As they gathered on Friday to hum over the complexities of fine art, guests in their evening wear at the Rectangle Gallery in downtown Centralia sipped from their glasses, not of champagne, but juice and lemonade.
The gala was the studio’s annual Young Artists Show and Exhibition, where children between the ages of 7 and 12 showcase their work. Returning from a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Friday night’s crowd was filled with community members of all backgrounds.
Anyone who missed the show still has the chance to view the young creators’ art, which will be on display at the gallery until May 4.
Children hailed from schools across Chehalis and Centralia. Art sold at the show ranged between $25 and $45.
Rozlin Cari, a 7-year-old who attends St. Joseph School, sold her splatter paint piece for $35. She was inspired by the work of Jackson Pollock after her grandmother showed her his art, she said.
“I wanted it to be $100, but, yeah, that wasn’t getting by,” Rozlin said of her piece, titled “Spring Fireworks.”
Elizabeth Snell, a 12-year-old who attends Edison Elementary, sold her painting of lemons for $45.
“People are seeing my art and they're paying money for it, because they like it. And it makes me really happy,” Elizabeth said.
Rectangle Gallery owner Jan Nontell said the gala is a chance for the kids to learn professionalism and proudly display their work.
“It is the most wonderful thing in the entire world,” Nontell said Friday, adding later: “Moms and dads are so excited. … It’s so much fun and the kids get a chance to talk to people.”
Learn more online at https://therectanglegallery.com. The gallery is located at 209 N. Tower Ave., Centralia.
