13 December

Sue Silverstein’s Column: “Thanks, The Donations Are Over The Moon…”

by Jon Katz

Sue told me that she was “over the moon” with the donations to her art program. That is wonderful to hear. Thanks, and have a wonderful and meaningful holiday. I can’t thank you enough for supporting this outstanding teacher and her fantastic work with her art program. You make it all possible, and you are much appreciated. Sue’s column is on Bedlamfarm.com every Friday; it is a privilege to have her here.  She is part saint and part magician. -Jon Katz

News from the Art Room – Rainy and Dark Days

These days in December are some of the darkest of the year.

After such an extraordinarily lovely Autumn, we have had a stretch of rain and snow that shortens the daylight hours but does not dampen the spirits in the art room. There is unabashed joy. The sparkles, velvet ribbons, greenery, and Christmas are everywhere. Wreaths are being made, quilts are being sewn, and sculptures are being created—ornaments and gifts are in progress. The middle schoolers are making giant wall-size pop art trees, and the high schoolers are refinishing a wonderful chest donated by Rick several months ago for the school’s fundraiser in the Spring.

Paige and her crew were putting final changes on the window display today. It is so full of fancy; it makes me smile and think about it. The piece contains a beloved tea set gifted to a young woman by her father, silverware donated by several people, Christmas trains and treasures, vintage linens, doll chairs we saved for a special occasion, and some pretty incredible food art.

I love to watch the process. Every detail is essential. Sugar cubes are made from painted cubes and glitter, hot chocolate with marshmallows, and finger sandwiches are made from mattress foam and paint. There are even styrofoam olives on toothpicks! I found some tiny lights at Dollar Tree (my favorite store), and tomorrow, we will place the finished product upstairs in its place of honor!

Emma is making her first quilt from your donated Christmas fabrics and is beyond excited.

Many kids have made beautiful wreaths from the donated boxes of trimmings and treasure.

Several students were delighted to find things they could give a loved one when money was tight.

I asked for help with Holiday items, and you never fail! The response has been beyond what we could have imagined.  It is like when the Grinch returns the sled full of Christmas to Whoville and the Who have Christmas back. They did not need the items to live and love but were happy. Primarily, they are creating to give it away and spread their joy.

We have spent some time working with oil pastels and shading techniques. 7th grade Trinity drew such a beautiful ribbon that it stunned even her older siblings!

When we return from the break, we will refocus and return to work preparing for an art exhibit in January.  As I said before, it is joyful!

Once again, this week, I have so many to thank! We are blessed.

Bonnie from MA sent an excellent donation box that the Hammers from NY delivered. They have been so very generous to our program. The box contains huge, stretched canvases for repainting. Everyone has claimed them and has a save-for-me name tag already! I cannot wait to see what they do. The largest will go to 12th-grade Thomas, who intends to wow us all with his signature senior painting.

Michelle also dropped off a beautiful carload of donations, each more memorable than the last. She included an Amazon Gift card as well. There is always a ‘I wish I had….to finish this project.” Thank you, Michelle.

Mary Lou drove from Syracuse yesterday (about three hours); it was pouring and nasty the whole trip. I asked her if she had other businesses in the area, and she said no. She did that trip with many amazing things to help my kids. There are no words for that. I asked her to let me know if she had made it home okay, and she did.

Thank you to Anne from NC for the beautiful yarns, papers, inks, and more.

Thank you to Carolanne from NY, a box of goodies with endless possibilities.

Our beloved Andrea from MA sent the ultimate Christmas box. The students loved all the items; everything was already on its way home or in use! Thank you, Andrea!

Thank you to the anonymous donor who sent fluff; next week is pillow week!

If you have extra stuffing for pillows around the house, it goes fast during gift-making seasons! We always seek 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. I love hearing from you. My email is [email protected] 

Have a blessed day!

Sue

ND-BG

2600 Albany Street

Schenectady, New York 12304

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