"Every child is an artist. Te problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."

— Pablo Picasso I

t is true that every child is born with the innate ability to create, and when placed into an environment where creativity is nurtured, exciting things happen!

Isabella Thorn first began showing an interest in the arts at 18 months old. While busy at work, art gallerist Ruth-Ann Thorn would often have her mother, internationally collected artist Gloria Lee, babysit Isabella. Soon Gloria recognized that Isabella was being increasingly drawn to painting and slowly began teaching her how to mix paint and use brushes on a traditional upright artist easel.

In 2009, with Valentine's Day approaching, Ruth-Ann needed a heart display for the gallery window.

Gloria decided to work with Bella to create the backgrounds for heart paintings. The intention for the hearts was merely for display, but once they were hanging in the window collectors wanted to buy them. This was the beginning of Isabella's art career.

Initially "Bella Hearts" were a collaboration between three generations: grandmother, mother, and Bella. But now, at age 8, Bella is creating them on her own and takes great pride in her paintings.

Creating what is the universal symbol of love, each Bella Heart is an original work created with the innocence and vitality that only a child can bring to the can- vas. The beautiful colors, creative design, metals and Swarovski crystals make Bella Hearts a unique collect- ible and one of a kind gift.

Bella Hearts

are created from one child's heart to another. And to truly make each an

extension of any heart, a portion of the proceeds of Bella Hearts goes to support international orphans and animal shelters.

There have been over 400 Bella Hearts sold. Collectors from

around the world have taken Bella Hearts home as keepsakes and gifts. These small gems have inspired numerous commissions, including several large works from an avid art collector in Dubai, to pieces made specifically for the rooms, lobby and to adorn the doors of Hotel Z.

Currently Isabella is excited to be working on the "Go Red" campaign with the American Heart Association. Bella Hearts are highly sought after, with 5 galleries now representing her work! Bella will be painting live at “Go Red” Campaign at EC Gallery Seaport Village January 30 and at EC Gallery Forum Shops February 12-14th. The new collection of Bella Hearts can be seen online January 15th.

EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIONS GALLERIES

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