Donation Request For Art Supplies For Kids In Need

Here is a message from, Tempest, a teaching artist in
New York City, trying to get some basic art supplies for
kids in need. Thanks so much for your consideration!

~~

My name is Tempest, and I'm a teaching artist in New
York City. I primarily work with outreach programs
helping to fill a gap in the New York City Public School's
art education. Recently I've been volunteering at a
charter school in my neighborhood that was not offering
an arts program when it opened. Because of my
background, the school matched me up with the guidance
counselor and a classroom called 'F.I.R.S.T. Academy.'

F.I.R.S.T. Academy is  a small class of students who are
having difficulties being in a regular school program
because of either behavioral or academic problems.
F.I.R.S.T. Academy removes them from the regular
classroom and puts them in a smaller class where they
can receive more focused attention. The guidance
counselor works with them on character development,
and I've been working in tandem with the counselor to
develop an arts program that supports this using art
therapy as a theoretical base.


We've done lots of different projects from puppets
to story-stones, all designed to develop the
kids' confidence and to encourage self-talk,
identifying emotions, and team-work.

Through this last semester, I've watched them become
much more confident not only in their artistic ability, but
also in how they verbally express themselves. There is no
question that art is doing them immeasurable
amounts of good.

This semester, I would love to get them their very
own sketch-pad and box of basic art supplies that they
can use in class, but also take home and experiment with
on their own. Not only would this be therepeutic, but also
would give these kids a chance to take ownership over
their supplies and experience responsibility and pride.



However, this program is entirely volunteer. So, we are
reaching out to the online community and asking that
people donate whatever they can: every $10 is a
pencil-box closer to our goal!

We have a fundraiser set up through Dick Blick Art
Supplies. When donating through this link, any money
is restricted to buying the art supplies listed, so you
know your donation is safe.

Click here to see the supplies and donate today!

Thank you -- it means SO much
to the kids, and to me!

~~

The deadline is January 25 and they only
need a little over $200 so if you can donate
that would be truly wonderful and much
appreciated! Thanks everyone!