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“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. Art has no boundaries. It embraces every colour, creed, race, religion, ethnicity; the rich and the poor; the mentally-ill and mentally-well person,” a philosophy painted by entrepreneur, director, art specialist and teacher, Akilah Mitchell, 28.
Officially headquartered at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, Mitchell’s studio, gallery, and store, Art by Akilah (AbA), opened in 2018 despite a multitude of hurdles, but she kept on pressing only because of her belief in the profound power of art; the beauty of what exudes from a person or group of people while engaging in art.
“When one of her primary school teachers told me to never give up my gift as I lacked the confidence, nothing else mattered, the sky was the limit.”
Mitchell’s always thinking a-far for the next unique, fun yet educational way to engage the aspiring or insecure or excited or even confident artist; always busy piecing together varying aspects of art. Her students comprise any age, individual or group, at school, home, work or on the street, at day or night, on or offline.
“What matters is, they all discover their gift, love to draw or paint, make friends, socialize, and proudly display their works. Art is one of the best therapies ever.
“During the restrictions, the online classes were a hit that took away boredom from children, and those classes are still very effective today, as you paint in the comfort of your personal space.
“We cater to everyone! Whether to relax and paint, improve skills or prepare for CXC; we have it all, and could be gained via our art academy, studio, gallery, parties, school clubs, field trips, camps, art for the elderly, and the art store. If you are shy and prefer private sessions, we got you covered, too.”
AbA’s mobile service, and website: artbyakilah.com, were also recently introduced.
Not only do Mitchell, her art tutors —Celena Espinoza and Raynor Cielto—and parents, express pleasure with the students’ interest and products, but they are confident in what’s being delivered as AbA has opened up the borders of creativity and options. One such experience was a beginners’ class when a taste of culinary visual art was realised.
Painting on Cakes was an exercise worked in partnership with Sinoet’s for Culinary Art Classes. Another hit was Espinoza’s online classes. The young ones learned of peace during the seascape workshop.
“Kids also learn light and shadows, shading and adding highlights, fruits, flowers, insects, still life drawing in pencil, warm and cool colours, oil pastels, and sculpting. There are also the Sip and Paint sessions for all ages and the Bob Ross-inspired sessions where no art experience is required. You can relax, create, and be free! There are free live online art sessions done on the Art by Akilah social media pages (Art by Akilah).”
Mitchell, who loves nature and continues to draw and paint, believes that anything can be brought to perfect life through art.
“Art’s magical; enables discipline, healthy socialisation skills and teamwork. People need not get involved in negative art hurting self and others, when there is positive art. Among others, every sip and paint session; Proud Peacock, and Fabulous Fruits Workshops in October, the Tropical Bliss, Clay Sculpting Workshop in November, and the Paint on a Cake (fondant) and Grinchmas Art Camp in December, progressed nicely.
The Grinchmas Art Camp closed off its 2022-2023 first term on December 16. Kids had to help the grinch decorate his home. The initial phase was a sip-and-paint class where the grinch was spruced up into a Grinch Claus. His home was eventually decorated with Christmas wreaths, a gingerbread house and plant pots with paper plants made from scratch. The camp culminated with a pyjama party, movie and games day.
AbA wishes to extend a Happy Christmas and a magical New Year to all.