SURREY – The apple doesn’t fall far from the apple tree – or, in Anna Kajda-Minett’s case, the artistic apple tree.

Kajda-Minett, who just opened the doors to a new franchise of 4Cats Arts Studio for Kids in South Surrey last week, was hit by the art bug early in her life.

“My godfather was Witold Palka, a Polish artist who was well-known and respected for his work with oils. Growing up, I was exposed to his art and we had his paintings in our home,” she said.

As a result, Kajda-Minett had an appreciation for art an early age, and was immersed in art classes growing up.

However, as sometimes happens, life got in the way of her passion and, for 16 years, she worked as an orthodontic assistant and also managed a dental company.

One fateful day she heard about the 4Cats Arts Studio and she knew it was something she was destined to do.

“I love kids and helping them explore their creative side. I knew it was something I could get excited about every day and would be extremely rewarding,” said Kajda-Minett.

The art studio, which has 20 locations across B.C. and Ontario, provides children age three and up with professional artist’s materials such as silk screens, canvas, acrylics and palette knives to use. The children also receive an in-depth study of two famous artists.

The fall session offers a 14-week class to explore the artists’ work. This year, the class will examine Tom Thomson and Andy Warhol. Children receive two educational books that provide the history of the artists along with an opportunity to work with different art mediums that emulate the artists’ work.

In addition, the studio offers themed birthday parties, including paint splatter parties, which allows 10 or more kids the opportunity to splatter paint on a six-by-three-foot canvas using paint squirters, brushes and even balloon-filled paints.

There are also seasonal one-off workshops, which are posted on the studio’s website.

For Julie Dahl of South Surrey, the studio offered a great way for her girls, aged two and five to be engaged in something they enjoy.

“I had my daughter’s fifth birthday party at 4Cats and was here for the opening of this location in South Surrey. I was really excited and so I put my five-year-old daughter into the program for the fall. It’s really nice to take it beyond just a birthday,” said Dahl.

The studio also provides art supplies if children want to continue exploring their creative side at home. Supplies include paint, sketch books, canvass boards, palette knives and even T-shirts featuring their favourite artist.

For children who may feel that they are not artistic, Kajda-Minett suggests they come in and see the studio.

“Everyone has an artistic side; they just need to be willing to explore it. The best thing about art is that there is no right or wrong – just a lot of fun.”

4Cats Arts Studio is located at #140-3388 Rosemary Heights Cres.