A Gift of Creativity: How One Act of Generosity Opened New Doors for Hillside Students

When students in Mrs. Jacobson’s art class at Hillside Elementary received a mysterious copper shape from a faraway artist in Georgia, the room buzzed with curiosity. The abstract, unexplained shapes sparked their imaginations; students saw everything from eagles to trees to witches, and angels. Little did they know that this small gift would create lasting opportunities: to make art, to reflect, and to understand generosity in a powerful way.

The artist, Dennis Diamond, has lived a life steeped in creativity. Growing up in a family of artists, he learned early never to miss an opportunity, a motto he lives by. Whenever Dennis hands out his handcrafted Art Ornaments, he delights in seeing recipients’ faces light up. “Their face lights up when I give it to them, even the adults,” Dennis shares. For him, giving is more than generosity; it’s an invitation to enjoy the joys of art as he always has.

It all began in an unexpected place: on a salmon fishing trip in Gold Beach. Mrs. Jacobson’s husband, a fishing guide, took Dennis on the river, and their conversation drifted to Dennis’s work as a copper artist. As Dennis described his unique sculptures and artist collaborations, Mrs. Jacobson’s art class at Hillside entered the conversation, and instantly, Dennis saw another opportunity and didn't hesitate to go for it.

Back in his Atlanta studio, Dennis spent years handcrafting hundreds of copper Art Ornaments, each uniquely made and carefully packed. He even created a brief video for the students, showing how he forms the ornaments in his studio, highlighting metalwork and creative partnership. Dennis hoped his ornaments would be an opportunity for creativity and encouragement for young artists.

That unplanned moment on a fishing boat led to a remarkable donation, 475 Art Ornaments for Hillside Elementary’s students, each given to be designed, decorated, and eventually passed on to someone significant.

“I wondered, why would he spend all that time and money for us?” one student asked, echoing classmates’ surprise. Their astonishment soon became gratitude when they learned Dennis had crafted the ornaments himself for Hillside.

Rather than immediately explaining the ornaments’ meaning, Mrs. Jacobson encouraged students to imagine first. They examined, twisted, and interpreted the shapes in countless ways. One said, “I thought it was an eagle at first, but then I saw an angel.” Another shared, “I think it’s abstract, so I wanted to make something abstract, too.” Some even paired the shapes to discover they make hearts.

This freedom sparked a surge of creativity. “My brain started turning with all sorts of ideas,” one student said. “

As students understood the generosity behind the gift, the discussion deepened. The Art Ornaments reminded them of selfless kindness, even from strangers.

“He reminded me of how generous people are,” shared a thoughtful student. “People don’t have to be in your life, but they choose to be. That’s generous.”

Other students reflected on the generosity in their lives, grandparents, neighbors, and family. “It made me thankful,” one said. “It helped me see what people do for me.”

The gratitude soon shifted to action. Students planned to share their Art Ornaments: one hoped to give theirs to someone experiencing homelessness, another to a brother rebuilding his life, and others to honor loved ones, grandparents, a beloved pet, or supportive relatives. “I saw mine as a symbol of the good things in my life, and I want my parents to have that,” one explained.

Each story highlighted a truth: one generous act inspired creativity, connection, empathy, and opportunity.

Mrs. Jacobson’s class didn’t just make art; they discovered the impact of art. It inspires, it comforts, and it challenges us to see differently.  Above all, it encourages us to be generous.

The classroom felt inspired and encouraged by the end of the experience. What began as a simple copper shape became a powerful symbol of creativity sparked by giving.

Mrs. Jacobson closed the lesson with a valuable reminder: “It doesn’t cost anything to be kind.”

Hillside’s young artists embodied that lesson, just as Dennis always has: never miss an opportunity.