A retired art teacher from New Jersey decided to dig out her art supplies and get back to work to help kids studying at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cynthia Caldwell taught art in East Orange and Newark schools for 30 years. She said that she wanted to give back to the community while everyone is dealing with the crisis.

“My oldest daughter suggested that I do it on Facebook Live, and I said, ‘No way, no way I’m going to do that.’ But I did, because I wanted to be able to reach the masses,” she says.

Caldwell’s classes are for anyone of any art skill – including novices.

“If it could bring some light in a dark situation, that’s what I wanted to do,” Caldwell says. “If I could help somebody while we’re going through this, help the children, give the parents a break.”

Caldwell continues to exhibit her artwork. She says that she still gets joy from seeing her students discover the pleasure of art.

“People use the gifts they didn’t know they had. I mean, it’s like blossoming,” Caldwell says.

The classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Caldwell’s Facebook page.