news-record.com

The Kiefaber Studio of Fine Arts is celebrating 20 years of classical art with its annual student exhibit Sept. 21-22.

Anne Kiefaber, who originally taught classical art in Baltimore, moved to Greensboro in 1986 and opened her studio in 1988 with only two students -- her son, Will, and his friend.

"When we moved here, I didn't really know a lot of people," Kiefaber said. "Then Will came to me, and said he and his friend Bruce were interested in taking classes."

The class began to grow over time by word of mouth, she said.

The studio Kiefaber opened at her home at 909 Fairgreen Road is now home to about 40 students.

The studio she started in the garage was expanded in 2005 to accommodate her growing class.

"It was quite cramped before, but it's completely different now," she said. "I teach in classical style, which means kids, as well as adults, can learn a lot of drawing techniques.

"We start them with charcoal, using still-life objects such as pottery and vegetables. It really helps develop the eye for art."

Although she normally requires her students to be at least 8 years old before taking her classes, Kiefaber said her youngest student is 6.

"For the kids, we do a lot of alternating between still-life and animals, because young children can get bored," she said. "But they have done some really nice work."

Many of her students stick with the craft and continue to develop by learning to paint with oils and watercolors.

Kiefaber said she has a lot of students from area high schools, who have developed classical portfolios for universities and art schools across the nation.

"My adult students have also done well," Kiefaber said. "Ann Hooker is one who is represented at the Yew Tree Gallery on Elm Street, and another young lady sold four paintings in her first show. This in unusual in the first show, so I was very proud."

The studio's 20th anniversary student exhibit will feature work by each of her students.

"I am just so proud, and they are excited to have their work on display," she said.

Contact Adria Hairston at 883-4422, Ext. 244 or adria.hairston@news-record.com