I went to Bishop Gibbons to understand and see the impact the great flow of art supplies from the Army of Good has had on the school’s new and exciting art program.

I was amazed and proud and delighted at what Maria and I saw. I want you all to see it too.

While Maria was off in the sewing room and Zinnia was getting her belly scratched, Sue Silverstein gave me a first-hand tour of the remarkable outpouring of original art emanating from Bishop Gibbon’s students, now that they have the supplies and ideas that are so critical when it comes to teaching creativity to the young.

(above, Spanish Teacher LaReina Torain, who reminds me of Sue, making “Wish Boxes” with two of her students.)

 

Few teachers in America’s schools have the tools Sue Silverstein has asked for and received – paint, easels, old metal pieces, unwanted jewelry, wood, clay, canvas, books, patterns,   foil, feathers, beads and markers, and pens.

And she is using every one of them.

Sue has created a magical space for creativity and imagination.

I took many pictures, and it was hard to leave any of the things I saw out.

So I’m posting twelve here and now.

The really strange thing is that despite all the things I saw, they only represent a fraction of what Sue has already created in her eight cubicles are transformations. I had no space for all the wind chimes, dream catchers, Colonial floor clothes, sketches, and wall paintings.

The wall of the art rooms looks like a museum having great fun.

Sue is the visionary and the leader, but all of you in the Army Of Good are partners and helpers.

If you wish to donate discarded metal objects, old and abandoned jewelry, clean and colorful fabrics, paint and art supplies, markers, and discarded clothing patterns, you can send them to Sue Silverstein, Bishop Gibbons, 2600 Albany Street, Schenectady, N.Y., 12305.

 

I decided to leave the names out, it’s the art that matters, and it was too busy and chaotic for me to get all of the names down; I don’t want to misspell anybody’s name.

The photos below speak for themselves. I added a few notes and observations. I’m proud of these kids and proud of the Army Of Good. This program is making an enormous change in the lives of children who yearn to be creative but don’t have the tools.

 

The energy and joy in this work and these children are infectious and heartening. Thanks so much for making all of this possible. The artist in everyone is coming to the surface; this is already changing lives. These children are getting addicted to art, not just TikTok.

Their imaginations are stirring, even boiling over. The energy in that room is quite palpable.

 

 

Many of the students have begun sketching and painting. Their work is diverse and enchanting.

 

 

They call these “Wish Boxes,” which are made on top of discarded Altoid boxes. Sue turns everything she gets into art. She is a magician.

 

Sue teaches her students how to make beautiful drawings by tracing aluminum and other foil.

 

 

The students devour the beads and tiles people have sent them. (Sue Silverstein, 2600 Albany Street, Schenectady, N.Y. 12304)

 

The art room’s wonderful new Art History library, courtesy of Alys Curlane, Bright Light Books, Alaska. The kids are looking at them all the time; they are interested in the history of art and the accomplishments of great artists.

This may be the only art history library in a New York State school.

 

Many of the students choose landscape painting; they love sharing images of their lives.

 

Making pillows to take home.

 

Making Totem Poles out of donated wood.

 

Dream Catchers, a Native American tradition to help sleep peacefully are a big hit with Sue’s students. People have even sent feathers.

 

The wonderful Sue Silverstein is devoted to every student she sees and works miracles to open them up and awaken their creative sparks, an education that will teach a lifetime and open hearts and souls. I’ve never witnessed such love and dedication.

Sue is a true creative and a person of great faith; she could have become rich as a Disney Imagineer, but she is instead an Imagineer of the soul and spirit. She has brightened too many lives to count.

She has become my closest friend, and I cherish every minute with her.