By MARYLIN LIDEN BODE

A young man came into the Kingston Art Gallery recently and was wowed by the art and the hospitality.

Mitchell Cantmel of Kingston, a student of West Sound Tech said. “We need more places like this! They affect human behavior. Young people are raised without many options. Here is a better thing to do!”

Students of Marcia Randall DeBard, certified creative coach of Shabala Studio, are finding good options and a better thing to do in DeBard’s art classes. Her students will hold their annual Shabala Studio Show Jan. 6 through Feb. 7 at the Kingston Art Gallery.

A reception will be held during the Second Saturday Gallery Night, Jan. 9, 5 – 8 p.m.

“It is wonderful for young artists to see their work hanging in a professional art gallery alongside the art of working artists,” DeBard said.

Since parents are able to take classes along with their children, the artist’s ages range from age 6 to adult. Some have taken classes for eight weeks, others for years.

In Shabala Studio art classes, students are encouraged to find their own way of making art, so they learn to design projects for themselves, choosing their own subject matter and media.

At regular intervals there are “mini-lessons” on particular techniques, elements of art, principles of design and art history. Drawing, painting, chalk pastel, oil pastel, and watercolor pencil are the most frequently used media.

Registration is underway for winter session, beginning Jan. 19. Adult classes are also offered in watercolor, “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain,” and “Creativity Coaching.”

“The only way to do art wrong is not to do art,” DeBard said. DeBard is available for questions at (360) 265-3188.