By Michelle Moskowitz
Sentinel Correspondent
Picasso once said “Everything you can imagine is real.” And that is exactly what Ms. Kathy Chattaroj, local artist and founder of Future Picassos, a Greenwich-based art enrichment program for kids, did when she envisioned a forum to express her love for art in the Greenwich community.
Ms. Chattaroj has been painting, drawing and creating art in a myriad of ways since she can remember. “I don’t recall a time when I wasn’t working in some kind of art form, be it murals, painting ceilings, pottery or just devouring art books.” When interviewing Ms. Chattaroj over a latte, one gets the impression that the work itself is her center of gravity.
Ms. Chattoraj, who grew up in Exeter, New Hampshire, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Boston and went on to pursue a Master’s certificate in painting from the Palazzo Spinelli School of Art in Florence, Italy. She is a self-described itinerant artist, who has traveled much of the country and abroad painting, creating and seeking inspiration to further her artistic path. She has been commissioned by private clients and designers, painting murals, canvases, and custom pieces all via word of mouth since she graduated college. But she garnered even more solid footing in the art world by learning the business side of things while working for a well-known gallery in Boca Raton, FL. This experience matured her as an artist but would also prove quite fruitful years later when establishing Future Picassos.
Eventually, she made her way to New York City when she was recruited by a top New York artist to spearhead his overall business strategy including managing his portfolio, art exhibitions and client relationships.
It was during her time in New York that she met her husband, an equally hardworking New York City attorney, and eventually they started a family. Ten years and two children later, they recognized that city life was soon coming to an end for them, craving more space and greenery.
Prior to making their decision as to where to set roots, they created a checklist of essential criteria. They were looking for a suburb that ranked top among public schools, required a house with a studio space, and equally important, had a solid arts community that would welcome new artists. “I was so impressed with all that Greenwich had to offer, such as the Greenwich Arts Association, Art on the Avenue (a summertime favorite featuring local artists’ work on Greenwich Avenue), frequent art exhibitions at local galleries, the Flynn Gallery at the Greenwich Library, and much, much more. I knew I could find my place here, in some way, shape or form.”
Upon getting settled in the Greenwich community, she took a break from working full-time so she could stay home with her small children. Fortunately, she had the studio in her home which allowed her to continue to focus on her painting, while also volunteering her time for the PTA at her kids’ school, The Julian Curtiss School of World Languages, where they both currently attend. It was at Julian Curtiss that Ms. Chattoraj recognized a niche for an after-school art program and truly connected with her knack for inspiring kids to discover their own passion for art. Her programs were structured yet experimental at the same time. Programs such as “Paint Your Own Pet,” where kids created plaster figures and dioramic scenes, and “Master Painters,” where kids developed their own interpretation of famous paintings, superheroes or authors were a big hit. Soon her classes were being booked to full capacity and there was even a waiting list. This first program ultimately paved the way for Ms. Chattaroj to tweak her programs to such success that word spread and soon thereafter she was hired to teach in 10 different schools across Fairfield County, both public and private. She tirelessly prepped, researched and produced new and exciting coursework for her budding young artists. All after homework, dinner and putting her own kids to bed.
“Kids ultimately want to feel good about what they construct, but also enjoy learning about the technique and the process behind the work.” She also developed a weekend program called “Art & Beyond” for young artists at the Greenwich YMCA on Saturday mornings (available to both members and non-members). After such incredible growth, Future Picassos now has other local artists working for the brand.
What inspired Ms. Chattaroj to delve in to the art world? Ultimately, Ms. Chattaroj credits close family friends who were among the art literati, such as architects, collectors and enthusiasts for exposing her to the art community in New Hampshire and Boston where she frequented museums, galleries and was even taken on an exploratory trip to Russia. She also reflects fondly on an influential high school art teacher through whom she felt truly connected to pottery-making and the artistic process behind it.
When asked what makes an artist an artist? Ms. Chattoraj replied, “Someone who makes art and gives their time and focus fully to their craft.” When I see the excitement and dedication of my students for their work, I know my work has a purpose, and that is what I set out to do.”
“Especially today with technology all around us, children need art in their lives for so many important life lessons. It teaches them to fully concentrate, good eye/hand coordination and a real respect for the process of creation.”
Future Picassos also offers summer camps for kids ages 5-12, held at the Whitby school, as well as customized birthday parties, portfolio consultations and painting retreats. In addition, Little Picassos (preschoolers) can soon get into the action with a new class starting at the end of February which will be held at the Second Congregational Church.
For more information, please go to www.FuturePicassos.com.
