Kids

Paint & Draw By Ira Iosebashvili

Issue 10 October 7 - November 4, 2004

	Artist at Work: Painting

At IzoPark, kids as young as 4 years old are tutored in drawing and sculpting by a staff of artists, all longtime professionals and members of the Artist’s Union. Here your child will get to experiment with a variety of media, from crayons to more complicated tools such as coal, watercolor and acrylic paint. Instructors are on hand to offer advice and encouragement, though at the foundation of a child’s artistic career, the latter may actually prove more useful.

“Our instructors work in a variety of styles, but we don’t try to stamp a style on children, especially the younger ones,” said Emma Primova, an IzoPark instructor. “In the beginning, it’s important to let a child develop at his own pace and approach art in his own way.”

Upon entering, visitors will find little to distinguish IzoPark’s two-floor contemporary interior from any other art gallery: Paintings large and small are everywhere; sculptures of every description are under glass; colorful kites decorate the ceiling. Off to the side are several classrooms, where children are split up according to age and get to experiment in a variety of mediums, from crayons and pencils to watercolors and acrylic paints. No more than 12 students are allowed in a single class.

IzoPark’s artists have had their work exhibited in galleries all over Moscow, including the Tsereteli Gallery, as well as in museums in the United States, Japan, and France. A new exhibit at the Belyayevo Gallery is scheduled to open on Oct. 15.

Tuition is 1,000 rubles for eight 90-minute lessons (two a week) and includes materials.