A Note from Ms. McManus

Dear The Creative Cycle,

Thanks again for the amazing gift of printmaking! I didn't tell you this, but I had enough supplies for only one class to make a print, and your gift allowed me to do the project with two classes, so 75 students got to make a print, and that was really great. 

Students learn so much from printmaking. They have to design everything backwards. They have to cut the print, and there is no fixing any errors, so it all takes planning- every inch must be designed prior to cutting, and it makes student really think through not only the light and dark, but every aspect of the design. The students loved making the prints, and your gift made it so much more fun with choices of colored ink and colored paper. 

This winter, we will be having an exhibition on our campus called, "INK," and our prints will be featured in the exhibition. Having this as a class project has given many students access to participating in this exhibit. Students were also able to print as many prints as they needed for their holiday gifts, which is nice for our low income kids. 

We thank you so much for your support in helping so many students create an original linoleum cut print. It made for an exciting December. Your support really does make a difference for our students!

With gratitude,
Ms. McManus

Los Angeles

A Note from Ms. Jue

Dear The Creative Cycle,

Thank you so much for your generosity in funding my project "Unleashing My Creativity With Sketch Pads". My students were so excited when my helpers opened the box and pulled out beautiful blue sketch pads. 

My students absolutely adore their sketch pads. Whenever they're done with their work, they ask to sketch in them. They look around the room for pictures or objects to sketch. After their sketch is complete, they meticulously color their drawings using beautiful colored pencils that were also donated through Donors Choose.

My students are having so much fun expressing their creativity in class and at home. Thank you again for your generosity and kindness. You are the best!

With gratitude,
Mrs. Jue

Los Angeles

Artist Suzy Poling

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What is your artistic process?

I am a multidisciplinary, visual and sound artist. I make electronic-based music, photographs, collages, videos, installations, paintings and fiber-based art pieces. My work primarily deals with light, chemical and geological phenomenon in relation to the human form and psyche.  

What role did school (and maybe teachers) play in your development as an artist?

I started studying photography in High School and then went to college for it. My college years were really important to me as I bonded with many great Artists and Photography Professors. The school I went to pushed me to be rigorous and I pushed myself even further to utilize all of the resources. Eventually, I had to break away from their influence and just think for myself, but that is what personal vision is and what graduating is good for.

What role did art play in your education?

I went to school for art, so art was in the center of my education. I really enjoyed Art History, Religion, Abnormal Psychology, and Geology as well. I would say that all of these subjects have become part of my research and artistic content. I also taught myself many mediums, programs, and skills after college, so I could say that I am partially self-taught as well. I think everyone has to be considering how much technology changes.

Words of advice for young artists? 

I would say that it's important to keep finding ways to express yourself even if it's with some small little project. Keeping momentum and making magical things happen out of practically nothing is what it's all about it, if you ask me. As long as you are not making art purely for financial and egotistical reasons, then you should be able to keep going your entire life.

Shop Suzy Poling here

See her portfolio here

A Note from Ms. Voye

Dear The Creative Cycle,

Let me begin by again thanking you for donating to projects that benefit students in New York City. Your support for our program has truly impacted so many children this year. It is always an amazing experience to introduce new instruments to children. The joy that they experience in learning about and with new materials makes my job so worth it. 

If I had to pinpoint a specific group that was most benefiting from your donation, I would choose my special learners. Specifically, the instruments that are color coded such as the resonator bells cater towards children who need to learn in different ways. These children have been able to learn much through color charts in addition to writing their own color coded music. 

In the future, I see and hear so many of my children making beautiful music through the generous donations that you have made to our music program. I can't thank you enough.

With gratitude,
Ms. Voye, PreK - 2nd Grade

A Note from Ms. Capa

Dear The Creative Cycle,

On behalf of my students, I would like to thank you for making our fundraiser possible. Our school relies on the generosity of donors such as yourself and is grateful for your support.

In the upcoming year my art students will be able to explore different media in art and expand their creativity. Our mission at our school is to always broaden the education of our students. 

Again, I would like to thank you for your support of our youth in our community and look forward for you to see the work that the students create.

With gratitude,

Ms. Capa

Los Angeles

Photos and a Note from Ms. Morissette

Dear The Creative Cycle,

My students were more than thrilled when they heard that our project was funded and asked me on a daily basis when we could begin sewing. When the materials arrived we began discussing ideas for our embroidered images. Because our school focuses intensely on Anti-Bullying initiatives, we thought we could contribute to the effort by making embroideries that used symbols, or images representing kindness and friendship. 

We began the project by creating our own symbols, either invented or inspired by something we've seen before. Some students choose to include text as well. We sketched out some ideas and transferred the drawings to the fabric. I taught them a simple stitch and they were off to work on their own. We worked on this project in the last few weeks of the school year and their blossoming independence was more apparent than ever. They were engaged, focused and eager to see the project through to completion. 

Many students even finished their first project and were able to move on to a 2nd embroidery of their choosing. A couple of students even told me they had asked their parents to buy them an embroidery set to have at home. 

I was so pleased with the outcome of this project and how my students gained experience with precision, patience and problem solving skills. Thank you again for your contributions, no matter how big or small. We're so grateful for your generosity.

With gratitude,
Ms. Morissette

Kings County, Brooklyn

Thank you from Ms. Voye

Dear The Creative Cycle,

I am deeply thankful for your generosity in funding my classroom project. Having the support of the Donors Choose community in my classroom means so much. Knowing that there are so many people who value music education in a child's life is very gratifying.

These supplies and instruments will be used on a daily basis in many different classroom settings. I can't wait to see the looks on their faces as the children use these new instruments for creating and composing. Thank you again for bring the love of music to children who will greatly appreciate it!

With gratitude,
Ms. Voye

PS 226 Alfred De B Mason // Brooklyn, NY

Thank you from Ms. Watson

"Dear The Creative Cycle,

This is my first Donor's Choose project and I am moved beyond words. I found out that the project was funded during my after school Drawing School session. 

I had just finished telling them that I submitted a Donor's Choose project and that people, complete strangers, were donating money for them to receive their very own sketchbooks.

I told them that you were doing it because you believed in them even though you didn't know them.

A few minutes later, the project was funded completely.

I am simply humbled by the money, but mostly the care you have given them. My heart is filled that you would do this for my students.

I can't wait to show you how deeply you've impacted them.

With gratitude,
Ms. Watson"

Photos and a Note from Ms. Schneck's classroom

"Dear The Creative Cycle,

Thank you for your kind donation to the art classroom. Students were able to complete their African-inspired masks. The masks were beautifully decorated with the materials received from this grant. Thank you for making it possible. 

Their work was on display for the month of February and will also be on display as a part of the school's Spring Arts Festival. Some students will even be performing with the school choir for their African number Bonse Aba. 

Thank you for supporting the arts and my students.

With gratitude,
Ms. S."

Thank you notes from Mr.Schweizer's students

Looks like Mr. Schweizer's students are already loving their colored pencils and other new supplies!

"Dear The Creative Cycle,

Words can't begin to describe how grateful I am for all of the wonderful art supplies. The kids were so thrilled and honored that you chose our class to support in their creative endeavors. They couldn't get into the supplies fast enough, especially cartoon drawing kits. As you can see from the pictures we've uploaded, they have been busy using the pencils, markers, and crayons and coming up with their own works of art on a regular basis. There are so many talented children in the class, and everyone has been embracing their inner artists!

In addition to the drawing kits and art supplies, they have also been discovering the joy of origami. A lot of them have never attempted it before, yet they immediately took to the process and have come up with many interesting pieces that have been displayed in the assistant principal's office. Their enthusiasm simply cannot be dimmed, and it shows in all their efforts. 

Being able to offer them supplies that have lasted so long has instilled a sense of appreciation for gifts, and they have been taking very good care of all their tools. The instructional guides have been instrumental to me, as I have been pinch-hitting as an art teacher this year. My skills are not quite up to par with the kids, but I live by the mantra of trying that I've taught them, and it helps that I can offer guidance in other ways throughout the year. 

We are all very grateful for your kindness, and for the amazing things that are accomplished with Donors Choose.

With gratitude,
Mr. Schweizer"

See what they have to say themselves: