Meet Janice,Lyssa and Shelley!!

1. What’s the best thing about 4Cats?

The best thing about 4Cats is the creative culture it creates for everyone that gets involved. Being able to have an environment that fosters learning and art making in a fun way is such a great thing!

2. How did you guys decide to go into business together?

These three lovely ladies met over a year ago. All of them had been involved with the company as employees prior to starting this new endeavor. Lyssa and Shelley were then training to open 4Cats Steveston, while Janice had started curating at the Kitsilano location under the guidance of CEO Joey Simon then later, veteran “Jess the Mess” Devenport. With the tremendous popularity of 4Cats came a lot of growth; enough so that an opportunity arose to open a studio in Richmond. Surely it was a very seamless and natural decision for these proud new business owners.

3. What are your education and work backgrounds?

Janice holds a BA in Studio Arts from the University of Guelph specializing in photography and extended media. She has been working with children for many years, whether it be teaching them English in Japan or guiding tours during visits at the Contemporary Art Gallery. She loves getting children excited about art and helping them express and question the notions of contemporary art and theory.

Shelley studied at the University of British Columbia and holds a BA in Economics. She has a background in banking and a passion for teaching kids. While working in the banking world she volunteered teaching kids the importance of business and finance. She also loves art and enjoys painting, pottery, and crafting in her personal time. Now that she is involved with 4Cats she loves teaching kids about art! Shelley and Lyssa have owned and operated 4Cats in Steveston since summer 2010.

Lyssa holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and Media Arts, and minor in fashion from NSCADU in Halifax. She did mostly freelance work until she found 4Cats and her art can be seen at the Nyree Hazelton Art Gallery in Vancouver. She has worked with 4Cats since 2007 and opened her own studio in Steveston in the summer of 2010.

4. What’s it like to work with your friend?

It’s great to be able to work with friends. We always have a good time together and share a comfortable support and trust system. Opening the Richmond studio is really an excuse for us to hangout more often :O)

5. What has been your favourite artist session so far? And why?

Janice: I really liked Tamara de Lempicka. We mostly study male artists at 4Cats as the majority of historic master artists are men, so it was nice to learn about a successful woman artist like Tamara de Lempicka! I am also really into design and the Art Deco movement.

Lyssa: I really loved the Klimt session. He’s my favourite artist! I love all the golden textures in his paintings.

Shelley: Andy Warhol. He was such a character and the stories are hilarious. Also, silk-screening is an amazing and different process.

6. What is your favourite birthday party to host? And why?

Janice: I like hosting Dragon Parties. Modeling clay is easy to work for all ages and with and our assortment of colours, it always yields very unique results. Plus, dragons rule!

Lyssa: Star Force. I have an awesome Yoda Voice!

Shelley: Splatter. This is definitely a don’t-try-this-at-home type of party. The look on the kids’ faces when they see our splatter room is priceless.

7. What’s your favourite part of your working day?

Janice: I like afternoons in the studio ( especially on rainy days) between classes when I get to re-organize the studio and admire the artwork up on the walls.

Lyssa: Seeing what the kids come up with. Their uninhibited approach to art is inspirational.

Shelley: Teaching the classes and getting to know the kids, their stories are fun to listen to. Also, hanging out with Lyssa and Janice, we have a lot of fun when we are together.

8. What is your favourite 4Cats art fact?

Janice: I like sharing facts about the 4Cats brand itself. It’s amazing how much we have grown in just a few years. Now we have our own paint brushes, a series of awesome books, and a fabulous magazine!

Lyssa: Tamara de Lempicka snagged her future husband by dressing up as a goose-girl and parading herself around a party with two geese!

Shelley: Andy Warhol said “there is magic in everything”. Great belief Andy!

9. What’s been the biggest thing you’ve learned about yourselves since you opened 4Cats Richmond?

Janice: There are many things involved with opening a new Studio. The most important thing is learning to communicate with each other and work as a team. This ensures the most efficient and productive means in running our business.

Lyssa: Success is more rewarding when you have someone to high-five!

Shelley: Working hard does not feel like working hard when you are having so much fun!