Soaring Seven
Legendary British sculptor Henry Moore once remarked "To be an artist is to believe in life." There are many extraordinary artists across the Kanawha Valley, young and old, who breathe energy and soul into the community through their self-expression and talent.
This issue of Kanawha Arts Review is dedicated to the young artists of the valley-artists that we hope will grow up to shape the future of our arts community and instill the same passion in the hearts of their peers. The following pages feature seven extraordinary young talents, ages 9 to 21: a photographer, actress, violinist, painter, ballerina and two singers. We are humbled by their poise, grace and dedication to their respective crafts; and we wish them luck in achieving their dreams.
Bertie Cohen, a long-time local arts volunteer and enthusiast, inspired this issue. Bertie dedicates a selfless amount of time to the young artists of the valley whom she loves so deeply. She has been teaching and inspiring young people in a multitude of ways since she was a teenager herself. "I love the association with young people," says Bertie, "That's where it all begins!"
Kanawha Arts Review would like to extend a special thanks to Pray Construction, COMAR, Inc., Wendy's International and beBetter Networks for sponsoring our "Soaring Seven." By supporting these children, you are fostering the creativity and expression of generations to come.
Like Bertie and our sponsors, we too believe in our young people, and encourage children of all ages to find an outlet for their creative energies. After all, we are all artists in our own way. And art is what makes life more beautiful and worth living.
