Tidewater Arts Outreach To Present 1,000th Program on August 6th 

Organization touches thousands in the region and heals through the arts

NORFOLK, Va. (July 2010) On August 6, Tidewater Arts Outreach will present its 1,000th healing through the arts program at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. The noon program will feature Thad Dixon on piano.

Tidewater Arts Outreach was formed in 2003 to bring the arts, live music and performances to those who are isolated from community life due to illness, age or disabilities. These enriching experiences, which many of us take for granted, carry the power to uplift the spirit, stimulate the mind and heal the body.

Today the organization matches more than 200 talented visual artists, musicians, instructors and performers with 65 dependent care homes, hospitals, shelters and crisis centers throughout the region. The programs reflect the diversity and talents of the artists and take into consideration the interests and special needs of the clients and residents at these locations. Programs take many forms and include concerts, visual journaling, storytelling, sing-alongs, visual arts workshops, dance, collage and guitar lessons.

“Arts experiences are a valuable component in residential, therapeutic and dependent care,” says Mary Ann Toboz, executive director for Tidewater Arts Outreach. Toboz presented the organization’s first program in 2003 at the Haven House, the ForKids shelter in Ocean View. “These programs have many benefits. They can create happiness, reduce anxiety and pain, foster healing and help staff and patients connect with one another and with others.”

These programs create a sense of community and a source of inspiration for artists and performers as well, by providing opportunities to share their talents. The results are striking as Tidewater Arts Outreach’s positive impacts are felt throughout facilities and are reflected in the smiles, applause and improved well being of thousands annually.

Tidewater Arts Outreach is a nonprofit organization that is funded by grants, donations and special events including the Sea Level Singer/Songwriter Festival. In 2009, more than 5,300 people were reached through 230 Tidewater Arts Outreach programs. Tidewater Arts Outreach supports the spirit of empathy and caring in the music and arts community, and hundreds of artists have participated in its programs.

Related Links:
- Tidewater Arts Outreach 

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