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BOUTIQUE SCHOOL 'Anyone can do it' Art 4 Joy aims to build self-esteem through classes for both kids and adults Comment By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Nov. 30, 2015 at 12:01 AM By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Nov. 30, 2015 at 12:01 AM --> Art 4 Joy What: A boutique art school offering classes for both children and adults Where: 425 Oak St., Central Point Upcoming events: "Crafts for Christmas," in conjunction with ... » Read more X Art 4 Joy What: A boutique art school offering classes for both children and adults Where: 425 Oak St., Central Point Upcoming events: "Crafts for Christmas," in conjunction with Central Point's Community Christmas Celebration, 4 to 8 p.m., Dec. 5; grand opening, 4 to 7:30 p.m., Dec. 19. Both events will feature free arts and crafts, tours of the school and holiday wine and beverages. For more info: 541-951-9026; www.art4joycp.com .   » Social News CENTRAL POINT — A new boutique art school downtown is helping children and adults alike tap into their creative side. Called Art 4 Joy, at 425 Oak St., it offers everything from "Taste and Create" events for adults, which pair art instruction with complimentary wine, to art classes and art therapy for all ages. Owner Kim Samitore, a longtime painter, photographer and graphic designer, has spent the past decade as a professional horsewoman teaching equestrian skills. She says Art 4 Joy is a return to her first love. "I've had a lot of questions surrounding the move from horses to art. People are like, 'What?' But they forget where I got my start," she says. The former writer and photo journalist for the Central Point Times says she started drawing and painting when she was in elementary school and took art classes in college while pursuing a major in horses and photographing equestrian events and doing other jobs related to art and graphic design. Samitore's efforts to provide art instruction for her two daughters' classrooms inspired her return to art and nudged her to think on a bigger scale. "I feel like I just made a transition from teaching one thing I knew how to do well to another thing I knew how to do well," says Samitore, whose husband, Matt, is Central Point's parks and public works director. "Teaching is what I know how to do and it's what I have always loved to do." Art 4 Joy's art therapy classes help young and old alike deal with grief, stress, emotional disorders and the effects of autism. “Studies have shown that art is a valuable therapy for stress, anxiety, depression and more," Samitore says. "Our classes are very social and always educational in a fun way, so whether a guest is young or young at heart, they leave with very positive feelings.” Central Point resident Gretchen Marlow counts herself as a guaranteed repeat customer of Art 4 Joy. "I went to the create and taste event that featured wine a few weeks ago and it was a lot of fun and a very nice adult time for me," Marlow says. "When I was younger and in high school, I did painting and I absolutely loved it. Over the years, I haven't been able to really — between work and home life — to really paint. So it really is an outlet for me to be able to get creative when I haven't been able to for so many years." Jacksonville 9-year-old Kalynn Breedlove says she was excited for the chance to have art classes more often than she gets at school. "I've been taking art class ever since Art 4 Joy opened and I really like it. No, I don't like it, I love it. I go every week," Kalynn says. "I go to the painting and the craft classes. I always loved to draw but I didn't always get to paint and I only did basic stuff before I signed up." Khristi Breedlove says the school filled a void in the community. "I think it's great to have somewhere for kids to explore that artsy side," Breedlove says. "My daughter is having a blast. She gets to do art at school like once or twice a month but none of it is anywhere near what she's able to do in this class." Samitore says she's eager to explore partnerships with other local businesses and private and public schools. "My main focus is to help people have self-esteem, to feel valuable and to feel happy," Samitore says. "We all get so caught up in our daily lives of feeling stressed or worried. Sometimes people feel scared to try something new, so I want to encourage people to try art and to feel the great benefit that it has. "When I taught horseback riding, I would have parents call and want their kids to try something new but they were worried about the physical requirements of horses. There's no physical requirement for this and anyone can do it." Reach Medford freelance writer Buffy Pollock at [email protected]. By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Nov. 30, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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