NFA Students Launch Artistic "Clip of Positivity" Project

Students at NFA Main Campus may begin to notice a sudden splash of color on their backpack or a hidden message of encouragement on their sweatshirt while walking through the halls, as a movement of artistic kindness is taking over the school.

Inspired by a popular tradition in the student-athlete community—specifically within volleyball, track, and softball—NFA art classes taught by Mr. James Reyes has transformed a simple idea into a massive school-wide art installation. The concept is simple: students create decorated clothespins featuring original artwork and uplifting messages, then secretly clip them onto someone’s bag for them to discover later as a small, meaningful surprise.

What started as a classroom activity is hopeful to explode into a creative phenomenon. To date, student artists have handcrafted over 400 unique clothespins, each serving as a tiny, portable canvas.

The project has gained so much momentum that other art teachers are now joining the cause. With official administrative approval, the "clipping" has moved from the classrooms into the main hallways, turning the entire school into a scavenger hunt for positivity.

The most inspiring part of the project? The artwork doesn't stay in one place. By "paying it forward," students are ensuring that a single moment of creativity can touch dozens of people. It’s a powerful reminder that in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, we support one another—one kind clip at a time.

Story information and photos provided by Mr. James Reyes. 

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!