"The idea that a child can work on something that creates an entire universe with available materials and time is amazing to me."

Artist Ian McDonald on the willingness to experiment and try again.

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Great artists make artists. And to prove that point, over 70 of today's greatest have contributed their work in support of Children's Museum of the Arts' Emergency Arts Education Fund, establishing utterly ambitious art programs in New York City schools that need them most.

Bidding for the online auction concludes Thursday, October 19 at 12 PM EDT. Bid now. Bid often. Bid here.

Below, meet auction artist Ian McDonald.

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

I realize now that art was something I wanted to do on my own. It was something that I chose to do in my free time. I think this impulse is still with me today. I look forward to getting to the studio each day.

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

The best thing is to try and try again. Sometimes the best ideas and best artwork happens on the first try. Sometimes it happens on the 100th try, and sometimes on the 100th try you realize the 48th version was really good! The best way to find out is to try and try again.

How does working with children inspire you?

The willingness to experiment. The idea that a child can work on something that creates an entire universe with available materials and time is amazing to me.