Young Artists To Show Off Their Work

By Rick Wells, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Young girls, who want to become professional artists, have an opportunity to learn the basics.  It is called the Tulsa Girls Art School Project.  The school's fall show and sale is Thursday night.

Saleen Eshelman and Yori Jones spent Wednesday putting the finishing touches on some paintings for the big art show.

Yori and Saleen were nominated by their teachers at Roosevelt Elementary.  They are at the art school a couple of afternoons a week where they can paint.

Saleen is finishing an abstract piece, but that's not her favorite medium.

"My favorite would actually be a still life," said Saleen Eshelman.

The school is in its second year.  Tulsa artist Matt Moffett is running it, and he says it is more than just painting.

"We do painting, ceramics, fiber art, black and white photography.  Plus, we teach them the business side," said Matt Moffett with Tulsa Girls Art School Project.

Successful artists sell their work.  He says the school's original benefactor wanted the school to focus on talented, motivated elementary aged girls in Tulsa's inner city schools.

Yori says she sometimes paints places she imagines she could be.  Places like a beach.

"If I was there, I'd like to sit up in the tree and look at the moon," said Yori Jones.

The girls love the program.  Matt loves teaching them.  And, every piece has a price tag.  After all, the girls don't want to be starving artists.

The art show and sale is Thursday night from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Tulsa Girls Art School 2202 East Admiral Blvd.