Meet Christine MacDonald

What’s your background?
I am an artist! What better way than to combine two of my favorite things…Art and children!!

Why 4Cats?
I previously worked in finance. Now I get to work with kids, I love art, I love educating kids, and I found it all in one space!! Wow, how awesome is that!? If you have never been in a 4Cats Arts Studio, come on in. You will love the beautiful artwork, colors, and styles of our young, budding artists. They learn AND have fun whilst they are in the studio. ART IS GOOD.

What is your favourite colour?
Cerulean blue of course! I discovered the color when I was a teenager and you can always spot the color on my palette.

Favourite art quote?
“Art is never finished, only abandoned” Leonardo da Vinci

Who is your favourite artist and why?
Monet is my favorite artist. I love the looseness in his work, his use of color and his inspirational pieces.

What is your favourite art medium, and why?
I would have to say painting in oil is my favorite. That was the first medium I used and I still use it today. Mixing up the paints and creating fresh new colors….oh, such fun.

So…any other interesting facts we should know about you?
I do not iron clothing, but I cut the grass.

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Meet Curator Siobhan McKay

What’s your background?
I have a background in Design, Ceramics and Black and White Film Photography. Before returning to work as an Art Instructor in my own home town of Burlington, I was directing and facilitating a grass-roots, non-profit Mural Arts Program for volunteers and youth in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Why 4Cats?
Children and art are like catalysts for each other; together they create the most fun and vibrant atmosphere!

What is your favourite colour?
Pistachio and Sea Foam Green!

Favourite art quote?
“What is not art? No great Artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist.” -Oscar Wilde
“Art only begins where nature ends.” -Unknown

Who is your favourite artist and why?
I appreciate many artists, but I particularly love the Surrealist style of Ansel Adams. He has the most fascinating photographs. I could stare at them for days!

What is your favourite art medium, and why?
Film photography (both taking the pictures and altering them in the darkroom). I also enjoy ink drawings because as much as I looooove colour, I also love the dramatic effect of black and white art mediums and the implication of colour they can create through shadows, tones and highlights. I love using my photographs as inspiration for paintings.

So…any other interesting facts we should know about you?
I am VERY messy. I usually end up more painted than the kids, even when I’m trying to stay clean! I’m not sure if I have one pair of pants that doesn’t have paint on them!