Sue has excellent teaching qualities. She sincerely believes that all her students are talented, and those she works with often come to realize this—usually, no one has ever told them. She leaves behind a long line of gifted artists who trusted in her faith and moved forward with their art and lives. I’ve witnessed her do this many times. It’s a miracle to see each time. (Sue’s column typically appears on Fridays, but I wanted to post it before something else surprising happens. – Jon Katz)

Thanks for supporting her.

News from the Art Room – The Art is on Display

I set up the art at the Empire State Plaza last Friday. It took me five hours, and every second was worth it! On Monday morning, many students told me they brought their families to the exhibit over the weekend. I was so thrilled by that! High school students primarily work so hard to become “adults” that they forget how much they love their families to be proud of their accomplishments. An opening reception was held Tuesday afternoon, and it was pleasantly crowded.

Some of the small kids who currently attend elementary schools loved the art we had—so many questions. So many drag others over to see things.

I loved teaching elementary school art when I was a baby teacher. I remember that my budget for the year was fifty dollars! There were so many egg cartons and toilet paper rolls in all our projects! I had two kindergarten classes simultaneously, and about 65 of them. I vividly remember thinking it was a great idea to make a papier-mâché Halloween pumpkin. I can still see 65 kids lined up, waiting to clean up.

It makes me so happy to brag about what the students are doing and pass on some ideas that have worked for us. The broken jewelry creations were a huge hit. Many people I spoke with said they had tons of old, forgotten, and broken jewelry around and would go home and try creating with it. The same goes for the drawings on the maps! Simple and easy-to-find items make beautiful art.

People, especially kids, love food art. Simply fun, plain, and straightforward. One young girl at the opening kept saying how cool it was while warning her friends not to take a bite.

People asked to take photos of the artwork; I told them I could not wait to tell the artists how popular their work was.

Some kids are intimidated by traditional art forms such as drawing and painting. Of course, we do lots of drawing and painting, but making old things new creations holds a different appeal.

It is easy to be wildly successful. I have been told so many times recently that some wish they had had such options available when they were in school. Stories about failing art classes because they did not have substantial natural talent. I always answer, “Everyone has different talents; let’s find yours.”

The new semester starts next week. I cannot believe the year is half over. I ordered a book on taking food photos for Instagram and other platforms. That class is The Art of Food and Photography. Wish me luck. Thank you to all of you who have already sent helpful items. It is amazing how wonderful you are.

Thank you to Joanne from CA. She sent many wonderful things. We were intrigued by the Sandplain Woody Pears. A few of the kids are working on those already!

Thank you to Claire from VT for the incredibly soft fabrics.

Thank you to Amy from Brewster for the baking things, which included beautiful cookie molds and holiday items.

I told Kathy, who had sent some adorable items that her latest creamer set had been prominently featured in student work.

I want to thank everyone for congratulating me on the award I received last week. It belongs to all of us, and I could not have done it without you!

We are still looking for baking supplies if you have anything you no longer use. We always seek donations for anything you feel could be made into something new! We are looking for 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