Past projects 5
Fabulous Fabrics for Sewing
Funded Dec 14, 2015Many thanks for contributing to my classroom and giving my students the opportunity to experience new ways of making art. My "Creativity and Collaboration" class was super excited when the packages arrived. They began brainstorming ideas for fiber art projects as they explored the fabrics and learned about the process of screen printing.
After much experimentation, my students came up with a T-shirt design that involved each student creating a self-portrait emoji. They had a great time printing the shirts and proudly wearing them for the whole school to see!
Additionally, they created a collaborative fiber piece withe the burlap, entitled "We are the Future of Denver". This piece will be entered into the district-wide art show and later become a part of a permanent display at the school. It resulted from a long creative process that involved the students exploring themes of identity, culture and community.
These projects would not have been possible with out your generous contributions. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of my students by giving them opportunities to explore their creativity and collaborate.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gallardo
Learn to Sew: Wearable Art!
Funded Jan 7, 2015Thank you all for your generous contribution to our school. Thanks to you and other donors we now have a sewing program underway. This will allow numerous students to have the opportunity to learn to sew! The cutting boards, scissors and other tools funded with your donations are just what we needed to have a complete sewing and design program. This year your donations allowed the "Creativity and Collaboration: Wearable Art" class to make reversible bags, cross shoulder purses (with buttonholes!) and fringed printed ponchos. After the course was over, the students are still proudly wearing their creations. Three of the ponchos made in the class have been entered into the district's Middle School Art Exhibit that is displayed downtown Denver during the month of April.
The skills our students have learned and will learn in this class will inspire a lifelong hobby, or possibly a career in the fashion or textile industries - a new generation of sewists! At the very least, your donations will give countless students the confidence that comes from learning new skills and using them in a creative way.
On behalf of my students, present and future, your generosity will not be forgotten.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gallardo
Teach Me to Sew!
Funded Apr 16, 2014I want you all to know what a difference your generosity has made. When the sewing machines arrived, my students were so excited to open them and get started right away. None of the students had ever sewn, and only a few had seen a sewing machine before. After spending some time on safety, threading, and stitching we started on pillow covers. I wish you all could have seen the look of pride on the faces of the students as they mastered the straight stich. I noticed that the attendance improved dramatically and my students arrived to class early to get their machines set up.
The donation of the machines also served to generate more volunteers and donations! A school volunteer who is a quilter came and showed her work and donated the beautiful batik fabrics the students used for their pillow covers. Another volunteer, from the Grandma volunteers of America who is also a seamstress, discovered we were sewing and came and assisted through the process. Both of these volunteers were as touched by the project as the students.
Each of these children, in their own way, has gained confidence and a new practical skill that will benefit their future. One girl hopes to get a machine for her birthday and another is thinking of becoming a fashion designer. One of the boys, whose grandpa sews, is now allowed to use his grandpa's machine.
Please know that this experience is only the beginning of the impact these machines will have on the creativity of the students at my school. You have truly made a difference in the lives of many.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gallardo
Art Stools for All!
Funded Oct 7, 2013I cannot thank you all enough for your generous contribution to our school. The students are enjoying the new stools daily, and will continue to do so for years to come. Your gesture has been appreciated not only for the stools themselves but also for the example of generosity. Our students noticed that your contribution demonstrated more than one of our BRIDGE values (Belonging â Respect â Integrity â Diversity â Generosity â Effort) and they were so impressed. Many could not imagine that someone who did not know any of us was willing to donate to our school. They said they would like to meet you all to thank you in person.
When the stools first arrived, they were a big hit. The kids were really excited to sit on the padded seats. They work for all sized kids in the art room, including the very small who often tend to kneel on them. They are sturdy and so comfy, yet light enough for the little ones to put them up and and take them down again at the beginning of the day.
Gone are the slips, falls and complaints of loose chairs that were a constant interruption of the artmaking process, not to mention a safety hazard. I put away the chair fixing tools and donated all the useless chair parts leftover form all the broken chairs to a local artist.
We are all so pleased. Your donation will serve thousands of students over many years. Again, I cannot thank you enough!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gallardo
This classroom project was brought to life by an anonymous donor and 4 other donors.Ceramics Club Supplies
Funded Dec 23, 2010What a wonderful way to help our children express themselves! Your contributions have been greatly appreciated and joyfully used by my ceramics club and regular art classroom students. The clay, tools and glazes you donated helped my students learn how to construct hand built ceramic sculptures and more.
My ceramics club, who used the majority of the materials, are all refugee students from Burma. They had fun learning about the history of the green man and gnomes from Europe, and the storyteller dolls of the Pueblo people of New Mexico. They made their own examples of each, while they shared stories from their own culture.
Not only did your contribution help my students express themselves artistically but it provided a safe and comfortable environment for practicing their English skills. We would not have been able to provide the materials needed for this club without your help.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gallardo