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Salem, MA--The Greenhouse School, a small independent school in Salem serving many low- and middle-income families from surrounding towns, has secured a serious donation of art materials. "It's a bit overwhelming," said the school's assistant director, Julia Nambalirwa-Lugudde. "We're so happy to have landed such a gift; now we have to live up to it!"
The donation comes with many components, from a lifelong teacher and artist, Gail Rosenthal, from Needham, MA. She and her husband Leonard, both retired, are in the process of selling their home in Needham and moving to Portland, OR. She chose The Greenhouse School to receive almost her entire collection of art books and materials, collected over decades from an eclectic and fascinating life.
There are over 100 art books, spanning virtually every imaginable medium, time period, and geographic focus. Also included will be the makings of a darkroom, a sizeable amount of clay, specialty tools and materials, and a host of slides from museums around the world. "It's the kind of gift that can change a school," says GHS Administrative Director Dan Welch. "We've always prided ourselves on our artwork--the kids regularly win awards, and we do a lot with a budget of, well, zero, to be honest. The key for us is integration. But now this opens up a whole new avenue for us. We're very flattered Gail chose us."
For her own part, Rosenthal is also quite happy to have found such a suitable recipient. "I was looking for someone who would make good use of it...who has a multicultural approach and serves poor kids too. A small place where it would make an impact." Welch couldn't agree more. "It's a great thing for us--some of our kids would never be exposed to such a broad range of art; for them it will be like living in a museum."
The Greenhouse School wanted to make sure to give Rosenthal proper credit, but wanted to check with her to be sure she didn't want to remain anonymous, as many donors do. Her response is a gift in itself: "Sure, the name is OK...maybe it will get more people to think in a like-minded way! Actually, it does make you feel good to do good!"
Photos are also available to photo desk specs if desired. Contact Dan Welch at wpdanny@netzero.com. Also see the school's website for more information at www.greenhouseschool.org.
The donation comes with many components, from a lifelong teacher and artist, Gail Rosenthal, from Needham, MA. She and her husband Leonard, both retired, are in the process of selling their home in Needham and moving to Portland, OR. She chose The Greenhouse School to receive almost her entire collection of art books and materials, collected over decades from an eclectic and fascinating life.
There are over 100 art books, spanning virtually every imaginable medium, time period, and geographic focus. Also included will be the makings of a darkroom, a sizeable amount of clay, specialty tools and materials, and a host of slides from museums around the world. "It's the kind of gift that can change a school," says GHS Administrative Director Dan Welch. "We've always prided ourselves on our artwork--the kids regularly win awards, and we do a lot with a budget of, well, zero, to be honest. The key for us is integration. But now this opens up a whole new avenue for us. We're very flattered Gail chose us."
For her own part, Rosenthal is also quite happy to have found such a suitable recipient. "I was looking for someone who would make good use of it...who has a multicultural approach and serves poor kids too. A small place where it would make an impact." Welch couldn't agree more. "It's a great thing for us--some of our kids would never be exposed to such a broad range of art; for them it will be like living in a museum."
The Greenhouse School wanted to make sure to give Rosenthal proper credit, but wanted to check with her to be sure she didn't want to remain anonymous, as many donors do. Her response is a gift in itself: "Sure, the name is OK...maybe it will get more people to think in a like-minded way! Actually, it does make you feel good to do good!"
Photos are also available to photo desk specs if desired. Contact Dan Welch at wpdanny@netzero.com. Also see the school's website for more information at www.greenhouseschool.org.