Press

Sun Media
Kid-friendly Art Stands Test of Time
Nicole Vaive
May 5, 2007

Not many eight-year-olds are deeply attached to posters of big purple dinosaurs -- but Monet may not spark their interest either.That's why Claudia Kandel, a New York based mother of two, tackled the art issue head-on, with a philosophy that's catching on with tots and parents.

"Introducing early appreciation for art is critical," Kandel says.

"It helps kids with creativity -- I often talk to adults who are intimidated by art, and really the most important thing about art is learning to enjoy it and love it, so introducing it early into the home is important."

Not only can the right piece spark an interest, but "art has the ability to inspire and delight children over and over."

A is for Art (www.aisforart.com) is the approachfor Kandel, and with a variety of cheerful pieces to choose from, any stylish kid can trade a Dora poster for a detailed pirate ship, a whimsical display of pigs swinging from chandeliers or a charming blue cat with a bird playing violin on its head.

"Our goal is to have artwork children can enjoy for years to come and grow up with and appreciate."

It's tough, though, when most kidfriendly art is suitable for a nursery.

"It is challenging to find artists whose content is good for children, but is not baby-like," Kandel says, and that's why she narrowed her selections to sophisticated pieces by artists who combine a childlike sentiment with a healthy dose of humour.

"Jonathan Blum does a lot of the dogs and the cats. His artwork is more sophisticated, but it's perfectly appropriate for children and for adults.

"Lisa Williams, who does the pigs swinging on the chandeliers, she does custom murals and installations and I thought her aesthetic is perfect for what we're trying to accomplish."

Kid-friendly art doesn't have to get stuck in the nursery. Introducing art early on can help kids cultivate an appreciation for the masterpieces, according to A is for Art's Claudia Kandel

Stacey Wyman-Posnett also contributed her punchy works of jungle animals, pirate ships, fairies and construction sites to A is for Art, after her vibrant rendition of a jungle party caught Kandel's eye.

"The jungle piece is utterly amazing to me.

"She can bring a piece to life and transport you to another place."

And that's what art's all about -- especially on a dreary afternoon when imagination is a kid's only escape.

"Right now I'm looking outside and its pouring rain and it's a little depressing," Kandel says.

"So when you have something bright on your wall, it's like a window into your imagination."