I like it when you're here

James has so many communities that I felt it was important to mention that a large part of his life was shared with his painting students at the 92nd Street Y.  James was very involved with his students on a number of levels--not only as a teacher providing them with painting skills and sharing his theories about color--but as an empathetic compatriot reaching out to understand each student as a unique, complex individual. James strove to discover what each student hoped to achieve through the act of creation.  He has kept in contact with students that move beyond his classroom to work on their own or away from the city entirely.

James often told me humorous stories about the various personalities in the classroom--the little triumphs and occasional dust-ups that occur in any teaching environment. I truly believe that James has loved each and every student that has entered his classroom.  He brought Imogen with him to class on a few occasions and she felt at home painting among his students.  I have a tendency to avoid regret in my life but I admit, the one thing I do regret is that I did not attend one of James's painting classes.  I have dropped by once or twice but never joined in as Imogen had done--actually taken a class with James. He really wanted me to play hooky from work one Tuesday or Thursday so that I would enter the James Sheehan experience. 

One of his students, Cheryl Bodian, sent me these photos which really made me so happy to see.