Programs | HOPE Center for the Arts

HOPE Center for the Arts provides exploration in both visual and performing arts, supports artistic learning and personal growth, and creates vocational opportunities for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities.

HOPE provides these opportunities in creative art studios, class spaces and online. Other learning opportunities provided are in academics and life skills, along with access to a variety of creative arts therapies to support the whole person. This program also promotes community participation and public awareness through exhibitions and performances given throughout the year.

HOPE Center for the Arts program provides services on a part-time and full-time basis in Irvine, CA.

Visual Arts

HOPE offers a dynamic combination of studio instruction, socially engaged public art projects, exhibition opportunities, and fine craft production for our in-house boutique, HOPE Hand Crafted. The Visual Arts Program seeks to serve the whole person, transforming the lives of adults with Intellectual Disabilities through the arts, building self-esteem, fine and gross motor skills, cultivating community integration and social skills as well as building job and vocational skills. These courses vary by individual needs and interests and include such courses as:

Studio Art: offers instruction in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and more as well as exhibition opportunities. A percentage of the sale of artwork goes directly to the artist.
HOPE Hand Crafted (fine craft boutique): covers knitting, weaving, hand-stitching, beading, mosaic and other fine crafts produced for sale at local craft fairs.
Exhibitions: The artwork produced by the Organization’s visual arts programs is now displayed in numerous local art exhibitions. Shows have included displays of drawings, paintings, and greeting cards, which are now sold in local boutiques as well as during Organization exhibitions.

Five HOPE students standing on a stage singing into microphones.

Performing Arts

Performing Arts is a time-honored vehicle for developing self-esteem, social interaction and communication skills, critical thinking and, perhaps most importantly, creativity, self-discovery and self-expression. These courses vary by individual needs and interests and include such courses as:

Hi Hopes renowned professional band has performed in concerts across the country, appeared on numerous television programs, recorded numerous albums and been featured in many local communities and business events.
Ring & Sing a performing ensemble combining our vocal and hand bell choirs available for outreach performances for senior centers, schools, and corporate events.
Instrumental Music offers instruction in various instrumental areas ranging from classical to contemporary styles.
Dance and Drama classes include developing basic skills, stage presence and other vital components as well as public performance opportunities.
Videography gives the students an expression with films and a widely useful skill in today’s business environment.

Two HOPE students moving and dancing in a classroom.

Creative Arts Therapy

Creative Arts Therapy services at HOPE Center for the Arts are provided by accredited professionals who have completed an approved therapy program. The department supports our artists by providing a therapeutic relationship for growth. Using a holistic approach, we work in conjunction with each department at HOPE. These courses vary by individual needs and interests and include such courses:

Music
Dance movement
Occupational therapies
Physical therapies

Smiling man wearing jeans and tan shirt with arms up stands in front of classroom while class claps.

Life Enrichment

Life Enrichment classes encourage clients to develop independence and everyday living skills through our academic/life enrichment classes. These courses vary by individual needs and interests and include such courses as:

Academics
Money matters
Culinary studies
Horticultural studies
Computer
Vocational services
Work-studies