Happy Valentine’s Day, Sue. I love you and so does everyone with the good luck to know you.  Thanks to the good people who keep this fantastic art program going. You are making the world a better place.  Jon

News from the Art Room – Ok, now I am officially over the weather…..

I feel guilty with everything going on in the world when I gripe about the weather. It is February; tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Next week is winter break already. I do not know how that happened. I feel like it was just Christmas. We were fortunate for most of the dark months this year. Lots of little nuisance storms that dropped an inch here and there, lots of cold but you cannot have everything. Then the past few weeks happened, and there has been one storm after another with more on the way this weekend. I know that in another month or so the winter will be behind us but right now, I think most of us are tired of it. I look forward to flowers and green things. I know it will not be long.

I sat down to write this after school today. A lot of kids were out due to the rough weather this morning. We delayed opening and the buses picked up differently. A few of the older kids were making art and waiting for practice. I typed the title, and Olu, one of the last who came with me from Bishop Maginn, had a Valentine heart-shaped pillow emergency. He wanted to sew a pillow for a good friend who has been ill. It is a little lumpy, but we got it finished. I told him anyone who was given a slightly lumpy, heart shaped pillow from an 18-year-old guy was pretty lucky and all the girls in the room agreed. He has a heart as big as his smile and plans to study nursing next year. He is going to be a wonderful caregiver.

The seniors have been working together to repurpose a donated cedar chest. Today I told them that I may just have to bid on it myself at the school auction because they are doing such a fantastic job. I love sunflowers and repurposed furniture. It is a win-win!

Paige of sculpture fame is knocking it out of the park with her latest work. I talked a little bit about the story she has created based on the locket she found in the jewelry donations. It is not finished yet, but I gave a sneak peek of one section. The picnic is a welcome home for a returning soldier. There is cake, a basket with bread and wine, an antique candy box with chocolates, vintage linens, and clothing.

My absolute favorite element is the love letters; she has created beautiful letters, saved by both lovers during their time away from each other. The names are from her own family tree. The “lipstick kisses” are her own. I looked at her yesterday and realized she was painting red lips and kissing the paper. I love this girl. Her imagination is limitless. I do not remember ever working with anyone, adult, or youth, that immersed themselves in their work as much as she does. The stories she tells are magical.

The photographers did a terrific job on the Beautiful from Nothing assignment. A single piece of paper is all they had to work with. I included a cool photo from Terell!

The donations are still so wonderful. Kathy from MA sent a big box of baking supplies. Excited is an understatement. When we return from break, decorating it will be! Thank you, Kathy! You are so good to us.

Nancy sent some pinecones and other things that are always appreciated. Thank you, Nancy! I know she is local, and her amazing daughter delivers for her.

Joan sent some interesting books that I plan to spend quality time with next week! Thank you, Joan!

Pat sent even more wonderful items for all the classes this semester. There are lots of items for scrapbook making which the students love. Pat is so kind to us on every level!

Caryn will drop off teen clothing this week; we always appreciate the help!

For anyone I miss, please know that we could not do this without you!

I continue to read your letters to the students. They love to hear about the people who are helping them. We are so blessed to have every single one of you!

If anyone would be able to send basic cake/frosting mixes for cake decorating it would surely be appreciated.

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! Rolled gauze, wire, glassware, canvas, art supplies, heavy foil, pinecones, glue sticks, glue guns, 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