Palatine school celebrates youth artists

The students at Positive Strokes Art School and Gallery range from 4 years old to senior citizens.

But once a year the work of the youngest of the budding artists takes the spotlight with the Young at Art show, held last week at the Palatine studio and gallery. The children get to see their work featured and also demonstrate their abilities for visitors.

"We want to support" the young students, Positive Strokes owner Marlene Wood said. "It's really necessary, especially now, when there's so much stress out there."

Oil painter Diane Magerko travels from Lake in the Hills to take classes at Positive Strokes, as have her children.

She credits Wood, who started teaching art out of her home before opening the school, with inspiring her students.

"I've been at other art studios and Marlene is sensational," Magerko said. "What she's taught me is more than I've learned in a long time."

Wood credits art with helping children gain "problem-solving abilities and cognitive thought."