"Love is....: Children's Art Show curated by Leigh Holliday of The Art Room.

Published online for Courier-Life Publications

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 Yournabe.com Brooklyn Kid's 'love' art show at Gallery 364
By Shavana Abruzzo
Monday, February 14, 2011 4:06 PM EST

Photo Credit: GEORGINE BENVENUTO

Proud pint-sized Picassos were in a class by themselves when they displayed their awesome masterpieces at Gallery 364 for Valentine’s Day.

The boys and girls, ages 3 and up, traded smiles as bright as their palettes — plus bragging rights, too — over the paintings, drawings and sculptures they made for their tender tribute to love, entitled, “Love is...”

The sweet showcase was a love affair between The Art Room, on 87th Street and Third Avenue, where the youngsters created their offerings, and the gallery, a fine arts studio and gallery space housed in a historic 1910 limestone where emerging artists from diverse backgrounds can develop, create, and exhibit their multimedia artwork.

For budding Rembrandt, Maria LaPardo, “Love is a rose that never dies” — a sentiment she expressed with her pretty pink drawing of the popular flower.

James Cona relied on his loved ones for inspiration, painting an impressive family portrait.

“Love is all the people that I know,” he said wisely.

Lil’ Stavroula Gabriel wasn’t fussy at all when it came to spreading her adoration. Her picture of moms and dads aboard a merry-go-round reflected her blossoming spirit.

“I love everything,” she effused.

And a watercolor sploshed with pie slices showed viewers a glimpse into the mind of its young artist, Cara Anderson.

“I love pizza,” she revealed.

ADVERTISEMENT[Image]The exhibit was just the cherry on the cake, said Justin Brannan, co-founder of The Art Room.

“Children who are encouraged to express themselves through art will find their thoughts, feelings and imaginations broadened and enriched.”

We couldn’t agree more.