National and international touring artists collaborate with area schools and after-school programs for residencies of all kinds, including school assemblies; mini-performances; master classes; and workshops. These custom-designed residencies present quality artists with a track record of success in educational and community settings, provided an excellent opportunity to expand your curriculum.

MAY 2008 
Woven Harmony: Creativity and Health
An artist residency by Robert and Rebecca Bluestone

Robert is a classical guitarist; Rebecca is a weaver. Their art forms merge in Woven Harmony, an intimate multi-media performance that explores the power of art to impact the lives of patients and their caregivers.  An ovarian cancer survivor herself, Rebecca also served as caregiver to her mother who died of breast cancer.  The Bluestones believe there is a direct connection between creativity and healing, and developed Woven Harmony as a means of understanding and expressing how creativity provides access to some of life’s most meaningful aspects including connection and compassion.

The presentations weave together Rebecca’s tapestries, Robert’s guitar music, projected images and warm and engaging conversation with the audience.

COMMUNITY FORUMS

Creativity and Health
WED, MAY 7, 6-8 PM
Promenade Hall, Overture Center
$5. Reservations required. Call 608.258.4169
A Woven Harmony performance will be followed by a forum on the connections between health and creativity and the role of arts in holistic health.

Exploring Creative Collaboration in Health and Wellness
FRI, MAY 9, 6-8 PM
Wisconsin Studio, Overture Center
$5. Reservations required. Call 608.258.4169
A Woven Harmony performance will be followed by an interactive presentation and networking session on creating and sustaining projects around art and healing.  Robert and Rebecca will discuss collaborations they have had with health-care facilities; and forum participants of local artists, patients and medical professionals will share their perspectives and experiences.  The networking session will encourage everyone to meet and brainstorm about possibilities for collaborations to utilize the power of art in healing.

Forum Facilitators:
Dr. Nancy Selfridge is Chief of Complementary Medicine and Wellness Center for Group Health Cooperative-South Central Wisconsin
Dr. Lu Marchand is Clinical Director of Integrative Oncology Services at the University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center and a professor in the University of Wisconsin Medical School Department of Family Medicine.

CLASSES BY ROBERT AND REBECCA BLUESTONE

Caring for the Caregiver
MON, MAY 5, 5:30 - 6:45 PM
Promenade Hall, Overture Center
$10. Reservations required. Call 608.258.4169
Robert and Rebecca share their artistry and experience to explore the role of creativity and imagination when facing the stress and burnout factor in being a caregiver.  Creativity also fosters access to intuitive levels of understanding allowing caregivers to truly be present for loved ones.

Creativity and Health
MON, MAY 5, 7:30 - 8:45 PM
Promenade Hall, Overture Center
$10. Reservations required. Call 608.258.4169
Discover how creativity can both aid in the healing process and improve a patient’s experience while undergoing treatment. In this interactive presentation, Robert and Rebecca share how patients and their families can tap into their own creativity and use the arts to foster wellness.

In addition to the public offerings, the Bluestone residencies include in-service events for local health professionals in collaboration with UW Hospital, VA Hospital, Hospice Inc, Meriter Hospital
and Center for Patient Partnerships.

Bluestone Residency activities are sponsored by Group Health Cooperative-South Central Wisconsin, with additional support from Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission and Overture and its member contributors.

For more information on any of these activities, contact
Beth Racette, program coordinator, at 608.258.4169.