Well I would say that you and Patti between you have turned out quite a masterpiece in young Jack. I think you can look at him as the crowning glory of all your artworks!!
Jules x

Jack's portrait piece is really remarkable! It's been so interesting to see his progress through your blog over the years. He keeps getting better and better.

Jack says it all in his fantastic essay. Any school that doesn't want him after reading that doesn't deserve him!
Helenlp

As a victim of bad art training myself I find myself thinking 'Jack, save yourself, don't go!' But on closer reading of his essay it seems clear that nothing will destroy Jack's love of art - not bad teaching, pressure from academic nonsense or ridiculous critiques from people who really want you to draw what THEY would draw. Bravo Jack! May the wind be beneath your wings.

What an extraordinary young man you have there, Danny! You must be so, so proud... it's essays like this -- and work like Jack does -- that give me faith in the future. He is not only an exceptionally gifted artist, he is also a very talented writer!

Wow, he's only thirteen?! Reading his essay he comes over as far more mature. I think that going to a restrictive and too-big school would be a bad mistake, that developing his other talents would be sensible whilst fostering his love for art in extra-curricular classes. There is no substitute for being happy at school.

Jack's artwork is quite extraordinary for a thirteen year old or any one at any age for that matter. His essay is also very impressive. I've been a teacher of kids of all ages for many years and Jack is definitely mature beyond his years. It is unusual to find someone of that age that has such focus and internal drive of purpose. Thank you so much for sharing him with us!

Congrats on having such a talented and abitious artist in the family. As as art teacher for 18 years in a public school I can say that all art teachers aren't bad. The ones you are thinking of should not be teachers in the first place. They are the over pretentious/self-frustrated artists that think they are better than all the rest. Stay away from those, but embrace those teachers who do it for the kids! We're pretty awesome!
Good Luck Jack!

Any school that doesn't take Jack is going to feel like the publishers who rejected J.K. Rowling when she first tried to get Harry Potter published. Anyone can see quite clearly that he is nor yer average child. He is exceptionally talented, articulate and has the perfect name for being a "somebody." He is so blessed to have parents like you who encourage, support and love him so much.

Having taught Jr. High and Elementary School Art for 25 years I will tell you that most art teachers are terrific but they are so overburdened with students, budget cuts,schedule adjustments to squeeze in as many students as they can possibly assemble in one place at one time that most of them are plumb worn out. As for sensitivity in teaching that is what they may be attempting but believe me the administrators of most programs are completely unaware of just what this whole process of teaching art involves. Supplies are only part of the problem followed closely by huge numbers of kids just waiting to harass them on a daily basis. I have known some superior art teachers in my time but remember always that these are just simple folks trying to do their best under trying circumstances. I must say that I loved teaching art every minute of it....most weeks I had as many as 600-800 students. In spite of that I like to think that I made a difference in quite a few lives.

High school is usually a bit better but I think that a lot of budget cutting is the norm and very little is done to promote the arts in most cases.

Just a few words from the side lines....Sounds like Jack Tea would be a fine student and a treat for any teacher in the visual arts.

Best always and thanks for continuing to do this Danny....

When my son was considering colleges he auditioned at one well known for music studies.. He came late to percussion, but was fabulously enthusiastic and motivated. They laughed at him, to his face. He was crushed. I certainly am glad that he found other schools who could be respectful AND honest AND helpful. I hope Jack finds the same....

Jack is very fortunate to have you both as parents, and your positive guidance and influence on him is obvious. Again, I'm blown away at the work above, and kudos for capitalizing on his skill and passion and further encouraging him with his shirt shop (I'll have to grab me one here soon--so hard to decide)!

I'm sorry about the not so positive experience with the school and that teacher. Like cops, doctors, priests, etc, they're just people, and I guess it's impossible to generalize based on such an experience. I will say that there are a ton of dedicated art teachers/artists out there though, turning kids onto art every single day, and there's not a doubt in my mind just how much they've enhanced the lives of those kids. many of these folks I know. I also know of some much like the teacher you described in this post unfortunately. Most parents aren't as encouraging as you folks unfortunately, at least concerning art. Of course that can be widely blamed on our society and the stigma of the mad "starving artist". That's changing slowly but surely though, and people are waking up to the bigger picture regarding art in education, looking far beyond the craftsy/make something pretty to hang on the fridge aspect of yesterday. In fact, this year, the district I teach at has adopted Daniel Pink's groundbreaking "Whole New Mind" book on visual literacy, as part of its curriculum. Most kids get a video game system from their parents to pacify them, or are encouraged to join a sport. They don't learn certain observation and skill-based techniques at home. Also, most kids, while they know their Pokemons and sports heroes, never heard of Hokusai, Paul Klee, O'Keeffe, etc, unless it's in class coming from a good art teacher. I know for many of us art teachers, it's our goal to instill this knowledge and joy of art in kids, something sorely lacking in our society. Most of us have hopes that kids will take this with them through life and be able to make connections down the road.

Anyhow, you guys keep doing what you're doing and i wish you all the best!

His essay is better than many college application essays. Hopefully, whatever school he goes to will give him an opportunity to be creative, and keep that writing skill. I think that my writing was actually better when I was 13 than now, after all that education.

Also, his drawing is very cool.

Hey Danny- Wow, Jack is talented. I wish my parents had been so encouraging about my creative habits! Two ideas: Sometimes a grass-roots atelier is a great place to find a mentor. New York should have a ton of them. Some of the more mellow ateliers have stellar craftsmanship and are not too industry driven. They are also usually oozing with talented students; having fellow students with great skill is inspiring and challenging. Also, are there any particular artists he really loves? Perhaps you could find one with that style and see if they apprentice or give lessons.
Cheers, Tamara

Wow. That is one fantastic essay. I often forget all that good stuff.
Good job raising that kid, Danny!

What a fantastic drawing of squiggles and portraits. Very "sick" indeed. I understand from my own sons that "sick" is the word now for "cool." Jack's writing skills are also impressive. As long as Jack finds that feeling of connection when he picks up his pencil, I believe he'll overcome all the challenges he faces. With such supportive parents I think his love for art will just continue to grow and grow.