Note: Art Program Amazon Wish List. Coming up in a few weeks. The heart of Sue Silverstein’s excellent art program, one of the most innovative in America, is your donations of discarded and forgotten material. But one thing remains the same – the art supplies needed to turn them into art are not available to most people, and next to you, they are the most essential, the engine that pulls Sue’s genius together. In several weeks, a date to be announced will be here, and on my blog, I’ll be posting an Amazon Art Wish List for Sue and Bishop Gibbons. Sue and I have done a dozen of these together and every one has been an almost instant success. Sue’s requests are always modest and thoughtful. The items she needs are art supplies listed on Amazon, and all donations go directly to the school – no middlemen involved, to Sue and the school. The items are pre-programmed to go right to Sue and Bishop Gibbons automatically. Stay tuned for further details. The Wish List will only be posted on my blog, which you are currently reading. I post it every day until it’s sold out. Lots of people love Sue, and that usually doesn’t take long. Thank you so much for your attention and participation. Your support is essential, and Sue and her students richly deserve it. P.S. One of the photos in today’s post was painted by Sue, a gifted artist herself. Guess which one. Supporting Sue and these young artists is a blessing in itself. — Jon Katz.
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As soon as the calendar turns to August, it’s time. I’m eager to set up my room once the floors are done. I save gift cards from holidays and stalk the sales at art and craft stores to fill in things I know I will want for the kids. I love 5 Below and the Dollar Stores. My list of projects here at home is in pretty good shape. The weather has generally cooperated. It’s been hot, but I don’t mind the heat. I redid my old, cracked foundation, cleaned it, sorted it, and painted it. I don’t sit still well.
I have been doing some of my painting this week. I experimented with watercolor powders because I want to use them with the kids this year, and I hadn’t used them much before. The colors are vibrant and lovely. The key will be getting them to see that less is more!
I painted a wedding gift for a precious former student who will marry her love on Sunday. I also painted my college easel a light off-white for her reception. (My hippie painting teacher would be horrified.) This girl is special and was one of the first refugee students I had the pleasure of meeting. I am honored to be at her wedding. She had been planning her wedding for years, before she even met the groom, I think! They grew up in refugee camps in Thailand. Sometimes they watched Disney movies to learn English. They said that when they came to America, they expected everyone to live in castles and wear princess dresses. Not the case. She has worked hard and studied diligently, and now helps provide for her family—a truly special person.
I brought a bunch of things to school yesterday, hoping my floors would be done. Not quite yet, but soon! I took a picture of the empty room. It’s always so bustling and full of projects. It was strange.
They tweaked the schedule, and it looks hopeful that I’ll get to teach some kids I wasn’t due to see until next year. That makes me happy! 9th grade usually does not have room in their day for art, but it looks like they may this year.
Karen and Ken from NY always send boxes full of spectacularly creative and amazing things. The newest box did not disappoint. They sent a book that I remember having years ago at home with 100 of the most beautiful paintings! I couldn’t tell you what happened to it, and I am happy to have a copy!
Kathy, a longtime supporter of our program, is scheduled to visit in early September. That is so exciting! She will have the opportunity to see the kids and the art room in person!
The art display is still up, so if you are local or close by, go check it out!
We are grateful to the theater staff and Kelly Auricchio for making this happen.
The theater address is:
The display is in the hallway arcade of the building outside the auditorium.
Proctors Theater
432 State Street
Schenectady, New York 12305
The Summer Schedule (Mail by USPS arrives without issue. Delivery services like Amazon know the hours, so it’s usually not an issue)
The delivery hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 am-1 pm, until mid-August, when sports get underway at full steam.
The address is: NDBG 2600 Albany Street , Schenectady, New York 12304
We are always seeking donations for items that you feel could be repurposed into something new! As the new year approaches quickly, healthy snacks are greatly appreciated! Acrylic paints, paint brushes, glue, wire, canvas, glue sticks, glue guns, liquid clear glue, sewing needles, and sewing machine needles. Air-dry clay, plaster cloth wrap, shells, and pinecones. Vintage dishes, cups, bowls, and other glassware. I love hearing from you. My email is [email protected].
Have a blessed day!
Sue
ND-BG
2600 Albany Street
Schenectady, New York 12304