Notes from the Art Room 10

The first week of “vacation” has been full of beautiful surprises, great people, and good news! I have managed to get most of my yearly cleaning and sorting under control. As I told my students, this program only works if we keep all our materials sorted and accessible. Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in this.

My favorite example is a student recently asking if I had exceptional paper and envelope sets to create a special card. I smiled and said, “Wait a second because I have just the thing.”

Last year, we received a box from a member of the Army of Goods with hand-pressed paper and envelopes from Madagascar. It was unbelievably lovely, and I saved it for special occasions. She said, “Of course, you have paper from Madagascar! We are so lucky, Mrs. Silverstein!” Yes, we are!

Several weeks ago, I started asking folks on staff far longer than I had about alum connections in the community. NDBG has a long and rich history in the Schenectady area. With help, I was able to connect with Proctors Theater. The theatre was opened on December 27, 1926. Architect Thomas Lamb designed it. 1979, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

It is famous and beautiful, with red plush carpets and crystal chandeliers.

Many famous stars have graced her stages. A row of display cases lines the arcade in the center. To say I was secretly dreaming of having an NDBG student art display in one of the cases would be an understatement.

I am so proud of the work the students produce. I get excited and want everyone to see how amazing they are. I am sure most art teachers feel the same way. Last week, we were offered the first case right inside the doors! I spent a day creating signs and tags and choosing art pieces. The case is immense! Eighty-seven inches high and 15 feet wide. I could bring all my large pieces and many more minor things with room to spare! The students are so excited, and so is their teacher! The display will be there through July if you are in the area. We are so grateful to the people at Proctors who made this possible for the students.

Beth and Rich Jones drove over two hours from Plymouth, Vermont, today with an unbelievable collection of jewelry and jewelry-making supplies. The time and effort this act of kindness required left me speechless. The supplies belonged to Patricia, who recently had to give up her home and move to get more care. Beth said she would be thrilled to know the students had her things. We thank her and will make our best use of everything!

 I am always looking for wood, wood scraps, hot glue sticks and glue guns, window shades, and shutters (I found a couple at flea markets last weekend), China cups and glassware, paint, canvas, wire, plaster wrap, old maps, jewelry, and anything else you think would make something beautiful. I appreciate the notes and emails—they make me smile daily! Most of all, I appreciate all of you! Have a blessed week.

Sue

Sue_Silverstein

 ND-BG 2600 Albany Street

Schenectady, New York 12345