Student Art at Portsmouth Public Library

Art by Birchtree students is included in SPLASH! The Art of Portsmouth’s Young People, an exhibit at the Portsmouth Public Library now through Monday, 3/30/09. The Friends of the Portsmouth Public Library organized the exhibit, which features art by students at several local schools.


Birchtree students created their artwork to honor Eric Carle, who this year celebrates his 80th birthday and the 40th anniversary of his book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.


Here we see the life of a caterpillar, from egg to cocoon to butterfly, in a style inspired by Carle’s collages. We see all the food our caterpillar eats, including many of our students’ favorites. Do you see your favorite food here?


The exhibit is on display through Monday, March 30; call 603-427-1540 for more information.

A Heartfelt Day of Beauty

Women and girls from the Seacoast experienced a fun fashion photo shoot on February 8 during a fundraiser for The Birchtree Center.

Professional photographer Lisa Arvidson was inspired to organize the event after learning how many local families living with autism were struggling to get the services their children needed. “Programs like the ones at The Birchtree Center can really make a difference for children with autism,” she said, “and I wanted to help these families while offering our guests a fun day of beauty.”

Arvidson found willing collaborators in Kristen Gauthier, the co-owner of The Pink Sapphire, a beauty and skincare boutique with stores in Portsmouth and Bedford, and hair stylist Jessica Guilbeault of Hair Colour Concepts salon in Portsmouth. At the event, each guest received a custom make-up application by Gauthier and a hairstyle of her choice created by Guilbeault. Then guests stepped in front of Arvidson’s lens for a twenty-minute photo shoot.

The event attracted participants of all ages, from preschoolers to recent brides to grandmothers. Arvidson worked to make each guest feel comfortable in front of the camera, experimenting with different lighting, poses, and even an electric fan to create a windswept look for some portraits. At the conclusion, each guest chose her favorite shots for three complimentary photo prints.

The event raised more than $500 to support the nonprofit Birchtree Center’s educational and therapeutic programs for children and youth with autism. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a success!

A Winter Wonderland of Student Art

Students and staff members worked together to adorn their classroom doorways with winter-themed artwork for The Birchtree Center's First Annual Door Decorating Contest.

Local artists Tess Feltes and Teri Weidner evaluated the decorations' creativity, use of students' artwork, overall appearance, and use of winter themes. They awarded a prize to each classroom as well as a Grand Prize; prizes are listed below.

Door Decorations
by Classroom One

Award:
The Complete
"Winter Wonderland"

Door Decorations
by Classroom Two

Award:
The Biggest
Surprise

Door Decorations
by Classroom Three

Awards:
The Most Action-
Packed Doorway &
The Grand Prize

Door Decorations
by Classroom Four

Award:
The Best
Wintry Mood

Door Decorations
by Classroom Five

Award:
The Most
Winter Fun

Door Decorations
by Classroom Six

Award:
The Most
Fashionable
Doorway

Sweet Holiday Wishes from The Birchtree Center

Students decorated holiday cookies this week at The Birchtree Center. Instructors also worked with each child's family to prepare students for the winter break and for their family's holiday celebrations.

Happy Holidays from the students, staff, and board of The Birchtree Center, and best wishes for 2009!