly bluegrass & traditional style music. Guitar pickers, fiddlers, banjo & mandolin pickers, upright bass players... come on out to jam! BYO non-alcoholic beverage. There is no activity fee. Donations are accepted.

Wednesday Nights 6-7pm: Theatre as a Healing Art with Vivian Gibbons Through the use of acting exercises and technique we will make our stories come to life. As a group and as individuals we will gain trust in one another and in ourselves. This will allow the release of parts of the self that would have otherwise remained hidden. The end goal is enhancing the ability to express ourselves more fully in daily life. Activity Fee: $15

Saturday Afternoons 1-2p: Children and the Theatre with Vivian Gibbons Children are naturally drawn to movement and story. We will come together as a group to practice beginning theatre technique, acting exercises and stage presence. The main components in this workshop will be improvisation, ‘acting out,’ making faces, and telling our own stories. At the end of the workshop we will have a small performance for friends and family, so they can see our progress. Activity Fee: $15

Please stay tuned for videos of the event. And as always - keep a lookout for us!
See you around Roanoke!!