Burnaby artist Karissa Narukami is hosting free art classes for children and youth, including those with autism and other developmental disabilities.
With teacher Olga Osnach, the class will be held Saturday, March 30 and Saturday, April 6 at 105-6411 Nelson Ave.
Narukami, a graduate of Burnaby South Secondary School, is a celebrated local Japanese-Filipino-Canadian artist.
She was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of two.
City council honoured her community work at a meeting March 25.
Councillors lauded her recent achievement: Narukami's work will be a part of Art Vancouver, the largest contemporary art fair in Western Canada, from April 11 to 14, and the artist herself will walk the opening runway with her work April 11.
"We're thrilled for Karissa and her family," said Coun. Maita Santiago.
"Thank you so much, Karissa, for sharing your gifts with our community and for hosting your classes through your foundation to help inspire the next generation of great artists in Burnaby."
Narukami's work has also been selected for the Lunar Codex Polaris Collection, meaning her art will be sent by NASA in a time capsule to the moon.
Her foundation, the Karissa Narukami Autism Foundation, is planning more free art classes in Vancouver and North Vancouver in the coming months.
Free Burnaby art classes for children and youth
When: Saturday, March 30 and Saturday, April 6 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Community Room at MLA Anne Kang's constituency office (105-6411 Nelson Ave.)
Cost: Free, register by emailing [email protected]
