Our lobbies and hallways are brimming with inspiration every day.  When you visit Scholastic headquarters you are surrounded by brilliant pieces of art made by artists you don’t know – yet – because every piece was created by a creative teenager that has won a Scholastic Art & Writing Award.  All of these students are destined for interesting and creative futures and some are sure to become household names.  In fact, many Award alumni have.

In anticipation of the 90th Anniversary of the Awards, the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, which runs the program, has offered visitors to our building a sneak peek at a few inspiring items from their archives.  We wanted to share with you too!

In 1997, the Alliance asked a selection of preeminent alumni and past jurors to share their advice with creative teens. More than 30 responded, with a now almost-archaic artifact: a typed or handwritten letter! They are currently on display in our lobby but right here on OOM you can read the inspiring missives from 8 of these luminaries including Actor Alec Baldwin, Poet Nikki Giovanni, Novelist John Gregory Dunne, Playwright Arthur Miller, Artist John Baldessari, Author Edwidge Danticat, Humorist Art Buchwald and Photographer Richard Avedon.

We hope these inspire you too.  Which is your favorite?