CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Sunshine streams through the window of The Bookworm in Charlottetown, creating a relaxing atmosphere for young people who are working on their paintings.
Overseeing her Wednesday afternoon art class, Jo Jo Zhu is enthusiastic.
“I am very proud of my students and I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to teach and encourage them to chase their dreams,” says the Charlottetown art teacher, pointing out the young people around the room.
In one corner, April Deng is painting Sunset at Basin Head, mixing oils together on a palette to get the right shade of blue for the water.
She was inspired to create the painting after seeing a photo on the Internet.
“I’ve never been there before but, I thought it was very beautiful,” says the 14-year-old, who is looking forward to jumping into the water at the provincial park this summer.
On her break, she shows completed works – including New York’s Central Park and Nova Scotia’s Peggy’s Cove – inspired by her travels during summer vacation.
“Painting makes me feel relaxed. It’s one of my favourite things to do,” says the Queen Charlotte Intermediate student who, after picking up her first paintbrush when she was five, wants to become an artist/designer after high school.
“That’s why I’m working really hard.”
Artwork needed
- Picture of the Day is a regular feature in the Guardian’s C section. It showcases the art of young people from across P.E.I.
- Graphic artist Jo Ann Crawford coordinates the project, for the Guardian, contacting schools and Facebook pages for submissions.
- When art teacher Jo Jo Zhu sent her some of her students’ artworks, Crawford was “blown away by the talent.” And, since then she has been happy to share her students’ talents with Guardian readers.
- Crawford encourages other teachers or parents to submit drawings. They can drop the pictures off in person, at The Guardian office, 165 Prince St., marked picture of the day or send them, by email to [email protected].
In another corner, Ted Zhang is painting a rabbit sitting on a cliff.
“I like the bunny. He’s really cute. To make my painting different, I’m doing a back view,” says the eight-year-old, creating an orange background before adding a furry centrepiece.
Jenny Wang has come up with her own take on the rabbit theme by painting Easter Bunny in the Moonlight.
“It’s fun,” says the Stratford resident.
On a wall nearby, April Li is busy working on Starry Night, a large mural inspired by Vincent Van Gough’s 1889 painting. She’s using oils and, to make it distinct, she’s adding extra elements – a little village as well as pine trees and some far-reaching mountains.
“As I was painting Starry Night, I imagined myself sitting on the grass, watching moon and the stars and the floating clouds,” says April, pointing out a mountain, which is shaped like an eagle and for good reason.
“I want to be like an eagle and soar through the sky,” says the Grade 9 student from Queen Charlotte Intermediate School, who has worked on the piece for three months.
In another room, Jake Zhang’s enthusiastic brush strokes have created Man on a Sofa. It’s inspired by a work by another artist that he saw in a book. Jake also shows a fox that he recently completed.
“I come to art classes because my teacher is very special. Her classes are very interesting,” says the 11-year-old who attends West Royalty Elementary School.
He’s one of the 12 students who attend Zhu’s art classes each week. A graduate of Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, Zhu moved to P.E.I. four years ago.
“I am a designer. I had my own studio in China. So, when I came here I wanted to help kids like April learn about art. I want to see them realize their potential.”
