The Puzzle Project is all about collaboration. We believe that making art with others is a beautiful thing. See what some of the people involved had to say about the Puzzle Art Installation & Collaborative Project:
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"Art Connects New York (ACNY) is delighted to be working with The Puzzle Project! The Project offers a rare and rich combination that generates individual achievement—no matter the puzzle worker’s level of art expertise—and group involvement. As a “drop-off’ site, ACNY repeatedly experiences the anticipation of individuals coming in to pick up blank puzzle pieces. Even more wonderful is the infectious enthusiasm they bring back with them along with their finished pieces.
ACNY’s first Puzzle Project workshop was nothing short of remarkable! Some 30 people arrived ready to create puzzle pieces, and did they ever! The room took on a quiet, happy intensity as work went into the widest possible variety of images: a detailed pencil drawing of John Lennon, collaged hearts, painted ghosts, music sheets dancing off their pieces—each finished puzzle piece its own unique creation. The puzzle piece artists, ranging in age from about 6 to 70, while intent on their own work were ultimately interested in what everyone else was doing. By the end of the evening dozens of new pieces lined the Spattered Columns Exhibition Space—and even covered some of our windows—while conversation among participants was lively.
As a partner, the Puzzle Project supports and extends ACNY’s mission to make original artwork available to New Yorkers in non-traditional ways. The Puzzle Project is masterful in using the great powers of art to build community, encourage dialogue and add unexpected beauty to our world. We’re proud to be a partner!"
Jamie Johnson
Founder, Art Connects New York
- "Our club finally had the workshop with our Balboa Naval Hospital. The group I specifically worked with was a small unit of patients suffering from PTSD. At first I wasn't sure we were going to have the workshop as there were a few who were not in an 'art' type spirit, but as soon as they sat at the table they were smiling and really enjoying themselves. Their director was so pleased we were able to provide an activity like this and it's all because of YOU and your wonderful art movement! It was a very rewarding experience. However, because of policies regarding patients privacy I was unfortunately not able to take photos during the workshop, but am looking forward to sending you their pieces the end of this month".
Kathryn Curd
Navy Wives Clubs of America, Coronado, CA
- "Tim and his crew brought out the best in our teen participants during the
Puzzle Project. They gave basic ideas and instruction, walked around
looking over shoulders, answered questions and helped resolve artistic
challenges while instilling a passion for art and self expression. Tim and
his team are dynamic, inspirational and charming. Our teen artists loved
them and have made the committment to attend other puzzle project workshops.
The final puzzle is hanging in our entry foyer and looks amazing. We've received a wonderful response from the teens, parents and community."
Stephenie Acosta, Veronica Stevens, Janice Campbell
Monmouth County Library Young Adult Department
- "Thank you and your gang for the awesome experience you gave to those kids today. They enjoyed every moment. Kathy, our principal, was totally impressed."
Gail Keats
PS177 in Queens
- "The Puzzle Art Project is an amazing way to get kids, teens, and adults involved in creating art, and becoming something bigger. This program allows everyone to express themselves though art, and to show others something meaningful to them. Being a part of this project is an incredible experience, because everyone can get involved. The fundraisers for the brain tumor center also help raise awareness. Spreading quickly, this project is a great way for people to express themselves."
Christine, artist (Monmouth County Library System workshops)
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"I am pleased that we met Tim and his great puzzle project. My children love it
and they can't get enough of it. They express themselves through art. They get an opportunity to put anything they wanted on their puzzle piece and they are very excited to be part of this. The parents of the children love this project as well, and are glad that Tim is doing this with the YMCA."
Karina Montoya, YMCA -
"The Puzzle Project is an amazing experience. It gives you a chance to
connect with other artists, your audience, and yourself. Every time you
look at the installation, there's something beautiful and unexpected. The
human element is what makes the puzzle project so great, because you don't have to be "an artist" to make art. Instead, you get a blank piece of
puzzle, and just go- and the results are truly a work of art."
Meghan, artist (Monmouth County Library System workshops) -
"I'm still smiling from the experience of participating in the Art Is Good
workshop yesterday afternoon! What a wonderful opportunity to bring people together to make art, while also providing a safe place to talk about feelings and thoughts that might come up related to their individual experiences of being affected by brain tumors in some way. It was a delight meeting you and Jessie, as well as the others who were helping on site. Thank you again for everything you are doing with this unique puzzle project!"
Nancy Conn-Levin, M.A.
Health Educator (and 13-year brain tumor survivor)
Co-founder/Facilitator, Monmouth and Ocean County Brain Tumor Support. - "When I made my piece, I felt that I was somehow in some way connecting with people around me, that I didn't even remotely know. I personally believe however that this puzzle project is one of the greatest things that I've been honored and privliged to be a part of. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of it."
Joe, artist (Teen Arts Festival)
- "Being a part of the puzzle project has been an amazing experience. Especially since I have been able to incorporate it into my AmeriCorps experience, as well. This collaboration has led to some wonderful puzzle piece moments! I was able to use the making of a puzzle piece as a service reflection after leading a team on a flood disaster recovery project in Atlanta, Georgia. I was also able to make puzzle piece art wonderfulness with a group of children at a day care center on Martin Luther King Jr National Day of Service. The collaboration of art and service has been such a positive experience for me. I look forward to keeping it going in the future!"
Andrea Horbelt, River Unit STL, AmeriCorps NCCC, Vicksburg, Mississippi
- "While doing this project I felt as if there were no limits to what I can put on my puzzle piece. It helped me express myself! "
Maxmillion, artist, YMCA (GREENPOINT Y Scholars program)
- "The art project was fun; I had a good time working with my friends!"
Marcus D, artist, YMCA (GREENPOINT Y Scholars program)
- “What we can’t express verbally, we can express visually. Art is a form of communication."
Emma E, artist, YMCA (GREENPOINT Y Scholars program)
- “The art project was fun & creative; it was interesting seeing other people’s artwork. The project is something that is sending a message to the world." -
Wendress W, artist, YMCA (GREENPOINT Y Scholars program)
- "The art project was very cool, I was able to easily express how I truly felt. The puzzle project helped us to get deeper into our thoughts, and how we could help others."
Bianca E, artist, YMCA (GREENPOINT Y Scholars program)
- "I really believe that you (Tim Kelly) have a way with the young people. You believe in them, and in turn, they believe in themselves and then they create great puzzle art!"
Veronica Stevens, Monmouth Library
- "I love art very much and truly believe that it is a form of expression that is essential to life. What drives me to continue growing the puzzle project is what I experience each time we host an Art is Good puzzle making workshop.
The beauty and power of creative collaboration is evident. The energy at each workshop is unmistakable. No matter if the artists are kids, teens or adults, they understand and embrace what the puzzle installation is all about. Each individual proudly adds their puzzle art to the essembly of 1000's of 24"x24" puzzle pieces. Every single piece telling someone's meaningful story. It is addictive and helps to keep me going...and growing the Puzzle Installation & Collaborative Project in the name of art."
Tim Kelly, artist and Puzzle Project Coordinator
Have You Made Yor Puzzle piece?
Puzzle Making Workshops
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