Young artists at work

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."

These words were once uttered by Pablo Picasso and, if you asked Jennie Porter, owner of a new children's arts studio in Marysville, she would likely agree.

Shooting Star Children's Art Studio, located at 325 D St., was born out of a longtime dream of the local artist, who has been working as the art docent for both Rio Del Oro and Cobblestone Elementary in south Plumas Lake since 2004.

"I had so many parents over the years ask if I gave private lessons after school," said Porter. "I figured now might be a good time to start."

The art studio, which hosted its grand opening in the beginning of May, was a labor of love for Porter. Like many first-time business  owners, Porter quickly realized that just remodeling and painting a building to get it into shape was an immense challenge.

But her biggest reward for all that hard work was opening the doors for the first time.

The studio, which is currently operated by Porter with some help from a fellow co-worker from Plumas Lake, Sarah Irvine, offers a variety of art classes for students. Her current course offerings include classes for students ranging from 3 years old up to 18, and allow for  students to pick from a variety of art mediums such as watercolor, drawing, art history, painting, cartooning and sculpturing.

For her youngest artists she hosts "Mommy and Me" classes to allow for both the student and parent to be comfortable in the new  environment.

Classes are scheduled once a week for a month at a time. Rates for each two-hour class are $18.

The majority of classes are two hours in length, with the exception of "Mommy and Me classes."

Each class consists of time in the beginning for instruction by Porter followed by the remaining time as open studio time for the students to work on their individual projects.

"Our goal here at Shooting Star is to encourage a creative mind and help enhance your child's artistic talents," said Porter. "At the studio children will be given the opportunity to explore many different mediums and grow as a young artist."

Porter enjoys working close to home and hopes in the future to expand her business to offer more classes and possibly bring on other artists who can teach classes and seminars.

"I really just mostly enjoy meeting so many wonderful kids that are so eager to create art," Porter said.

For more information about Shooting Star Children's Art Studio, visit the Web site www.shootingstarartstudio.com or call Porter at  682-6202.

Contact Plumas Lake correspondent Michele Perrault at 483-3664 or mperrault@plumaslakelife.com