Local young artists showcase

By John Watson Local Journalism initiative Reporter

After having their shows rescheduled twice due to forced library closures, two young local artists finally have a collection of their work on display at the Strathmore Municipal Library.

Abbie (10) and Sophia (8) Schwabe have, over the last two years, been enjoying an introduction into acrylic paint pours while steadily learning new techniques and improving their new craft. 

“I just find it really comfortable because you can just go wild with it and you don’t have to think about any boundaries or anything. You just have fun,” said Abbie Schwabe.

The girls said they were introduced to acrylic pouring by their grandmother and have continued to experiment with their paintings since then.

Creating art by using the acrylic paint pour technique can get messy so the family set up a small station in their basement for the girls to practice, create art and experiment in.

Carmen Erison, assistant director of library services, said it’s been a significant amount of time since the library has showcased young artists and was excited for the display to finally be set up.

“We always want to encourage young artists and finally, after probably about a year and a half of waiting, we finally have Abbie and Sophia exhibiting and selling their work inside the library,” said Erison.

“We’ve only exhibited one other young artist … probably about eight years ago. It’s been quite a long time. These are the first young artists that we’ve had exhibited in our new professional galleries since the library was renovated.”

Abbie and Sophia said it’s not their first time putting their work on display, but nevertheless they were “over the moon” to see the display put up for people to enjoy.

“We used to go to Westmount (Charter School) and we displayed some of our art there too and a lot of people just enjoyed seeing it,” said Abbie Schwabe.

“They loved looking at it and imagining what it could look like. It’s so amazing because I never would have thought of it that way.”

All of the more than 40 pieces on display through the month of November are for sale. Prices on the artworks range anywhere from $5 to $50. The Schwabe girls said they intend to use the income to fund the purchase of more art supplies.

Erison added for any future artists interested in displaying and selling their art through the library, the team asks for a 20 per cent commission to help support the facility. 

Abbie and Sophia found some immediate success with their display, as some of their art sold on the first day it was available to view and sales have thus far continued steadily. 

“As an artist myself, I see great potential in their work and I just can’t wait to see what they keep creating, I can’t wait to see how they’ll expand their art as they grow,” said Erison.

“I want people to realize that the art gallery in the library is not necessarily just for professional artists. We welcome everyone – amateur artists, photographers, just anything.”

Abbie and Sophia’s display will be available to view at the library until the end of November.