Healing Newtown, a project of the The Newtown Cultural Arts Commission, is focusing on the power of music and art to connect and heal a community that was shocked and devastated by the Dec. 14, 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook School. Since December, Healing Newton has been offering classes and workshops as well as hosting community events.

"There is real healing when the community comes together," said Jennifer Rogers, NCAC's vice-chairman and a member of the Healing Newtown team. "The arts help you process your emotions when you can't talk about it, when it's just too hard to say what's on your mind."

They recently rented space in the Newtown Congregational Church, where children's arts classes and weaving workshops are on the schedule through July and August. The hope is to eventually move from their temporary space here and to establish a sustainable, permanent cultural arts center in Newtown. The center would not only allow them to expand their art therapy offerings but also provide a haven for local artists.

To see a complete photo gallery on Healing Newtown by Angela Gaul click here.