Slava Hussin hosted her first ever art exhibit at 44 Gaukel in Kitchener — and she’s making the local Kurdish refugee community proud.
The 13-year-old has dreamed about having her own exhibit since she came with her family to Canada from Syria as a six-year-old refugee.
“When we came here, I realized I had more opportunities here,” she said. “I started liking [art] because I feel like you can explore your feelings into it and describe how you feel.”
She said news of her exhibit travelled fast among community members.
“My friends actually think this is pretty cool and they’re all waiting to see all of this. They even texted me non-stop all day,” she said.
“They’re like just waiting to see all these arts and stuff. And some people that have known when we first came, they’ve been texting me saying that they’re so proud of all of this and that they’re really proud that I got it.”
Community and family support
Her art teacher, Nehad Abdelkader, said he recognized her talent soon after her family moved to Waterloo region.
“About five years ago, I saw her when she was a little girl. I saw she had a talent for drawing,” he said. “She likes colour.”
He said as a local Kurdish community member himself, he felt it was important to give the young artist the guidance she needed to succeed.
Hussin says she’s inspired by forests, cottages, flowers and bright colours.
Hussin said her six younger siblings have been very supportive and excited to see her fulfil her dreams.
“I also kind of want them to succeed in life as well. I just want them to find their own way and path in life so they can also be successful,” she said.
“It shows people that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, you can always succeed if you like something.”
