My life always seems to be changing, but one of the things I never want to change is the presence of Sue Silverstein in my life and work. She is my sister from another mother and my closest friend. Maria and I love her dearly, and I admire her as well; she has done more good in the world than anyone I have ever met. I’m happy and proud that she has agreed to write a weekly column on this blog about her artwork, her deep relationship with the Army Of Good, and her love of teaching and helping those in need. Sue has been a wonderful support for so many students for many years, and the column will give her a chance to talk to her directly and follow her excellent work. I will continue to visit her and see her work regularly. But she knows it better than I do. Love is the real thing for her. Her work with these students is impressive. Her e-mail is: [email protected]. Her column will appear once a week, on any day she chooses. – We love you, Sue, welcome to my world.
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By Sue Silverstein
Jon has graciously offered to post some weekly highlights from the ND-BG Art Room every week or so. I wanted a chance to highlight what some of the students have done with materials from Army of Good members,
Andrea from Mass. sent some lovely China teacups a few weeks ago. As you can see in the photos, 11th-grade sculptor Paige is creating again with a chocolate-pouring fantasy landscape!
The 10th-grade gentlemen are in the middle of a go-big or go-home pop art cake project using donated foam, paints, and decorations!
Thanks to all of you, our dedicated donors and supporters, who help the students in every class have fun and create unique art. Your contributions are invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support.
Time is passing at warp speed this year here at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons. When Jon invited me to share some of the amazing things the students are creating with the fabulous things that you have been kind enough to send,
I began to think about how many of you have helped over the past years.
The time, generosity, kindness, and love humble me. The kindness of strangers… I enjoy the notes and letters and share them with the students.
Earlier this week, Regina from North Carolina sent a box of great supplies and took the time to send a special note to Isaiah, the 12th-grade student who created the Magical Octopus with mixed media. He was tickled that someone had noticed his art.
Now everyone wants to try that project so they can be famous too! That is how it often goes; it is an organic room, and creativity explodes sometimes. None of this would be possible without your help! When the boxes arrive, the kids want to open them, excited to see the next cool thing.
They tuck things away for their next idea. I cannot forget how many of you have helped us with snacks, warm clothing, and other things.
Hunger in the community is real, and you have helped so many. Andrea from Stoughton is famous as the “cooler lady”! Andrea sends some of the most sought-after materials. Recently, lovely China teacups, which my sculpture queen, 11th grade Paige, has turned into a magical creation.
AOG (Army Of Good) Members have driven great distances to drop off donations; people are good in a world with many bad. My goal will be to share as much of what we do with the donations as possible.
We are truly blessed to have such support. We always seek donations of paint, canvas, art supplies, wood scraps, wire, stones, beach glass, jewelry, drawing paper, clothing, or anything else we or you think the students can turn into art.
The call for yarn received a tremendous response, resulting in a whole bunch of new fiber artists in the building.
I tried to send a personal note, but some boxes arrived without a return address; special thanks to the anonymous donors!
With the help of Jon Maria and the blog, many of you, the ND-BG art students, will keep directing their energy to make the world just that much better through creativity.
I’ll see you here once a week when school is in session or if I have something to say and share. Jon has been bugging me to write a column all summer. — Sue.
Thank you, and here is the address of the School: Bishop Gibbons, 2600 Albany Street, Schenectady, New York, 12304.
I have some tools that are typically used for mosaic and/or stained glass art (glass cutters and specialty pliers). Is this something you would be interested in?
If so, I will package them up and send them off to you. If not, I will gladly bring them to my local thrift store.
Thanks, and keep up the great work!
Chris I think so you would need to contact Sue Silverstein. Her email is on my blog today and thanks.
Great to see Sue Silverstein’s thoughts and her students’ work. Really fine blog idea, Jon. And thanks Sue.