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What Parents and Teachers Say about Mark Kistler's School Assemblies!
We love to shade!
Our four homeschooled sons have grown up using your video lessons, and my whole family loves your fun and upbeat personality. We have "Kistlerisms" that we've shared over the last 14 years. "We love to shade!" (and sing)
When I'm asked about our favorite curriculum choices, your materials are always in my top three. For vocabulary, encouraging creativity/battling passivity, art history, and a constructive perspective towards mistakes, I can't thank you enough for sharing your talents and your self with the rest of the world. You've built something beautiful with your life, and helped so many children to do the same. :o)
We want to say thank you!
a mom
WOW! What an assembly!!
Mark truly brought his drawings to life during our assembly; and made sure every student felt included, special, and artistic! Whether it was "Pencil Power!!" with the younger students or the Genius Pledge with the older students, everybody (staff included!) felt energized and empowered after leaving the assembly. Mark's heart for children, and for art, shows in every drawing he does. He is definitely a wonderful man to have boost-up your students and help them to "Draw! Draw! Draw!"
Ken Davis
Sycamore Rocks Elementary
Apple Valley, CA
I cannot express how excited the kids were....
Mark! I cannot express how excited the kids were after you left on Tuesday Morning. Not because you left, but because you left them with enthusiasm for drawing. I had kids leaving me drawings, requesting another assembly, others swearing their undying love for you and for drawing. My only regret is that my personal kids (Mike and Carolyn) didn't have the opportunity to draw with you. There is always another time. I will mail you the pictures and article that were in today's newspaper, the Asbury Park Press. It was a decent article, full of positives. I don't know if you noticed but the reporter stayed for both presentations, and commented that he had learned something new from the assembly. Mrs. Overholt (the principal) came to me and stated that the school was buzzing about the great assembly. I hope that I can maintain the level of excitement about drawing until your next visit. Many prayers are sent your way as you continue to have a positive impact on children (and adults).
Fondly,
Pat Georgi, another one of your Queen Art Teachers
Tuckerton Elementary School, Tuckerton, New Jersey
I can not thank you enough!
Mark! I can not thank you enough for the wonderful assemblies you did for our school. Bringing your assembly to the school was something I really wanted to do since last year. I was extremely happy with everything, from working with you and Chris all these months, to the actual program. The teachers did nothing but rave about the assembly all day Tuesday. I believe the Family Night was a huge hit as well. I received many compliments while cleaning up that night.
Best Wishes,
Marty Miracky, North Plains Elem.
Minot Air Force Base, Minot, North Dakota
The children are still talking about it.
On behalf of the Greenwich PTSA, I would like to thank you for your
extraordinary performance. The children are still talking about it, as well as so many
of the parents. We were so pleased with out parent turnout for the night
assembly. Like so many other schools, we struggle to get the parents to
participate with programs. Thanks to you, I don't think the kids gave their parents
much choice. From what I hear, there was no way the parents who attended were
going to get away with not coming. It was the most successful turnout we have
ever had for a nighttime program. Again, we thank you. You have a truly
amazing gift for motivating and inspiring youth.
On a more personal note, I owe you another round of applause. As president
of the PTSA, I receive quite a bit of grief from my husband complaining about
the time commitment I devote to the school. He attended your program with
myself and my daughter and was truly impressed. He was that typical extremely
intelligent, yet "non-academic" individual who now owns his own quite successful
specialty contracting firm. As such, he draws geometrically (piping and
machinery layouts mostly) daily. He felt so strongly that you were able to connect
to so many children in a non-traditional sense. We both thought it was
wonderful how you introduced many of the opportunities available to children that
they might never have associated with drawing. It was very refreshing to hear
my husband tell me that he now better understood the reasons why I am involved
with the PTSA and was very proud to be a part of it. For that, I can never
thank you enough.
Best of luck. I hope we see you again.
Regards,
Kathy Fraher
Greenwich, New York CSD PTSA President
Your words of encouragement are awesome!
Dear Mr.Kistler:
I just discovered a few of your television shows I taped years ago for my children! They are gems! My daughter, because of her interest in drawing, has entered college pursuing a degree in english/writing and has a 6 volume book floating around in her head. She is self-taught in the anime style of drawing and your shows she enjoyed very much. Art is such a wonderful stimulator of the possibilities out there for young people.
My son, because of hanging with his sister and drawing with you as well, has the confidence to be president of the cartooning club my daughter started at her high school 2 years ago. He proudly conducts the weekly meetings and enjoys drawing. They create 2 books of their own each school year for the members. They do an origional cartoon and get it back in bound form.
Now it's my turn. I have been rewatching your shows - the Tampa area isn't running them. I have enough to get started. I intend to incorporate my creations into my quilting. I'm an avid quilter, but have done just about everything I wanted to do. Now it's time to be really artistic and see what comes of it!
You have a great nack in your approach to teaching 3d drawing. Your website is great! I'm glad your books are available. Keep motivating the kids - they have the whole world of things to choose from. Drawing is an excellent creative outlet that will help them realize their dreams can come true. Your words of encouragement are awesome!
Regards,
Alexis Karalius
Thank you so much for sharing your joy of drawing.
Thank you so much for sharing your joy of drawing with us and letting us into your world of imagination. There should be more people like you and it's sad that there isn't. There are so many children out there that don't have heros and someone to look up to, and then you come and show them that they have an imagination and if they believe they too can acheive what ever their dreams will take them. Thank you also for allowing us into your world of art and talent. You are a one of a kind and that's what makes your show stand out among the rest, keep doing what you do and continue to share your dreams with us and we share ours with you. Thumbs up to you for opening our hearts to your world.
Sincerly,
Laura Feierabend
California
You are such a GREAT teacher!
My daughter and I enjoyed you tremendously during your visit at the Greenwich School district on March 19. I loved you on PBS when I was (much, MUCH, MMMUUUCCCHHH) younger !! We hope you can come again and would love a week long (two week long ??) session here in Greenwich New York. LOVE YOU and you are such a GREAT teacher !
Cynthia Greenquist
Greenwich, New York
...the very best methods of helping children learn to draw realistically
Hello Capt. Mark !!!! I wanted to express my sincere thank you for taking time to call me at our school. The music program was wonderful and a huge surprise being dedicated to me. I, as well as the students, were thrilled with hearing your voice. Several have asked, "was that really Capt. Mark ?" I don't remember how I first began using your drawing ideas and videos, but they have been the very best methods of helping children learn to draw realistically that I have ever found. And, as they say...if it works, don't try to fix it !!!!
You came to our school for a drawing convocation several years ago....North Madison Elem., Mooresville, Ind. just southwest of Indianapolis. The kids here and now were so impressed that you had actually visited our school at one time !!!! I show 1st and 2nd graders the videos and then use the lessons in some way or another through 6th grade. It's so cute to watch the little ones do their finger aerobics with you and hear them sing along with the video. I think the favorite lesson is most often the "Escape of the Twinkies" twinkie box.....because Sally Jane keeps getting her foot stepped on !!!! Thanks again for calling to congratulate me on my coming retirement, but more so for the wonderful lessons and enjoyment your videos have provided for many years. God bless.....
Sandy Silver
That was an awesome program!!
Mark, That was an awesome program!! We attended today at Bedford North Lawrence Performing Arts Center today, October 6th. The students loved drawing with you. Thank you so much for getting them excited. I always tell the students that I'm not an artist, but I try. Today the kids watched me draw with them and they corrected me to say that "we all are artists."
Thanks for the informative books to keep in our library here at Fayetteville, Indiana. I hope that you can return and share more drawing ideas with us! Thanks again for getting our students excited about drawing. Learning can be fun!! Drawing adds character to their work! Thanks a million!
Wendy Ramsey
Fayetteville Elementary
Bedford, Indiana
Thank you for such a wonderful day.
"Dear Mark,
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for such a wonderful day. What a response!! Parents, kids and teachers were having SO-O-O much
fun! You are very patient, graciously dealing with all. The smile on the kids' faces, WOW. They were so happy, thank you for taking all that extra
time to sign books and drawings. You gave our Art Program at Los Alamitos a HUGE boost, originally some "Mommies" told me they didn't think art was
a "high interest" subject at our school..........(good thing ignorance
isn't painful....ha-ha!) Well, I had so many parents anxious to continue your program at home, how heart-warming. I loved looking out in the
audience at Family Night and seeing "Daddies" standing and singing..... Our current times need lots of Family Nights to remind us what is important and keep us away from the dreaded "Box" (television), unless they are watching PBS, of course! What a fabulous combination of learning and
fun, you've got it down. You kept everyones atttention, which is not always easy. I had a very happy principal, she will be encouraged to back
more Art, and she got to see first hand what these kids can do with proper instruction. Carol fought with me for Family Night. It was a packed house! The absolutely best part was the looks on those kids' faces......Tom Cruise could not have made a better impression!
Bill and I appreciated how you jumped in and helped in every way. You modeled a great attitude for these kids!!! Well, you must be "dog"
tired, we hope you rest up. Know that what you do not only makes us smile,
but changes lives......How Awesome!!!
P.S. Thanks for the tapes, books and especially the ability to
photocopy your tapes and books. They are used each and every day at school."
Sincerely,
Bill and Lori Scott of Los Alamitos
I have never enjoyed an assembly as much as I did yours!
"Dear Mark,
You visited my daughters' school in Pittsfield. I work on Thursday
evenings, and knew I would miss the family night planned for that evening. So I had decided to
skip the housework for that day so I could atttend the assembly.
I have never enjoyed an assembly as much as I did yours! I love to draw, though not as good as
I'd like, but found your technique extremely easy and rewarding. I was the mother who stayed
through both assemblies, even though both my daughters were involved with the first one. I was
enjoying myself so much I couldn't leave, and was wishing it was longer for my own personal
enjoyment. Your inspiration carried though into my work that evening. I am a hairdresser and
found myself feeling much more creative and relaxed! I bragged all evening how I went to school
to draw all afternoon and how wonderful it felt! I will be picking up the pencil more often
with the girls while they draw.
Speaking of the girls, they both enjoyed themselves very much. They enjoyed
drawing and creating very much. I think it helps that mom and dad are both artistic and
creative people! Their dad is a musician, another wonderful talent that inspires creativity.
Thank you again for a wonderful afternoon and keep up the fantastic work. I will be e-mailing
my local PBS station to request your show. I checked, and it currently is not broadcast from
our PBS station. I also will be checking the website for Summer Camp in our area. I would love
to sign the girls up, and myself as well! This is one camp I would have no problem sending them
to.
Hope you had a safe trip home and have the opportunity to visit us again soon!
"
Sincerely,
Christine G., Pittsfield, MA
There is nothing like PENCIL POWER
"Just a note to tell you I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation for Denham Oaks Elementary School here in Lutz, FL. My 9-yr. old son was so excited about the presentation you gave at Denham Oaks that he wanted to attend both presentations scheduled later that evening! I took him and his older brother with and we had a blast. Years ago I had taken art classes in high school but had let it fall by the wayside. Drawing along with you showed me how much I miss it! I have always encouraged my children to use their imaginations and keep on doodling, etc. and now all three of them are taking art classes, one in elementary school and two in high school. The 9-yr. old has even won a few wonderful contests along the way. There is nothing like PENCIL POWER and we all hope we get a chance to attend one of your shows again. "
Sincerely,
Mary Rathman, Land O'Lakes, FL
Come back to our school again next year!
"Mr. Kistler,
Our school had the privilege of participating in one of your programs last month. As a parent and a long-term substitute teacher, I can honestly say that it was the best program that the kids have attended during the four years that I have been involved at Ney Elementary School!
Adults and children alike were sketching like mad and hanging onto every word your were saying. It's a rare performer who can hold the attention of kindergarten through fourth grade children for and hour and both teach AND entertain them. The class that I am currently teaching came back to the room anxious to add "bonuses" and color to their drawings. They asked if we could use your videos in our class next week.
Thank you for sharing your talent with us. We look forward to your return visit NEXT year!
"
Melanie J. Dulaney
Long-term substitute and parent
Elisabet Ney Elementary School
Seattle, Washington
Wow! 400 people showed up for our Family Evening Program!
"Dear Mark,
Thank you so much for presenting your programs at our school. The children, teachers, and parents all had a fabulous time. Even those of us who "can't draw" really drew some great pictures. Our principal was so thrilled with her artwork that she laminated it! My first grader loved to draw before he saw you, but now he draws and sings, "shade, shade, shade!"
Most importantly, we used your program as the kickoff for our PTA's Parents As Reading Partners (PARP) Program. We hope that by having confidence to draw, the children will take their pictures, use them to create and write stories which will ultimately kindle a desire to read more.
The children enjoyed your daytime program so much that the attendance at our Family Evening Program surpassed our wildest expectations. Almost 400 people showed up - certainly one of our best-attended programs in a long time.
So thank you again! Enclosed are copies of some than you notes sent to our PTA from the children. Hopefully we'll see you again very soon."
Sincerely,
Judy Fishman
Co-President, Lindell Elementary School PTA
Long Beach, New York
What an absolutely wonderful way to share your talents!
"Dear Mark,
Thank you so much for a fun, entertaining and informative program. The kids and the faculty absolutely loved your presentation and were talking about it for days afterward. One parent was impressed that you found the time to come our way to demonstrate skills that, with practice, everyone too can learn to do. Even kids who didn't think they were artistic, closely followed your instructions and were elated with the results of their handiwork. Some parents, including myself, are excited to give some of your books as Easter presents.
What an absolutely wonderful way to share your talents! Your playful demeanor, light approach (vs. serious), and fun attitude about teaching, certainly held their attention and generated lots of enthusiasm and positive reactions. I'm sure we will be calling on your expertise again soon.
Again, thank you very much. Thank you, too, for making it more affordable for our school.
Best wishes to your future endeavors!
"
Dodie Lore
Program Planning Committee
Diving Child P.G. Elementary School
Miami, Florida
Thank You!!
"Dear Mark:
I would like to thank you for a most entertaining Family Evening Drawing in 3-D Program you presented a Deer Creek School. I love to draw, and by the response from the crowd, you have inspired a lot of other people to love it too! Keep up the great work.
"
Tom Grzesiak
Vice-President
Saint Francis School Board
Saint Francis, Wisconsin
Our teachers are so overwhelmingly ENTHUSED!
"They keep thanking me for scheduling Mark Kistler's assembly program. I wanted to share a few of the teachers comments - "I've been teaching for 25 years, this is the best assembly we have ever had for grades K - 6 !", "Our kids are energized!", "The kids were riveted!", "Fantastic!", "A completely enjoyable and educational experience!". "
PTA Curriculum Enrichment Chair
Deane-Porter
Forrestdale Schools
Rumson New Jersey
They could draw like they never thought possible!
"On behalf of the Gayton Elementary PTA, I would like to thank you so much for coming to our school. We all enjoyed your assemblies so much. You not only had the students laughing and singing, but also discovering that they could draw like they never thought possible. The assemblies were enjoyed equally by all the children, Kindergarteners through fifth graders! We heard nothing but praise from the students and teachers.
We look forward to seeing you at Gayton in coming years. We trust you enjoyed your stay in Richmond and got a chance to take in some historical sites."
Sincerely
Elizabeth H. Selko
Cultural Arts Chairman
Gayton Eelementary School PTA
Richmond, Virginia
"I am the librarian at Silver Lake Elementary School in Grapevine, Texas. Drawing in 3-D with Mark Kistler is the most popular book in the library! I finally got my hands on it this past summer when school shut down!"
Brenda Burmeister
Grapevine, Texas
One of your great assembly classes....
Dear Mark (Commander Mark in my memory), About 20 years ago, you came to Seabrook Elementary School for one of your great assembly classes. Thanks for that day. I got to sit in the back with the other parents and a much younger child on my knee. You reminded me that I have what it takes to be able to draw, too. In 2005, I graduated from the University of Houston, Clear Lake with my BA in Applied Design and Visual Arts (after 31 years of off and on college.) That child on my knee graduated last December with her BFA from Texas A & M, Corpus Christi. You weren't our only teacher, and many others were more influential in our very different styles. However, the permission and affirmation you gave then, and are giving now, helped me and subsequently that youngest daughter of ours down the road we now travel. Thanks.
Thanks,
Sarah Hester
La Porte, Texas