I would have given anything to have had a wonder teacher like Sue Silverstein when I went to school. I’m not sure there is any other teacher like her. I can’t take her class, but I can be grateful she is my best friend. Thanks a million for supporting the amazing art she produces with her students. Sue is one of a kind, and I am so grateful to the publisher for her weekly reports from the art school. Jon Katz.
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News from the Art Room – Teamwork!
This week has been all about teamwork in the art room. The annual school musical is just a few short days away, and we have been in set design mode all week. The music department has chosen Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr. What fun!
So far, they have constructed a large rock for Ariel, a boat, a fabric “whirlpool”, and created a fanciful ocean backdrop. I was a stage crew kid myself in high school and enjoyed the process. The community is as important as the results. Yesterday, we were working on the stage after school, and I just said things like “happy fish” or “lots of coral”. That was it; I let them take off! The results were terrific. A couple of the other teachers jumped in to help, too!
The kids in the art club found an old grocery store balance scale. One of the boys is a car buff and plans to study car engineering (he’s still in 8th grade). He has carefully and lovingly disassembled it and cleaned each piece. Let’s hope it all fits back together as planned.
Drawing with a grid for middle school this week. The students are often amazed at how helpful that is. We talk about how many times we draw from the images in our memory more than what we are looking at. The grid process forces concentration in a whole different way.
Khloe and Emily are creating a gown from well-used sewing patterns. Inspired by the recent costume designs at the Oscars, they took on the challenge. Let’s see what they come up with!
Silk screen printing is also underway. Honestly, and true to form, the class caught on to the process instantly and had some grand aspirations. I instructed them to plan at least four screens on the first try, and they have already planned far ahead of that goal.
Next week, the forecast is for a few 60-degree days. Sunshine feeds the soul. I hope to get the photographers outside with some bubbles.
No one can make me doubt the love and goodness in this country. I have so many to thank this week for so many fabulous donations. Many more of you have been writing to the students, and we plan to create a wall in the room with your messages of encouragement. It means a lot to them and me as their teacher. You are helping some kids believe kindness is for love’s sake. Not for personal rewards but for the simple love of others, most of whom you will never meet.
There is too much depersonalization in the world and on the news right now. Individual people, with hearts and stories, are being targeted and sometimes dismissed as unnecessary.
Liz from Florida sent art and craft supplies that will be truly helpful. This year, I have a large number of prolific artists who produce work practically from sunrise to sundown and use a lot of paint, markers, canvas, and paper. The supplies are much needed. Thank you, Liz.
To Karen and Ken, a large glue gun with glue sticks is a blessing! Thank you!
To Karen, the green plants went directly from the box that arrived to the set design as stand-in seaweed. That was perfect timing, and thank you so much!
To Chris from PA: The wine corks are just what we need for a new spring project. Thank you so much!
Melissa from MO sent lots of lovely cards, calendars, and more! Thank you so much!
This week, our friend Kathy sent stunning shells, glass bottles, and other treasures for our spring projects. We appreciate you and your notes, Kathy!
Thank you for the notes to the students! They mean so much!
If you have small, colorful bottles, I found a project the kids will love. Seashells and beach glasstoo!
The address is NDBG 2600 Albany Street Schenectady, New York 12304
For anyone I miss, please know that we could not do this without you!
We always seek donations for anything you feel could be made into something new! Rolled gauze, wire, glassware, canvas, art supplies, heavy foil, pinecones, glue sticks, glue guns, baking tools, seashells, sea glass, bottle corks, sandpaper, and wood. I love hearing from you. My email is [email protected].
Have a blessed day! Happy New Year!
Schenectady, New York 12304
