FOR-ALL Materials are donated by an eclectic mix of sources including Poppin Office Supplies, fashion companies like Marc Jacobs and Eileen Fisher, law firms, cultural institutions such as Queens Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Broadway shows. In addition to basic items such as folders and binders, MFTA provides unconventional items like ribbons and beads. Last year, the organization received sand from the Broadway show “Grounded” starring Anne Hathaway. “There are also non-traditional items like scraps of fabric and ribbons and buttons and beads,” said John Kaiser, director of education for MFTA. “Teachers can use beads for counting sticks … fabric to make puppets for writing courses or costumes they can make to present at social studies classes.” Teachers will also leave with MFTA tote bags filled with “Think Outside the Box” project kit that will include project ideas. The organization hosts classes that are a part of the DOE’s After School Professional Development Program. Every Saturday, teachers learn useful skills that they can bring to the classroom. “It’s such a heartwarming experience to watch teachers at these classes,” Belle said. “What it really does, it allows them to come to a space in which the whole idea is to just exchange creative ideas.” The first class, titled “Raw Fibers: The Art of Fabric,” will explore the production and uses of fabric and teachers will learn about spinning, story weaving, fabric printing, wax and glue batik and shibovi, and dye techniques. It will start on Sept. 17 and end on Oct. 22. MFTA also hosts field trips, in-school residencies and public programs and curates an art gallery. “We really feel strongly as artists and department of culture we want the citizenry of New York to know that they don’t have to buy expensive art supplies to make art,” Kaiser said. “The more that habit is in schools … more students will go home feeling empowered to make art with their parents.” Teachers, who are required to make appointments, can pick up items every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m. If a teacher is looking to be added to their school’s member account they can go through their principal or send an email to education@mfta.nyc.gov.
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