(Sue’s column runs every Friday, even during the summer. We are pestering her to take some vacation, which she rarely does. Sue is the art and community service teacher at Bishop Gibbons High School in Schenectady, New York. With the help of the Army of Good, she has put together one of the most exciting and successful art programs anywhere. I’m grateful to have this column on the blog, and thanks again to all you good people whose donations make this program possible. Love you, Sue.)
Notes from the Art Room 12-Summer Edition
This week, I arrived at the school and was greeted by a large stack of treasure boxes and envelopes! The kids call it Christmas sometimes! “What came early for Christmas today, Mrs. S.?” I know that I say this often, but the kindness of others truly blesses us. The amount of thought, time, effort, and expense involved is not small!
People have busy lives, yet they take the time to help the ND-BG students. Your contributions, no matter how big or small, have a profound impact on our art program, and we are truly grateful for your support.
Many of those people have become dear friends we have never met and have donated repeatedly all year. One of those sweet folks is our Andrea from MA. So named by the students the “Cooler Lady,” she often packs treasures in small coolers that have ended up in many different projects over the past year.
She never disappoints, and this week’s box was full of exceptional items that I know will become exceptional art! She even fashioned an extra-large box to hold everything! Her teacup and saucer set is at the center of the giant sculpture on display at Proctors Theater (with painted chocolate-colored hot glue pouring from it).
Patricia from NJ. He is another friend and tireless supporter. I love to hear that people have seen what the students create from the items they have donated. Patricia wrote that she was moved to see her fabric in Lizzie’s quilt. Liz loved that fabric and designed the quilt around it. Patricia sent a box this week that she said was a thank you. The box was filled with new markers, pencils, and paper! It is beneficial since the price of all disposable materials has increased quickly!
A box of maps arrived from Rochester!
This is so exciting. Some time ago, I found an entire book on projects from old maps and have been hoping to get enough to assign it to the students! The students and I were overjoyed to receive this unique donation. If anyone has a drawer full, I will happily take them out of your hands.
Stunning jewelry came from Maggie in CA., and Lisa in WI. Your donations have sparked a new idea of creating relief designs on wood with grout. Your contributions not only provide us with materials but also inspire us to explore new artistic techniques and styles.
Thanks to everyone who checked in last week with notes and emails. My friend Katie sent me recipes and a lovely romantic story that made my day. There is so much to be grateful for that I have decided to refuse to sweat the small stuff—you know, like unrest, severe weather threats, and other issues in my charmed existence compared to so many others—and just be thankful. I am grateful for my friends and those I have never met who support us daily!
I am always looking for wood, wood scraps, hot glue sticks and glue guns, window shades and shutters, China cups and glassware, paint, canvas, wire, plaster wrap, old maps, jewelry, cake decorating equipment, 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,org
ND-BG
2600 Albany Street
Schenectady, New York 12304
I was surprised to find out that Queen Anne’s Lace is an invasive species! We never thought of it in any negative way back in the day! Just a graceful flower in the fields in the rural area where I grew up! So sorry to read that it has gone rogue!