Letters from Imagination Station Viewers

What happens to a kid who watches Imagination Station

Dear Mark,
When my son, Erik, was in fourth grade he watched your show everyday. I taped it for him on VHS! Now he is a senior and will be going to MICA(Maryland Institute College of Art ) in the fall with almost a full scholarship. We still have his 3D drawings on display in our home. He did a really neat drawing of all the character you taught on your show.

Erik learned a lot from you. We were so glad to have found you on West Virginia Public TV.

Thanks for all the great art and your great enthusiasm.

Your web sight is great too. Erik plans to study digital imagery. He would have loved your web sight. Thigs sure have changed (for the better). I'm glad we had VHS tapes so I could tape your show.

Sincerely,
Nancy DeVault, West Virginia USA

Dear Mark,
I've always loved to draw and loved to learn new ways to draw. I love all the arts in fact. I was took a summer theatre class when I was 15 years old and my dad would pick me up everyday. My dad discovered "The Imagination Station" on TV after class one day and called me away from my video games. I thought the show was going to be really silly. And it was, but in a fun way. So the next day after class my dad and I sat down and drew along with you and for about an hour or so after the show too. And that became the routine for the summer. Summer Theatre class, followed by an art class with my dad in our own living room. It was a great art filled summer and had many wonder memories with my dad. My dad continued to watch the show while I was at school and showed me what you taught him. My dad died of a heart attack that winter. I still miss him almost 10 years later, but I had an oppertunity to spend some quality time with him, learning together durring your show. I just wanted to say thanks, and keep up the good work bringing entertainment, education, and fullfillment to people of all ages.

Thank you,
David Goecke, Waukesha WI

Dear Mr. Kistler,
It has been several years since I've seen your PBS program but happened to come across it yesterday and am pleased to see that you are still inspiring young artists.

My son showed an interest in drawing from an early age but since neither my husband or I had any artistic ability we couldn't guide him. At the time we lived in Alaska and had no access to any type of lessons. Then we found your program and his drawing ability took off. At the time he was in 4th grade and he spent months working on his space city.

My son is now 27 years old and a graphic designer. Along the way we moved to several different states and once he got into junior high and high school he was able to take art classes from wonderful instructors and he attended Carnegie Mellon University graduating with a degree in graphic arts.

But I can still see him coming home from school and turning on your program and getting ready to "draw, draw, draw".

Thank you for giving all those budding artists inspiration.

Sincerely,
Debra Hudak

Dear Mr. Kistler,
Salutations. My name is Stewart and I'm a 16-year-old high school student in Philadelphia PA. I do graphic, web, and application design for a small software company in Philadelphia. I also use 3D design tools like Caligari TrueSpace 4. My goal is to become a great 2 and 3 dimensional artist with the computer and traditional drawing tools.

I started drawing ....well...I don't know when. Long time ago. But I changed styles frequently and stopped drawing althogether a few years ago. I decided to jump back into it a few weeks ago. Well, this morning, I had the priviledge to catch your show (9am Eastern time on WYBE 35...no school today). I must say that I loved it very much! I have a very nice-looking gorilla and some funny-looking furry creatures in my sketch book now =).

I just cruised over to your website and got your e-mail address and I couldn't wait to write to tell you how much I enjoyed the show. Now I'm going to go check out the website and maybe order that drawing kit and video.

I'm glad that a show such as yours exists and I look forward to watching it in the future.

Forever drawing,
Stewart C.

Hi Mark!
I am seventeen years old, and I used to watch the Imagination Station every day when I was younger. Even when I was in school, I'd set a tape and record your show so that I could still have my daily drawing lesson with you. Now I am getting ready to head off to college and I plan an majoring in Animation and Graphic Design becuase of YOU, Mark. If it wasn't for you, I don't know what type of career I'd be getting myself into, but I know that I probably wouldn't enjoy it as much as I will enjoy a career in the field that I love most; cartooning and Animation. Thank you for being such an inspiration and helping me realize just how much potential I have. I will never forget you!

Your student for life,
Kim in Southern NH

Hi Mark!
Seven years ago in 1995 I began watching your show Imagination Station. I drew with you everyday after school in the Bronx, NY. When I heard the theme song I would get filled with jubilation. Then one day the show wasn't on Television and then I heard the channel canceled the program. I cried everyday after school for a month. I then realized that I should "make a virtue of necessity" as Shakespeare would say and instead of copying you, use what you taught me to create my own drawings. I did that and people loved my drawings just as much as when I drew yours.

I am now 15 years old and since I can't see your show I buy your books and will take them with me when I start boarding school. My dream is still the same as when I was 8 which is to meet you and be on your show. Until then thank you for giving me the inspiration to draw and use my imagination. I don't know if you feel like you are in another world when you draw but I do. When I feel like the world is not my favorite place I just draw until I get tired.

God bless you!!!!!!
Madeline in Massachusetts

Hi Mark!
Love your site! I bought your book "learn to draw in 3d with Mark Kistler" It's fabulous! I caught your show the other day and I wanted to send a drawing but I didn't get the adress so I came to the site. It's also fabulous! You might be geting a drawing soon & I hope it gets on the show!!!!!

And your work is wonderful it's inspiring! Keep going!
Ema from Montreal

I want to thank you for inspiring my 10 year old son to draw. He's building his confidence since discovering you. You're the coolest !

Ray Jaques, Australia

Hi Mark,
My son told me about your website....which is great....I teach primary teachers so I'll be passing it on to my class on Monday....You are a very talented person....great stuff.

Steven's Mom on the island of Maui

I am six years old and I watch your program every day. I am just beginning to read and write so my papa is doing the typing. I like your art work. Thank You.

Gennady in Vaudreuil, Quebec, Canada

I have been watching the tv show for the past year and still enjoying it. I just wanted to say (or write) that this is a very fine web-site, that us kids can learn a lot from. Thank-you for teaching kids all over the world how to have fun with only a sheet of paper and a pencil.

Shira in Israel

Hey Mark,
My name is Mondy Dorsainvil, I have a three year old daughter who is now in love with pencil and paper. It's been a month now, since she started watching your TV Program. She is becoming quit a little artist. I am fascinating to watch her develop and see the joy in her eyes when she is making her little drawing. I will send you a pictures next time ton some of her work.

I know you are very busy, I just want to take the time to say thank you for your inspiration. Keep up the good work and may God continue to bless you and your efforts. You know you make me wonder, if maybe one day we can have a 24 hours drawing channel. What a miracle that could be. Hen!

Thank you for inspiring my daughter.

Mondy

Your tv shows are great. I love all of them, and all your drawing's are great. If i would have to miss one episode i will die .

Mohd S. (I am from Singapore)

I watch your show on KCNT out of Kileen Tx, because it is not on KLRU in Austin, Tx. I just want to say that I've enjoyed your show for many years now. My children are grown and I still enjoy watching the program. Today I did sit down and followed you along in your wonderful and humorous directions. You can be a mature adult to enjoy your show too. You make my week. One question: Do you ever draw dogs or cats? Thank you so much.

Renee Hopper
Dripping Springs, Texas

I WISH I'LL DRAW LIKE YOU. SHALOM FROM ISRAEL!

MAYA from ISRAEL

Hi Mark! I am a new artist, and I love to draw. It is my favorite thing to do. I like your show because you draw great pictures and I can draw them with you! I love watching your show! You're my favorite artist!

Lauren H., Age 6, Windsro, CA

Hi Mark Kistler

I love your show...it is great. I love to draw all the drawings. This is my first time on the web site writing to you. Because I never knew you were on the computer. I just have to say you get all thumbs up because you're great. Now I can watch your show everyday because no school. It is so fun to sit and draw. When you're bored you can just pick up a pencil and paper and draw. I love your art work. Also you will be seeing my mail and E-mail. But I got to get your address on TV I have to write fast so I can get the address. Your art is cool and you sould keep it up. Mark Kistler is cool and one day I will be just like you. You have brought my drawing skills up. Thanks and rememder my name. t's Junita and I'm 12 and a great artist.

Junita D. from Wisconsin