Their works, along with paintings by students of Berkeley's Channing Art Studio, are on display through Feb. 29 at the Oakland Public Library's Chinatown Branch. The Alameda art students learned Chinese brush paint- ing and calligraphy, using traditional ink and watercolors on rice paper, at Children's Art Studio.

Studio owner JaYing Wang says the children were not intimidated by what would seem to be a difficult subject. "They loved painting monkeys," says Wang. "Monkeys are fun. They're like kids." Brush painting is challenging because students don't start with a pencil outline. They apply paint and watch the subject come to life. The key, says Wang, is getting the kids to stop before the painting turns into a big blob.

She credits teacher Doris Chen's patient approach for the impressive artwork in the exhibit. "She's so calm. She makes it simple so the kids can get it," says Wang.

While Wang is pleased with all the student paintings, she was especially amazed by the kindergartners' work. "I sometimes think the younger the painter, the more spirit and soul the painting has.

The younger students are not inhibited, they just go for it. The spirit of the works is fantastic," says Wang. Children's Art Studio, open since June, provides a world of fun, tactile art experiences for small children in a morning drop-in program.

The "little tikes" program, for ages two to five, lets children work with a variety of art materials at tiny tables and chairs while learning basic color theory and other art principles.

Art instruction is offered after school for kids in grades one through six. Wang encourages school-age children to try the afternoon drawing and painting classes. No prior art experience is required, and craft lessons are also offered. Registration is required for after-school classes.

Wang believes art is a great self-esteem builder because there are no mistakes. She regularly displays student artworks and holds shows so the young artists see their creations are appreciated.

Children's Art Studio is Wang's latest venture. The mosaic artist, whose intricate works are found in churches, restaurants, schools and residences, decided to open a children's studio because she enjoyed thinking of art projects while volunteering at her daughter's preschool.

"I looked to other children's art studios like Habitot in Berkeley and MOCHA in Oakland, and I thought, Alameda doesn't have that. It's a great way to combine business as well as art and teaching children," says Wang.

She is pleased that her two daughters, LiLi, a second grader, and AiLi, 3, are exposed to art classes all the time. LiLi is finding her style, and AiLi keeps herself occupied with a variety of art materials.

"Mostly AiLi tapes things. She loves tape," says Wang.

Both girls were adopted from China as babies. Wang is pleased to report they are well-adapted and happy, due in part to a network of more than 30 other families with children adopted from China. The girls attend picnics, Chinese New Year parties and Mandarin classes with other adopted girls.

"That's a great support community. So many of their friends are adopted, so it's not a big deal," Wang says.

Now that the art studio is in full swing, Wang is amazed by how many children she knows wherever she goes on the island. Students at Children's Art Studio attend Otis, Edison, Bay Farm, St. Philip Neri, Paden, Lum and other Alameda Schools.

Wang also has continued her mosaic workshops for adults. She says her adult students find working with mosaics both relaxing and creative.

"Everyone should have an outlet like that," she says.

The Year of the Monkey art exhibit runs through Feb. 29 at the Oakland Public Library, Chinatown Branch, Pacific Center Complex, 388 9th Street, Suite 190. Call the library, (510) 238-3400, for business hours.

Children's Art Studio of Alameda is at 1501 High St. For information, call 523-4740, visit www.ChildrensArtStudio.com or e-mail## jayingwang@yahoo.com .

Call Suzanne T. Storar at 523-6641 or e-mail## STStorar@aol.com .

The Oakland Tribune: Cityside
Leanne McLaughlin, Managing Editor
(510) 208-6447
(510) 208-6477 Fax##
lmclaughlin@angnewspapers.com Email