Date: Fri 11-Aug-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Illustration: C

Quick Words:

Beaux

Full Text:

Young Artists Are Coming Of Age At Beaux Arts

(with photos)

By Shannon Hicks

SOUTHBURY - Sarah Schultz would like to be an artist when she grows up.

The 12-year old already has a good idea of what to expect if she decides to

become a full-time artist, having already gone through the creative process

and showing process a few times.

Sarah, along with her sister, Leah, 11, has been a student of Julie

Webster-Cavanaugh for three years. They have attended Cavanaugh's Young Artist

Workshop and have been involved with the annual show the workshop presents at

Beaux Arts Gallery in Southbury each year they have been in class. On August

13, the fifth annual Young Artist Workshop show - wntitled "Coming of Age" -

will open at the Main Street South gallery.

Sarah and Leah Schultz have been in the show before, and each have a number of

works going into this year's show. Their mother, Deborah, says the girls began

showing interest in their hobbies young in life; their first was piano

performance, which Deborah also dabbles in herself

"They would just sit down at the piano and begin to play," Deborah said last

weekend. Her daughters were bringing works into the gallery in preparation for

next weekend's opening. "They showed the first interest, so then [my husband

and I] enrolled them for lessons.

"The same holds true for the art," she continued. "We were just awed - when

they were very young... I have things from kindergarten, and nursery school

even, and these were very beautiful things they drew.

"Of course as parents we're very biased," she admitted with a laugh. Parental

prejudice aside, however, the works created by the girls are impressive. "It

just seemed that they had a natural ability towards it, so we started them

with lessons.

"And they continue to awe us."

Beaux Arts Gallery owners Peter and Shelly Miller have sponsored and hosted

the Young Artists' Workshop for five years because the owners, along with

gallery director Michael Coleman, enjoy providing the much-needed support and

encouragement children need in the arts.

"Julie always has a lot of great work for the show," Mr Coleman said. He has

been involved with the show for the past two years, having joined the gallery

as director in 1993.

Julie Webster Cavanaugh, a certified art teacher and artist, founded the Young

Artist Workshop in 1991. Students range from seven to 18 years of age, with an

enrollment of 10-15 students at a time. Classes continue throughout the year

in eight-week sessions, and summer sessions offer intensive one-week, half-day

sessions.

Beginning artists start with the basics of drawing through observation. As

they develop, teacher and student work on more advanced skills, with Julie

encouraging individual creativity.

Sarah and Leah Schultz enjoy the workshop classes because they have learned

how to use a number of mediums, rather than one particular style. They enjoy

using acrylics more than oils and watercolors, both of which the two have

experimented with. Watercolor is probably the toughest medium to master.

"You can't erase it," Leah confided.

"One thing that I particularly like about the way [Julie Cavanaugh] teaches is

she gives them a lot of different mediums," Deborah Schultz said. "They do

some pencil sketches, and she's had them go from painting other peoples' works

and now moving them to still lifes. Then they will be creating on their own.

"She really moves them along, introducing them to all the different styles."

In addition to teaching so many styles, parents have also commented on the

comfort factor of the workshops, which are always limited to a set number of

students.

Matthew Mucciacciaro, a 9-year old from Watertown, was very shy about talking

about his works, but his mother says he enjoys the classes.

"She always makes the children feel very comfortable," said Matt's mom, Susan.

Matthew has a seascape in the show. He also has "Teapot in the Clouds," a very

imaginative piece for such a young artist. This is his first year in the show.

"Coming of Age" opens Sunday, August 13, with a reception at Beaux Arts

Gallery, 348 Main Street South in Southbury, from 1 to 4 pm. The public is

invited to the reception; many of the artists will be in attendance. The

exhibit remains on view through August 19. Gallery hours are Monday through

Friday, 10 am to 5:30 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 4:30 pm.