A box arrived at Bishop Gibbons this week; it was addressed to Sue Silverstein and her art students.

When Sue Silverstein opened it, she was surprised. It was a box of beautiful pine cones sent by Judy from Maryland, a blog reader. The art students went crazy thinking of things to do with them.

I expect to see them shortly, maybe tomorrow when I visit Sue and her students. And perhaps the button frenzy.

Sue never knew they were coming and never thought of using pinecones as art, but Judy saw the possibilities, and Sue jumped at the idea.

The art project is drawing admirers. Former Bishop Gibbons teacher Paul O’Brien came to Sue to ask for advice on illustrating his new book. Cora, an 11th grader, was happy to help. Mr. O’Brien is a content author.

How wonderful that an 11th-grade illustrator could land a book illustration job while still in school. “Art class rocks,” one of the students told me when I was last there.

The boxes keep coming; the art keeps flowing. Sue uses everything. Great energy all around. It feels much better to do good than to argue about what is good. She says she couldn’t do any of this without you, and thanks.

Sue Silverstein, Art Project, Bishop Gibbons High School, 2600 Albany Street, Schenectady, N.Y.,12304.

Designer Cora, 11th grade, Bishop Gibbons, and author Paul O’Brien. Photos by Sue Silverstein.