Bedlam Farm Blog Journal by Jon Katz

Sue Silvlerstein’s increasingly famous art program at Bishop Gibbons High School in Schenectady, New York, has about 80 students. Sue doesn’t like asking for money (I have to twist her arm), but she is rich in donations from the good people of the Army Of Good. Thanks so much for supporting her; I hope you can keep it up. She is the first teacher I know of to get her students off TikTok and into the art program. Her column will be here every Friday, and I give thanks for her every week. She does the Lord’s work.

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News from the Art Room – It’s Infectious

We are winding up the second week of classes and finding a rhythm now in the art room. Two things always make me laugh: I never assign seats-they choose their seats and then proceed to make it their territory. Many create little secret hiding spots for all their favorite items that arrive in donation boxes.

They get upset if a new person or visitor sits there. Now, in my third year at NDBG, I am in a place where I know most kids and their strengths.

A few favorites came back into class recently, and I was excited to have them back. I know they love creating significant, fun-filled art and inspiring other students. It is funny how classes have their dynamics, and minus a few, can alter it dramatically.

The Art Club is packed every day. Yesterday, a couple of the girls asked me why I could not stay until six every day.

Many younger students come daily, and there is painting and gluing, more painting, and more gluing. They love beads and glassware, painting them and gluing beads to them. Then, we display their treasures in the coveted glass case by the main office upstairs.

This week, we’d like to give special thanks to Bill, who not only delivered some great wood items but has also been working on a new source for us!

Thanks to those who sent boxes of snacks and almonds for the students. The prices at the grocery store are out of control. It truly helps.

Carol sent lovely doilies made years ago by her beloved grandmother and mother. We will give them exceptional care. What an honor to have such pretty and meaningful things to work with.

Sue sent her family precious cards with beautiful artwork when she was born in 1957. I mean, how cool is that?

Andrea, who never ceases to amaze, sent a fabulous box this week! Two doll chairs are to be the center point of a new work by my sculpture goddess, Paige. She is already knee-deep in her first idea for the semester, and I love to watch her work take shape.

Some are still working on the beaded mosaic projects; great art takes time.

I am still seeking donations of everything you feel could be turned into art! Wire, gauze, plaster, shutters, glassware, paint, canvas, printing materials, maps, stamps, sandpaper, wood scraps, and all the other amazing things you can think of would be so helpful.

If you are local and have smallish pieces of furniture you would like to see repurposed, we are always looking! The students love to make old things new!

I love hearing from you. My email is [email protected]. 

Have a blessed day!

Sue

ND-BG

2600 Albany Street

Schenectady, New York 12304