"Take risks, learn by doing, look at art in person, and find friends that like to make art too."

CMA's end-of-year artwork sale raises essential funds for free arts education in NYC schools whose arts programs have been decimated by recent budget cuts.

These works – starting at $100 – have been generously donated by celebrated artists who uphold our belief that all children are artists deserving of the materials, access, and encouragement to allow their creativity to soar. 

Below, meet contributing artist Jessica Dickinson.

Credit: Celeste Sloman for The New York Times

Do you have a favorite memory of making art as a child?

Learning to oil paint in my bedroom, around age 10

What advice would you give to young artists who wish to pursue an art practice?

Do it all the time, take risks, learn by doing, look at art in person, and find friends that like to make art too. 

How does working with children inspire you?

I used to teach elementary school art, and I like how each child has their own unique touch with materials and different way of seeing the world.  

When did you first know you were going to be an artist?

I knew pretty young, as long as I can remember, by age 6. 

 Can you describe a formative experience visiting a museum or gallery?

I was lucky to go to the Prado Museum in Madrid when I was 13, and seeing Goya’s paintings in person made a very strong impression of how powerful painting can be. 

Jessica Dickinson 

with: now 1 (a wholeness / that once was / a place / that used / to be complete / cannot / fit there / anymore / it’s gone / behind / yet fragments / remain) 

colored pencil on paper with linen tape

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