10-Year-Old Artist becomes Teacher

Story from Richmond Confidential:

For the last six years, art has consumed Azia Banagan’s young life.

The 10-year-old Richmond resident, who produces much of her art from her house, where she is homeschooled, was the recipient of a $1,000 community improvement project grant from the Love Your Block initiative, a program that promotes neighborhood improvement through awarding mini-grants. Azia will use the money towards free art workshops she will lead herself.

“I’ve had a lot of kids come in my time, where they’d come up to me after they watch me draw and say, ‘Can you teach me how to do that?’” Azia said. “I’ve always thought, ‘Since all these kids ask me, why don’t I give them an opportunity to ask me even more?’”

Her mom, Cristal Banagan, is an avid grant proposal writer, which inspired Azia to apply for one herself.

“I’m always blown away by her art,” Cristal said, emphasizing the variety of art mediums her daughter uses to express herself: drawing, painting, sculpture and collage. “She’s so good for her age. It’s incredible to me.”

The workshops will be held from April through June at the local Girls Inc. and the Richmond Public Library. For more information, visit http://www.girlsinc-wcc.org.

This story was produced in collaboration with Richmond Confidential reporter Angelica Casas. Check out her video about Azia here.