Kimberly Blackstock likes when kids exercise their bodies - and minds.
A third-degree black belt in karate, the Port Moody resident has taught the martial art to children for the city of Burnaby for years.
And, being a design and illustration grad from Capilano University, Blackstock has also lent her creative skills for after-school art programs at Seaview and Miller Park elementaries in the Tri-Cities.
So, last summer, when a call from the Port Moody Arts Centre (PMAC) came at the last minute to lead a few arts courses for young people, Blackstock jumped at the chance.
This winter, while also continuing to coach karate in Burnaby, Blackstock will be instructing several dozen kids in art at PMAC and, in between dropping and collecting her own kids from school, she'll be painting in her basement studio during the day - a regular practice she's maintained for the past 18 months after quitting a graphic designer job for GardenWorks.
"My life is kind of all over the place," she said with a laugh, when asked about her hectic schedule, but "I really love what I'm doing."
After leaving Cap U in 1995, Blackstock displayed her work frequently in shops and galleries; however, she took a break from her craft after giving birth. Now that her youngest is in school, Blackstock has returned to her acrylics and oil paints full time.
As part of her migration back to her passion, Blackstock painted a series of partial butterfly wings to demonstrate her life change. ArtWorks Gallery in Yaletown took notice and asked to represent her. From there, Blackstock said her experimenting with style and colour got more bold and out came a series of "poured work."
Last year, Blackstock displayed her work in three group events at ArtWorks and at CityScape Community Art Space in North Vancouver (the show closed in December).
This and next month, she'll have up to nine abstracts on the walls at PMAC - her first time to show there - as part of its instructors' display that opens Thursday night.
Her paintings will be up beside works from fellow faculty members and visual artistsMark Anthony, Joyelle Brandt, Tracey Costescu, Gabriela Diaconu, Joy Ann Kirkwood, Lili Masbough, Dylan Moore, Agata Teodorowicz and Frank Townsley; 3D modelling artist Ghazal Farjoo; clay artists Pauline Doyle, Otto Kamensek and Dan Severance; glass artist Rick Mercer;andMaria Centola, an illustrator.
Blackstock said the instructors' show is a good way for PMAC students toexamine theprofessional craftsmanship of the faculty.
But she also encourages others to take a peek at what's happening at the learning centre and to sign up for classes.
"For children, they really need a creative outlet. They're free with art and it's wonderful to see theirconfidence build."
As for older people, "art keeps them healthy and it's always good to exercise the mind."
The opening reception for the Port Moody Arts Centre instructors' exhibit is Thursday, Jan. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. The show runs until Feb. 13 at the facility located at 2425 St. John's St.
