A few letters of appreciation from my portfolio students:


“I had a wonderful learning experience with Kyle. She has been my Professor for both Color Theory and Pastel Drawing. Her expertise in the field and ability to express that knowledge has been extremely informative. Her enthusiasm and her great personality made me look forward to seeing her. Kyle has always made meetings convenient for me and made the lessons work appropriately for my career as a teacher at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is a great Instructor and needs to be acknowledged for her work at Empire State College.”



“Thank you so much for all your instruction, dedication, and care. I don’t know how else I would’ve unlocked my passion for painting without your help. Seeing how you help guide other students on completely different paths lends me to believe that you are the sorting hat of the art world. I can’t wait to return and tell you all about my time at RISD. I will continue to recommend to you people in search of lessons and can only hope they will benefit as much as I did.”



“Kyle is a hidden gem among art instructors, someone who pushes her students beyond their capacities. She is the first teacher that guided me towards original artistic expression”.

Kyle showed me how to work like a professional. Unlike most teachers, she doesn’t give assignments, but allows her students to come up with their own ideas. Before I created any painting in her class, I would first present my thumbnails and references. Kyle would correct things that do not work, making a scribble here and there in an effort to make the drawing personify my concept. In the midst of presentations such as these, she would pop grand questions such as: what do you intend to do with your talent, or what is your purpose? Kyle forces you to use parts of your brain that almost never get used at such a young age. Even at age eleven, I was beginning to understand the fact that art is not about making pretty pictures, but is a continuous battle to express oneself. She helped me discover who I was through the journey of painting.

My relationship which Kyle did not end after my student years at the Usdan center came to a close. She helped me assemble a scholarship portfolio for college, and I converse with her frequently over the phone and at the Usdan Cener where I currently work as an assistant teacher. I like to call her my second mother. Our relationship may seem unique, but Kyle goes to great depths to accommodate many of her students. She is a genuine person who exemplifies the true gold standard in education.”


“It was William Arthur Ward who said, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The great teacher demonstrates. The superior teacher inspires.” Professor Kyle Blumenthal inspires and I am grateful to SUNY-Empire State College for hiring people of such integrity, who provide such inspiration.”


“I just want to make sure you know how much I appreciate your guidance and support. You give me such great confidence and faith in myself. You really have done so much for me Kyle, and I’m not even a student anymore! Then again, maybe since you’ll always be teaching me and sharing me things I’ll always be a student-kind of. Working outside of A6 made me realize what a rare and beautiful person you are. Kyle, and what better role model to have than you? Again, thank you for everything-though it may seem small and at times, just a pat on the back, means the world.”


“I did not sleep last night and I keep thinking about everything you taught me yesterday.

I learned more in eleven hours than I have in many, many, many, of my prior courses.

After I come home from California, I will write you with more detail regarding things I am thinking about and want to accomplish.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

P.S. As if you didn’t already know, there is something very special about you. Happy New Year to you and your family!”


“I wanted to come to see you and tell you everything instead of just emailing you. I went to the museum Friday because I thought you might be there but you weren’t. I got into all of my schools that I applied to and most of them with scholarships. I got into Drexel, Moore, Fordham, Hofstra, Pratt, Parsons, FIT, Marist, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Stony Brook, and one other school I can’t even think of the name right now. I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done for me and all the extra time you have spent with me! I’m still not sure where I am going but I have to decide soon and I will defiantly let you know what I do. I still want to come in to the class and say hi to everyone also.”


“I’m doing really well I started class Monday actually! I ended up at FIT! I love it so far but it’s a lot of work.”


“I have some exciting news, despite getting rejected from RISD, I did get accepted at Parsons the New School for design with a full scholarship. I had a couple of interviews and showed my portfolio and they loved it. I can’t believe that I will be going there this fall.”