SEATTLE -- A new art exhibit in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood is getting a lot of buzz. It's not only getting attention for the art and artists, but for the person who hand-picked the collection: a 7-year-old boy named Zinn Bellevie, an art lover and collector.
"Everytime I tell people I'm in this show, it's curated by a 7-year-old dude, they're like, 'what?,'" said the artist Solace. "As far I know he's the youngest kid to curate a show in Seattle."
"That's where you get the best stuff from the unpredictable," said urban contemporary artist, John Osgood. Osgood met Zinn when he was just 5 years-old.
The unpredictable paints a portrait of artist Osgood. He spent years working for a grocery chain, before taking the leap and pursuing his passion. Four years later, a good friend of Osgood's has chosen his bold and vibrant artwork for this latest exhibit. It's drawing art enthusiasts old and young, a gathering of left-brainers like 7-year-old Zinn.
"I like the little detail right there, the stitch," said Zinn. "I didn't realize it at first, but that is so awesome."
Zinn's eye for art catches people's attention.
"One eye's bigger and one's not," observed Zinn.
And it's that insight that landed him a dream opportunity, curating an exhibit at Bherd Studios in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood.
"The cut-outs are my favorites," said Zinn.
"Curator" comes from the Latin root "one who cares" - a word that defines this young boy's artistic journey. It began when he was just 5 years old.
"My dad asked me to go to an art show at Halogen and I said yes and here we are," said Zinn.
"We" got to this point after Zinn's parents - Chris and Lesa Bellevie, who are art lovers themselves - would bring Zinn to local art walks.
"When we first started going to the art walks he was having a lot of challenges socially with his peers and that really effected his confidence," said Lesa.
Challenges that can come along with having Asperger's Syndrome, often referred to as high functioning autism.
"I just like talking," said Zinn.
Walking up and talking to artists built up a coat of confidence. The artist Solace remembers how the bright and inquisitive boy left a lasting impression over a stuffed animal Solace painted.
"The coolest ever - he takes his shoes off before and jumps and plays with the animal," recalled Solace. "He was still respecting the art, but he got a chance to play with the artwork. From that moment I thought he was a super cool little dude."
This cool little dude became a fixtures at art walks and friendships blossomed, including one with Osgood. The once struggling artist encouraged Zinn to express himself through art.
"This was inspired by a shy guy. I call it a bad bee," said Zinn while drawing.
"I love when he's like my inspiration for this is. I'm like, where are kids finding inspiration? Do they even know what that is?" said Osgood.
Zinn's passion was a picture perfect fit for Bherd Studios Gallery's newest curator.
"I pick the artists and I pick the theme, and the theme is 'Monsters and Aliens,'" said Zinn.
"I'm really excited he has a chance to do this," said Lesa.
Zinn not only curates the latest show at Bherd Studios, the 7-year-old also showcases his work.
"I made one of the books and the rest of stuff is inspiration," said Zinn.
Inspiring others and each other, Zinn and Osgood's bond is a picture of friendship.
"It's pretty humbling. He's a pretty good cheerleader," said Kevin Gosselin, an artist in the exhibit and Zinn's uncle.
The "Monsters & Aliens" exhibit runs through Friday at Bherd Studios in Seattle's Greenwood Neighborhood from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For more information on the exhibit, go to the Bherd Studios Gallery website.
To add a comment, please register or login.