WPL Hosts Youth Art Show

by Marianne Salza

Winthrop Public Library is featuring three Winthrop artists — Ollie Bandar, Abby Healy, and Gianna Streeter — in a youth art show on display now through November 7. The locals, who regularly frequent the library, and are involved with teen programming, shared their digital art, watercolor paintings, charcoal sketches, and animation with family and friends during an October 7 opening reception. 

“These kids are incredible,” said Elizabeth Telmosse, Teen Librarian/Children’s Librarian II. “It’s mind-boggling.”

Ollie Bandar is a Winthrop Middle School 7th grade student nearing their 13th birthday. They enjoy watercolor painting, and sculpting clay figures in addition to drawing characters in their classroom notebooks. Ollie practices Tae Kwon Do, participates in the drama club, and reads manga.

Abby Healy is a 7th grade student at Winthrop Middle School who enjoys various mediums such as sketching, painting, and digital art. Drawing has been a pastime of hers since she was a little girl; and she often can be found sketching in her bedroom during the late hours. Abby likes spending time with family and friends, ice skating, and running cross country.

“It relaxes me. It’s a hobby,” described Abby. “I like drawing realism, like humans and animals. I want to do art when I am older.”

Thirteen-year-old Gianna Streeter is an 8th grade student at St. Mary’s, in Lynn. She primarily works in digital art. When she began drawing, some four years ago, Gianna mainly sketched animals. Now she has evolved into a portraitist, even devising back stories for the lives of characters she creates.

“I’ve been writing this story, slowly adding on characters. Every single character is here,” explained Gianna about her portraits on display. “It’s a dark fantasy.”

Gianna enjoys sailing, creative writing, hockey, softball, and theater. She hopes to become a lawyer someday, while still nurturing her creative side. Her artwork can also be viewed on Instagram @canentire. Those interested in hiring Gianna for commission can email her at @streeter.giannaart@gmail.com.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity because my art gets to be showcased and people see it,” smiled Gianna.