Welcome back, Sue (she didn’t miss a single post. Thanks so much for your messages and donations; you are helping to transform the lives of young people and, from what I see, spawning some new and gifted artists. Sue is tough as iron, and her faith and big heart sustain her and the people around her. I am proud to see her column on my website every Friday, and thanks for appreciating her genius and good work. She is a gift to our world. Jon K.
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News from the Art Room – It’s great to be back!
It is so good to be back with the students. The first remarkable things about leaving a hospital are a shower, bed, and a night’s sleep without the noise. Noise is definitely necessary in a hospital, a part of healing people, but the quiet of my bed felt incredibly good!
Thank you so much to all who sent emails, packages, cards, and texts. I am definitely a lucky human.
When I came in on Tuesday, there were many boxes waiting by my desk. The kids are always so excited to see what has arrived.
Sophomore Emma loves to design beautiful creations from donated items. She was helping me unpack this week and found a mirror she loved in a box from Andrea. I cannot wait to see what she does with it. Thank you, Andrea, from MA. So many unique and wonderful items are always in the boxes you send, like Mary Poppins when she opens her magic bag.The vintage wool skirts were a hit as well!
Thank you to Melissa for the pillow fluff and aprons!
Thank you to Gloria from NY for the beautiful yarn!
Thank you to Kathleen from NY for the new winter boots and tablecloths!
Thank you to Melissa from MO. for the fabrics, trims, jewelry, cotton, and more!
Thank you to Karen from VT. for the wood and textile samples. What a great idea!
Thank you to Blain’s Farm & Fleet for the adorable stuffed animals and blankets; that’s a sure way to brighten the darkest days. Every year, they never fail to keep us extra warm with a generous donation.
The younger kids were making pinecone decorations before I was out. They were eager to finish and bring them home. They often wrap things up as a special gift for someone at home.
My sculpture queen, Paige, is again knocking it out of the park. Her designs are fanciful and incredibly detailed. Some of you will see donations used in her latest work. Several students love specific things, and when donations arrive, I save things for them. Each has a unique ‘hiding place” in the art room. She plans to use a lovely, donated tea set, a train set, doll chairs, and a large wooden spool for her next design. Stay tuned!
If you have extra stuffing for pillows around the house, it goes fast during gift-making seasons! We are always seeking donations for anything you feel could be made into something new: rolled gauze, wire, glassware, canvas, art supplies, heavy foil, pinecones, glue sticks, seashells, sea glass, bottle corks, sandpaper, and wood. Holiday Items!!!
I love hearing from you. My email is [email protected].
Have a blessed day!
Sue
ND-BG
2600 Albany Street
Schenectady, New York 12304