By Arts Editor Doreen Jung. Young aspiring artists have hung their works of art on the walls of the Kariton Art Gallery.
Pictured at right: Painting by Owen Andrews, inspired by Claude Monet
When I attended the opening reception of “The Best Most Fun Kids Art Show EVER!” I saw the dreaminess of Monet, the bright splatters of Pollock, and many more paintings inspired by the Great Masters. The students all attend 4Cats Arts Studio where children ages 2-15 can have fun with art and learn some art history.
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Pictured at left: Painting by Hannah McCallister, Inspired by Tamara de Lempicka
4Cats Arts Studio has been open in Abbotsford for three years. Alyssa Andrews recently took over ownership of the studio and is very excited to see the amazing work that the students have completed for the show. Trained in Early Childhood Education, Andrews is an artist herself. Monet is her favourite artist and she loves working with acrylics where she can blend colours and be as expressive as she wants.
“It’s so inspiring seeing the kids so proud of themselves,” said Andrews. “Shy kids totally come out of their shell. Their art gives them confidence so they’re bolder and are willing to try new things.”
She enjoys seeing her students become more daring in their art and taking ownership of what they do.
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Pictured here is Acrylic On Canvas By Rachel Fritzke
Rachel Fritzke is a student at 4Cats. She is also the 2013 Arty Award Winner for Outstanding Artist in Elementary School. At age seven, she loves to paint and has been inspired by several of the Art Masters. She also enjoys painting in her own style and has a lot of fun with her art. Her “Owl” is an acrylic on canvas that she painted in one evening during a photo shoot at the 4Cats Studio.
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Pictured at left is a painting by Caleigh Kask and inspired by Jackson Pollock.
Jessica Laibahas teaches at the Studio and has always had a passion for art. Graduating from the University of the Fraser Valley with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, she now enjoys sharing that passion with young artists. “To have the privilege to inspire and pass on my knowledge to the creative kids out there is just amazing,” comments Laibahas. “Plus, I love getting my hands messy!”
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The name 4Cats is inspired by the 4Cats Cafe in Barcelona, Spain, where Pablo Picasso went with artist, poet, and philosopher friends to discuss art and life. It is also where he would make and show his art. At 4Cats, kids take inspiration from the great masters of art and create their own art.
The painting at right is by Isabella Unger who was inspired by Frida Kahlo
The Best Most Fun Kids Art Show EVER!
Presented by 4Cats Arts Studio
Kariton Art Gallery
2387 Ware Street Abbotsford
Jan. 13-Feb. 4, 2014
