“Of all the many things I love and admire about Sue Silverstein, the most striking is her never-fading enthusiasm for teaching and her unflagging love for her students (and theirs for her). Seeing Sue with her students is a radiant gift of love, commitment, and loyalty. She’s the best, and I am grateful to have her column on my website. Happy Holidays to you all, especially those good people who have donated so much to her work and students. You know what Christmas means; you practice it every day.  I love you, Sue, and wish you the peaceful holiday you deserve.  Jesus lives inside your heart and your work: your friend, Jon.”

News from the Art Room – Busier than Santa’s Workshop

What a wonderful week to be an art teacher! All the projects the students have been working on for the season have come together simultaneously. We have been taking photos all day with thrilled kids who are genuinely proud of their work. What more could I want? My two large quilt makers were rushing to finish today. Emma A. was tacking her stunning quilt at the end of the day. I looked at her and said, “You made that! With your own hands! How does that feel?” She plans to gift it to her mom, and we wrapped it beautifully with a giant bow! We went upstairs to show the other staff and take a photo by the tree. I am so proud of the work they have done. Quilt number two should be finished tomorrow by a student just learning to sew! You donated all the materials! Thank you!

My youngest middle school students had a blast learning about gesture drawing by sketching Santa in various poses today. We moved the tables, threw blankets on the floor, pulled out the drawing boards, and went to work. There was so much energy and anticipation for the break to begin soon.

Senior Kyle is one of the most prolific artists I have ever worked with. He puts a new sheet of paper down; I turn around to help someone else, and magic happens. We were working on perspective in his latest Spiderman drawing. I buy unique markers for him that we keep locked away for more serious work. His younger brother is right behind him, too. A little friendly competition never hurts. Kyle is as musically as artistically talented. I asked him how he would ever choose. He plans to study nursing next year and incorporate his talents into patient care. Lucky patients!

We lined the halls with substantial abstract tree designs. The kids competed in groups for candy canes! The studio art class has been working on patterns woven with seasonal images.

 

Emma R spent days on a snow globe, which the photo does not do justice to. The world measures about an inch. Her attention to detail is fantastic, from the tiny snowball suspended from the clouds to the snowman she crafted from cotton and glue.

Thank you to the kind souls who sent the massive pack of hot glue sticks, pillow fluff, and healthy snack bars. These are the most used items in the art room, and they are much appreciated.

Thank you to Carolyn from New York for the significant donations and the gift card. We appreciate it!

Thank you to Rebecca for the scarves. They found their way into the costumes for the Nativity play on Friday and were perfect. Another faculty member and I searched for a video on how to tie a proper shepherd’s headwrap and practiced on the art club kids (willing models, by the way) until we got it right.

There will be many more thank-you notes to come. I hope to catch up on them during the vacation. I’m sorry for falling behind a bit. It has been a crazy few months.

When we return in January, we will be gearing up for a new course featuring the art and photography of food. If you have unused baking tools lying around, I would be happy to find a use for them. We plan to do some baking, food decorating, food art, and photography. It is a new course, and I would love to hear any suggestions that have worked for others.

We also plan to resurrect an event I have done at BMHS to raise money to feed the hungry. We will hold the Cupcake Wars, an event involving students and faculty competing for fabulous dollar store trophies in categories such as most beautiful and best design. The event centers around a bake sale; all proceeds will be donated to the Rice Bowl. I once met a man who the programs of this group had saved. After losing both parents to the AIDS epidemic in Africa, he was left to raise his siblings with no resources at the age of 11. At least one of his younger siblings died from hunger. Catholic Charities came to the area and opened a school. The education was free and came with two meals per day. The catch was that you had to stay at school to have readily available healthy food. The speaker has gone on to several advanced degrees and travels the world, educating others about famine and hunger. We discuss how much food Americans waste and how we can impact change globally and at home. I am excited to bring this event back again.

It is hard to believe that next week is Christmas. My favorite parts happen before the actual holiday. I love watching and helping kids make things for people they cherish. I love the joy, like a light in the darkest of months. I know there are many for whom this is a very tough time of year for whatever reason. I hope some tiny spark of kindness finds you this year and in the future. I love the children’s play at church on Christmas Eve. The sheep are the best. To every one of you, we are sending our never-ending gratitude and wishes for joy, hope, love, and light to fill your days.

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, baking tools, 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