If Picasso spent his whole life trying to paint like a child, more than three dozen young artists have a good start on the master. 

The Jasper Habitat for the Arts was alive with the visual creations of the students of Mme Vanessa Martin’s after school art programs on April 9. 

The exposition featured a wide variety of mediums, a kaleidoscopic array of colours and a variance of tones and artistic expressions that was surprising for its maturity—particularly since most of the artists are still in elementary school.  

Artwork included self-portraits, sculptures, watercolours, acrylics and fabric. Martin curated the expo, a task she has delighted in since she started the classes nine years ago.

Jasper Habitat’s Marianne Garrah said Mme Vanessa takes arts education to another level.

“These youth don’t just learn how to make a piece of pottery or how to paint a picture. The youth learn about the medium and its history and then they confidently pick up the tools.”

Martin has shown her deft touch in bringing out students’ confidence—and their creativity. She approaches each class as an experiment, she said, careful to keep the artistic challenges manageable.

“I think that manual work intrinsically involves you in the present,” she has said. “Even if you escape through your imagination you have to be connected to yourself.”

Parents of the art students have seen their children’s love for fine art blossom. 

“Vanessa’s class is creating a subculture of young Jasper artists that we will undoubtedly see doing something special with their talents in the future,” one mom said.

For nine years, Vanessa has built an art program around youth (and parents) who are interested in more than just an after-school activity.

“These [students] are the future of Jasper’s arts and culture,” Garrah said. “Vanessa builds the love for the arts in our youth.”

For Martin, displaying the fruits of six months of art classes is gratifying, but it’s clear the energy radiating through her comes from the kids.  

“It generates an exchange and brings people together,” Martin has said. “We are celebrating what we achieved together.”

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com