February 1, 2016

Dear Mrs. Wade-Kuzwayo,

In a few months, I graduate from the school and community I attended for the past nine years. I write this letter to appreciate the effort you contributed to create a better student. You not only taught me the elegance of art, but also the absurdness of life. Everyday in art you influence me to think outside of the guidelines and do what makes me happy.

As a perfectionist, I often fail to finish projects during the time allotted in class. You always somehow tolerate this yet you still remind me how the piece certainly holds no reason to exist as perfect. A few weeks ago, I made a project intended to contain 36 two inch squares. Instead, mine contained 144 one inch squares. After about a week working on the project, I expressed concern about finishing late and you simply said, “I knew you weren’t going to finish anytime soon as soon as you asked to alter your project. But I know you’ll finish eventually.” I admire your relaxed personality, the way you personally come to know all your students, and the trust you hold with everyone. Someday, I aspire to contain the calmness and confidence you hold within yourself. 

In elementary school I fondly remember learning the primary colors. I completed my assignment early and you allowed me to experiment by blending various colors together. After ending up with different shades of brown, you taught me not to use all the colors, but a combination of only a few. Ever since, I considered it a metaphor to only focus on the important aspects of life to end up with something beautiful. You taught to embrace my flaws through art. Whether through different color schemes, or making a “what-should-be-simple-project” way too complicated, you allow me to pursue what makes me happy.

You often notice how joyful art makes me, leading to conversations about my future. You gave me opportunities to visit the high school's art department and you tell me about the plethora of courses available. You influenced me to consider occupations involving art I never knew about such as: engineering, interior design, and architecture. Unknowingly, you took a five year old girl and molded her into a young, passionate artist. And for this, I will appreciate you forever. Thank you for the last nine years of creative projects and lessons. Simply attending your classes made me the person I exist as today.