Expert Urges Parents to Support Artistic Children

The founder of the Greenhouse Art Empowerment Centre (GHAEC), Dr Theresa Iyase-Odozi, has advised parents to support their children with a flair for art, as the skill could open up opportunities for them.

Speaking in Lagos at the 2023 Art Exhibition, organised by Greensprings School, Anthony Campus, she expressed satisfaction with the

students’ artworks, and complimented them for their creativity and the interpretation of their works.

Iyase-Odozi encouraged parents to continuously support their artistic children, as not doing so could hurt them for a long time.​

“I am seeing these artworks for the first time, and I’m impressed because I can see uniqueness and beauty in each of the works. There are so many unique talents produced by Greensprings School, and my interaction with them shows that art is inbuilt into them.

The students were able to interpret their artworks, and the message behind the artworks made them beautiful. It takes the eye of an artist to do this. The children should be allowed to bloom because they have the potential to be great artists,” stated Iyase-Odozi.

She added, “With art, they can get to wherever they need to be. Artistic creativity will take them to places that money cannot. The art in these students will always propel them and, if not expressed, will be a lifelong pain for them. Thus, the students who desire to be artists should continue to forge ahead with focus and practice, regardless of any obstacles in their career path.”​

In line with the exhibition’s theme, ‘Expression’, some students incorporated traditional and modern designs in their artworks, with diverse mediums like acrylic paint, oil colour, watercolour, charcoal, and pastel. Other students exhibited photography portraying stories about Nigerian society and current happenings.​

The exhibition featured 16 students who showcased 55 expressive artworks, and a good number of the students’ artworks were sold.