His name is Carlo Thertus and he's been nurturing the artistic talent of kids from 5 to 19-years-old for the past five years, as the founder of CASK (Creative Art Space for Kids, Inc.).
His gallery used to be located in Oceanside, on Long Beach Road. Unfortunately, after 9/11, he was forced to leave that location. But he knew that one day he'd reopen bigger and better than ever.
And that day is quickly approaching. CASK has joined forces with LICAS (Long Island Cultural Arts Studios) to become the art center of Long Island.
I've been working day and night for the past two months to get this space ready, says Carlo, standing on a ladder fixing up the walls of his new studio.
Carlo is an unusual man, a man of dreams and visions. He sees many things in his sleep, some so profound that he's afraid to paint them. On September 9, last year, he painted a picture of the flag to express how important it is to be free. I wanted to enlighten America on how to see and feel about the world and to enlighten the world on how to see and feel about America, says Carlo who has known he was an artist since he was 5 or 6 years old.
When I was young, I was obsessed with the wonder of life...at the age of five everything drove me crazy with passion. And when I was 11-years-old there was not one thing I couldn't do electromagnetically speaking. I could duplicate anything. I'd duplicate cars in metal. Another passion I had was walking around town, looking for the most beautiful home. Once I'd found it, I'd stand in front of it and look at all aspects of it for five or ten minutes, then I could draw it like an architect, print it out of my brain.
That's why I start children so young. Everyone is talented and that talent needs to be nurtured. My statement is Art for the Cure. Art will cure humanity's consciousness. Art is the vehicle that allows humans to evolve within. I founded CASK because it was so fundamentally needed so vital for young people. And after last year the arts are needed even more like food for the belly. All kids need vehicles to express themselves. It doesn't matter if they dance, sing, write, or jump...
CASK is a positive vehicle for self-expression. By assisting and encouraging a child's creativity, the stage is set for endless opportunities for that child's imagination. A healthy imagination not only creates a resourceful and productive individual, but also builds self-confidence, a significant factor influencing the individual's ability to learn in all areas of education and one that lasts for his or her entire life. When a child creates a work of art, they are not just drawing a picture, they're also creating aspects of self-importance.
My kids create awesome work, so I show it in my gallery. We have school trips that come to see their work. We give the kids shows like I would have in a gallery. We send out color post cards inviting the public. We have a little buffet. The kids love it.
You'd be surprised how many prodigies I have in my school. I discover genius. Every human has talent; I discover beyond talent I have a student named Matthew who can sculpt anything. There's no limit to creative energy.
Currently, there are over 600 children registered in the CASK program, all of whom are just waiting for the doors to open at 48D Atlantic Avenue, in Lynbrook.
The students, with the direction of Carlo's staff, select their own projects and the media in which they want to work painting, drawing, collage, clay, sculpture, watercolors, mixed media...the art forms are limitless
CASK is my gift to humanity, says Carlo sincerely. You can't really teach art, it's impossible. I have no power to give you art, you know who gives you art...your creator, your imagination, your spirit. I nurture creativity.
CASK is a non-profit, tax-exempt arts education program for children and adolescents and Carlo welcomes donations especially now as he's getting ready to open.
Even though the walls aren't finished it's clear that once he's done it's going to be spectacular.
CASK
48 D Atlantic Avenue
Lynbrook, NY 11563
596-4ARTS
www.creativeartspaceforkids.org
