A few artists in the area have volunteered to be listed here as mentor artists. They are displayed on this site so that kids can see how their art and creativity might be carried into their futures. These mentor artists are happy to give advice on things such as technique, how to harness an idea, creative expression, etc. These mentor artists are also meant to inspire kids to grow with their creativity and artistic skills.
If your child has a question for one of these artists or is in need of guidance on an art project you may submit questions to gallery.of.youth@gmail.com
MENTOR ARTIST #1
Name:
Dougie Padilla
Specialty/favorite medium: i work in all visual arts mediums. i am best known as a painter.
Are you an artist for a living or is it a hobby? Art is all I do. My whole life is art. Everyone’s life is art. Be creative with your life.
At what age did you become interested in art?
I could sight read and sing Bach cantatas at age 11 – my church choir recorded a record at that point. I was a published author by college. I became a visual artist at age 33 – it was like walking around a corner and finally realizing I was a visual person. I am 67 now, so I have been a visual artist 34 years… and in the arts for over 56.
What were you like as a child when it came to your creative abilities? I just wanted to play center field like Willie Mays. Although I was in band, I didn’t care about the arts til I was 15, at which point I read everything by Hemmingway, and alot by Fitzgerald, Faulkner, Wolfe, Dostoevsky, and many others. I wrote short stories and poetry – even as i played baseball, football and rink rat hockey.
What was it like selling your first piece of art? I didn’t care. I find selling boring. I have always found it more interesting to have shows. Eventually, I had a solo show at a museum in Paris – and, among other thngs, curated and produced a group show art opening in Minneapolis that 1000 people came to opening night. Those things were FUN.
Who were your mentors? Who did you look up to? I am a self-taught artist – although I learned alot from fellow artists over the years.
I’ve had lots and lots of spiritual mentors including Swami Venkatesananda, Katagiri Roshi, Ronnie Nelson, Jerry Gerasimo, Osho, Martin’ Prechtel, Michael Macmacha, Malidome some’, James Hillman, Robert Bly and Echo Bodine.
Advice for young artists exploring and growing their abilities: Painting is just another way of keeping a diary. (Pablo Picasso)
I do not seek. I find. (Pablo Picasso)
While I am working I am not conscious of what I am putting on the canvas. (Pablo Picasso)
Make your first 1000 mistakes as quickly as possible. (Pablo Picasso – I think)
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once you grow up. (Pablo Picasso)
Mentor Artist #2
Name: Lori Pesic
Specialty/favorite medium: Painting and Ceramics
Are you an artist for a living or is it a hobby?
K12 Art Teacher for a living, paint for family and friends.
At what age did you become interested in art?
Since Preschool, I would always be found at the painting easel.
What were you like as a child when it came to your creative abilities? I loved the arts and after having art class in Elementary school I would come home and recreate what we did in school!
What was it like selling your first piece of art? Great joy along with sadness that I won’t see that piece again.
Who were your mentors? Who did you look up to? My parents are my role models. My Mom has great style sense and my Dad is highly artistic.
Advice for young artists exploring and growing their abilities: Enjoy and have fun!
Mentor Artist #3
Name: Celeste Nelms
Celeste Nelms has been making photographs for 36 years and has exhibited her work both nationally and internationally. She has received grants from the McKnight Foundation, the Minnesota State Arts Board, and the Jerome Foundation. She has been an artist-in-residence at the New York Mills Cultural Center, the Blacklock Nature Center, the Anderson Center, the Vermont Studio Center, and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. Her work is included in the collections of The Minnesota Historical Society, University of Minnesota and The Family Housing Fund.
Specialty/favorite medium:
Photography
Are you an artist for a living or is it a hobby? Living
At what age did you become interested in art? Since I can remember
What were you like as a child when it came to your creative abilities? Always looking on the ground for objects to make art, rocks, leaves, metal, bottle caps… some things never change
What was it like selling your first piece of art? Don’t remember
Who were your mentors? Who did you look up to? Cindy Sherman, David Lynch, Ansel Adams, Eugene Meatyard
Advice for young artists exploring and growing their abilities: Dream Big
Mentor Artist #4
Name: Mavis Kjarland
Specialty/favorite medium: I specialize in watercolor and batik
Are you an artist for a living or is it a hobby? My art is a hobby and I have also sold my art and have had art shows. I am on the Spring Art Tour at the Little Plum Schoolhouse June 3-5, and also in the Stockholm Art Fair July 16.
At what age did you become interested in art? I’ve been interested in art all my life. I especially became interested at age 12 and on.
What were you like as a child when it came to your creative abilities? I was always interested in making illustrations with my school reports, made posters and playsets.
What was it like selling your first piece of art? My first sale was a large sailboat batik. I bought an antique diamond ring!
Who were your mentors? Who did you look up to? My high school English Teacher and my College Art Professor.
Advice for young artists exploring and growing their abilities: My advice is practice, practice, practice some more- never give up and don’t compare your art to anyone else!
