You might think the Grand Palais in Paris is reserved for legendary names like Monet, Rodin or Picasso. But in February this year, it was the turn of something a little different: a group of young and rising talents from a local art school in Singapore. Fifty-three students from Little Artists Art Studio in Singapore, known for its fine art classes, were selected to showcase their work at Art Capital Paris: Le Salon des Artistes Français – one of the world’s most prestigious exhibitions on the global art calendar.
And 40 of them, aged anywhere from tweens to teens (including four incredible Special Needs students), flew to Paris to present work from their art classes in person. And they didn’t just participate – they made history!
“This is the first time in the more than 200- year history of the event – which has previously hosted the likes of Van Gogh and Cézanne – that children’s artworks have been included,” says Shalini Kapoor, founder and director of Little Artists Art Studio in Singapore, offering art classes on the East Coast. “It’s a major moment – not just for us as a studio, but for young creators everywhere.”
What’s Art Capital all about?
Art Capital is one of the most important annual art events in Europe – a coming-together of emerging and established talents, from traditional painters to cutting-edge contemporary artists. Held in the Grand Palais Éphémère, the show is made up of four salons. The oldest and most prestigious is the Salon des Artistes Français, founded in 1881 and linked to the original Paris Salon, which dates all the way back to the time of Louis XIV.
Students from Little Artists Art Studio Head to Paris
For these young artists, it wasn’t just about a stamp in the passport. They presented their work to Bruno Madelaine, president of the Salon des Artistes Français, who also awarded each student with a certificate alongside renowned French painter Alain Bazard.
“We are not accustomed to seeing such young artists here,“ says Bruno. “It’s an exceptional event for us to meet such young artists and I am very proud of it.”
Little Artists Art Studio Singapore also clinched the Prix D’Innovation – an award recognising creativity and forward-thinking artistry. That’s no small feat considering the sheer scale of Art Capital: over 3,000 artists showcasing their work and an audience of 150,000 visitors, including prominent collectors, curators and critics from across the world.
Why Art Classes Could Be the Creative Boost Your Child Needs
If you’re a parent in Singapore wondering how to nurture your child’s creativity – beyond the usual tuition grind – these art classes might spark a little inspiration.
For over 30 years, Little Artists Art Studio has been more than just a place to doodle – this art school is where young creatives build a solid foundation in visual arts from early childhood through to portfolio preparation. With a strong focus on technique and personal expression, students learn in small groups (just six to one instructor), receiving close, personalised guidance every step of the way.
In fact, following art classes, many of Little Artists’ alumni have gone on to study at top art and design schools around the world, including RISD, Parsons and the Royal College of Art in London, and are now practicing, exhibiting artists in their own right.
And as this Paris moment proves: these artworks can reach all the way across the world. So if you’re looking for art classes and your child loves to sketch, sculpt, paint or create… maybe it’s time to ask: Could they be next?
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