The art pouring out of Sue Silverstein’s Art Program at Bishop Gibbons High School in Schenectady, New York, combines two of my favorite things in the world – Sue Silverstein’s genius and the sprouting creativity of the young. Many public schools gave up on their art programs some years ago, leaving it to Instagram and TikTok to take over culture and art for the young.
Sue has given the lie that her art program has electrified her students; they are producing first-rate and incredible art. In addition, she’s opened up her program to good people all over the country – the Army of Good – who have sent thousands of discarded items to the school so Sue can give her students the tools to run wild with their imagination and help them explore their creativity.
Above: Mia Ross and the jellyfish she sewed.
They have not disappointed, and neither have the people who send Sue discarded materials from all over the country – old clothes, jewelry, writing paper, paint and brushes, shoes, hats, furniture, old toys, jewelry, painting paper, nutritious breakfast snacks, and even wood bark to paint on. The students are blooming; many are discovering their artistic skills for the first time. In a way, Sue has re-imagined the social advocacy of many teachers who fight daily for their students.
If you have anything to send to Sue and her students, her address is Sue Silverstein, Bishop Gibbons High School, 2600 Albany Street, Schenectady, New York, 12304. The artwork here today comes from Sue’s design class. They speak for themselves. Thanks for supporting Sue and her excellent art program. The Army Of Good is…well, good.
Jon All i can think of is DISNEY IMANGINEER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i think any/all of these kids would be signed up immediately by Jeffrey Katzanberg !
What these young artists can create out of a plethora of myriad physical materials gives me the hope that they, unlike many of their peers not provided the same opportunities and support, will be the ones to think up and institute solutions that might keep the world, both physical and societal, from becoming what some fear it might.
Terrific! Thanks Jon for sharing the pics. It is a delight to focus on the work of these great students. There seems to be no limit (thank goodness and thanks Sue) to their imaginations. Much better than listening to the talking heads go on and on about the primary in NH. (Yawn). Now, time for me to scour the house for some more ‘materials’ for these artists. Bravo!
Sue has some really talented students!
The students are doing some amazing design pieces! I love seeing them! I just received a lovely email note from Sue, in thanks for a die cutting machine for paper that had been taking up space in my basement. Win-win – I get some room back in my home art area, and the students get a new tool to play around with. Can’t wait to see what they do with the machine and all the dies.