Calling All Artist: Hello Are You There! (Houston Via Colori blog entry)

Hello world, I am the new 2011 summer intern for The Center for Hearing and Speech (CHS) development team. One of my first projects will be assisting with the 6^th annual Via Colori Street Painting Festival. I am so excited to lend a hand and be a part of this amazing experience. Since I have started my journey with CHS, I have learned about this cool art form that up until now I didn’t even know existed. Can you imagine gigantic art murals painted directly on the streets of Houston using only chalk? How cool is that!

As we get started planning for Via Colori 2011 we are looking for artist, after all what is a street painting festival without some of the most important people-our artist. On November 19-20 these artist will transform the pavement of downtown Houston into an ocean of vibrant colors and images. This festival will give the artist a chance to showcase their art work while at the same time raising funds for a worthy cause benefiting the hearing impaired children of CHS.

Via Colori needs 200 professional and practicing artists from all different genres to submit their applications and be a part of this astonishing event. All artists must be 18 years or older; once your application is submitted the festival’s jury will review all applications accompanied by art submissions to determine the 2011 artist line-up. To sign up as an artist, download the application at http://tiny.cc/k2aib.

With the help of our artist and the Houston area I know that this year’s Via Colori Street Painting Festival will be the biggest one yet. I am looking forward to the lasting memories that will be created. ;-)

Managerrie Winston

PR & Marketing Summer Intern

Texas Southern University, Houston, TX

Class of 2011

My First Press Release for The Center for Hearing and Speech

                                                                                 

UH STUDENTS HELP DEAF CHILDREN DEVELOP COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Houston, July 22, 2011 – The Center for Hearing and Speech is buzzing with excitement. Summer is finally here and that means it is time for the annual camp, Project T.A.L.K. (Talking And Listening for Kids). From July 25 – 29, the Center’s Speech–Language Pathology clinic is teaming up with the University of Houston (UH) audiology students from the school of Communication Sciences and Disorders, to host an interactive program for hearing-impaired children ages 4 – 10. This unique camp will develop their listening and speaking skills all while having a good time.

The Center values the partnership with UH audiology students, they help create activities that develop the children’s relationship skills like teamwork and leadership. Each activity will give these hearing-impaired children the chance to practice the vital communication skills needed in order to succeed and gain independence.

“The UH students help us make Project T.A.L.K possible,” said Dr. Jennifer Wickesberg, the Center’s Director of Audiology. “In addition to work with the children, they also have an opportunity to develop their professional skills.”

Alumni of the Center also take advantage of Project T.A.L.K.; they return to volunteer their time and  serve as mentors to the children.

 “The kids love working with the alumni; they really look up to them,” expressed Michael Douglas, the Center’s Director of Intervention Services. “There is a comfort in knowing that they are not alone. Having the alumni volunteer provides the children with a boost for their sense of self.”

What:	2011 Project T.A.L.K. summer camp at The Center for Hearing and Speech
Who:	Hearing-impaired children ages 4 – 10
When:	July 25 – 29, 2011
Where:	The Center for Hearing and Speech 3636 West Dallas Street Houston, TX 77019
Schedule:	Date          Monday, July 25 • 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 • 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 27 • 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thursday, July 28 • 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday, July 29 • 8:30 a.m. - noon	Theme   Pets Camping Circus Outer Space Café Talk – finale program

NEWS, FEATURE, PHOTO OPPORTUNITY TO INCLUDE:

Media is invited to take photos or shoot footage of Project T.A.L.K. Contact Managerrie Winston to schedule media interviews during the week with CHS executive director, Speech-Language staff, students or parents.

About The Center for Hearing and Speech (CHS)

The Center for Hearing and Speech is a non-profit organization that identifies and serves children with hearing impairments. In 2010, CHS provided clinical, educational and family support services to more than 2,900 children. CHS is the central resource in Houston for pediatric hearing loss and specializes in oral deaf education.