I recently took a couple of days off from designing and handcrafting timepieces in my New York City studio to teach a new generation of artists about my art form. Most seven year olds are still learning to master the reading of hour and minute hands, one lucky class at Abigail Adams School in Queens got an opportunity to make them.

It was as much a learning experience for me as it was for the children.

On the first day I gave the children a presentation on the history of clocks and how they work. I encouraged the students to bring items from home to use in the creation of their clocks. Helping me was my favorite assistant, my daughter, Virginia (age 9); also a student at Abigail Adams Elementary.

On “Clock Day” the students were divided into four groups. They quickly set to work designing and constructing four unique timepieces. The materials included shoeboxes, broken toys, as well as recycled cans and plastic containers. The children designed and painted their own clock faces and hands; paper was cut and pasted into collage designs. A part of the day was reserved for the students to ask me questions. Among the most probing questions was, “Do you love time?”

I received a handcrafted thank you card from each student. The creativity that went into the design of the cards was every bit as wonderful as the clocks themselves.

The reviews are in, and Clock Day was a hit!

Dear “Ewardo”,
You are a really nice friend. When I was little I thought junk was only “junck”. But when you came junk wasn’t junk it was like “tresure” I just want to say that thank you for helping us and being a good friend.

Your friend,
Shaban

Dear Eduardo I had a really fun time! Thanks to you our clock came out very nice. Now I am sort of interested in clocks, and this is something I’ll never forget!
From Rushdah

“Dear, Edaurdo”
We want to thank you for visiting and making these clocks. You are very honest to come with your child, Virginia. You have very nice creations and other things. How were you inspired in clocks? What else did you make unusual? I to learn more about you. We and my teacher, Mrs. Pollack decided to make a card for you because we liked the things we made and we had so much fun with you. We appreciate your kindness and honesty. We learned things you “leaned” when you were the age like us. Well before I stop talking. I want to ask you one more question, Did you teach Virginia how to do this too? I love chatting but U want to go, so I made you a card for the nice kindness you made. Thank You very much and say good-bye or should I say, It’s time to go, get it? Bye.

Your Friend,
Ridwan

This is only the beginning. It was such a rewarding experience; I plan to make this an ongoing program. As I watched the children constructing their clocks, I was reminded of my own elementary efforts at designing and building watches as a child. I want other children to have this opportunity as well.

Please feel free to contact the studio and inquire about having your own Clock day at your child’s school.