So today, directly after work, I rushed to my gallery to let the art teachers of West Irondequoit School District into my studio. Their mission? To hang the work that they have so lovingly inspired and their students so courageously executed.
For the next hour or so these teachers politely, yet tenaciously hung the work, carefully chosen to represent the incredible art that is created at West Irondequoit. The work is fantastic. I KNOW I am SUPPOSED to say this, but honestly, it IS INCREDIBLE.
I have made art my entire life. I remember my heart skipping a beat over a new box of crayons. If it had a sharpener, forget about it! I was in heaven. I am betting that some of these students have a similar attitude. I heard two teachers speaking about a student who spends as much time as possible in the art rooms. I remember doing the same. No study halls, no lunch, no nothing! It was all about being in the art room; my hands full of clay or paint or ink or…. you get the idea.
The difference for me, is that I believe I didn’t learn to take chances with my work until I was a middle-aged adult. The work I saw tonight was brave, it was bold, it spoke volumes. I cannot express how impressed I am. I “blame” the teachers. In a world where we value the arts so little, these teachers are giving their all to inspire their students with not only the ability to use art materials in an effective way, but they are inspiring them to dig deep, to reach in and share their soul on a canvas. (or paper, sculpture…. well you get the idea)
So, by my math, some of these students are a half century ahead of me. How amazing is it to be able to see someone’s soul and brush strokes marry. How incredible is it to have teachers who spend their own time to create the perfect wall of art, inspired by their own hearts, inspiration and yes, skills.
The arts are vital my friends. The evidence hangs on the wall at Create Art 4 Good. I pray you take a moment to come and visit, take in and find the awe that I do.
Blessings and peace-
Susan
