Lesley Cobus hopes to have 30 young artists in focus during the Monterey Recreaiton Centre’s Artisan Show and Sale.
They started introducing the emerging teen artists last year. Among the first registrants was Rachel Kinahan. The Grade 11 student embarked on her skilled lifelong hobby as an elementary student.
“It’s fun to draw when you’re bored in class,” the Oak Bay High student says with a grin. “My Grade 2 teacher was so on board.”
With parents who encouraged trying new things, art stuck despite being both pleasant and frustrating. She’s not patient enough for paint, so prefers pen and ink or pencils and is only frustrated when somethings a little off, but there are always others to help.
Rachel doesn’t take art in school, using all her blocks at Oak Bay High for academic subjects, but has studied with Pat Walker about five years now. It’s there that she gets that outside perspective from the instructor and her peers.
“She’s really good at giving direction,” Rachel says. Direction is something the young artist requires, inspiration is hard to define for her. She mostly approaches artwork with a “why not?” attitude.
Her prints on display will include some early inspirations, such as a blue jay in the snow – something she calls a massive upgrade of a Grade 5 jay – and a pointillism duck.
“That was a test of my patience for sure, but it was fun,” Rachel says.
The young artist is among the variety of artisans who will be on hand for Monterey Recreation Centre’s Artisan Show and Sale is Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
featuring a variety of hand-made items with a spectrum of price points.
“The Oak Bay Rotary Youth Interact Club is also participating in the Artisan Show and Sale,” Cobus said. “They have a Christmas Market with our show where the Interact Teens sell new and nearly new items.”
Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Table rentals for teen artisans are $30 (others $45). For more information call 250-370-7300 or visit Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Ave.
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