Tuesday, December 31, 2002
This is the second year the Niles boy has exhibited his work at Opening Night Warren.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- Bobby Rappach is fast becoming a veteran of the art world.
His works -- which range from pencil drawings to pieces incorporating pastels and markers -- were first exhibited in March 2001. Since then, he's participated in several local exhibitions and posted his work on various Web sites. He's even submitted stories with illustrations to a few publications.
All this before the tender age of 8.
Bobby, a second-grader at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, is one of the many artists participating in this year's Opening Night Warren.
On display
Several of his pictures will be on display as a part of the 15th annual New Year's Eve Celebration of the Arts in Carl W. Hall Funeral Home, 533 N. Park Ave.
The exhibit is one of many family-oriented activities planned for tonight as part of the annual alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration, which features 26 performing groups and nearly 100 performances of music, dance, magic, storytelling, comedy and art and will run continuously from 5 to midnight.
All performances and exhibits take place inside public buildings and businesses within a four-block area surrounding Courthouse Square in downtown Warren.
Just before midnight, a glowing ball will descend from the top of the Bank One building. A fireworks display will mark the turn of the new year.
The celebration traces its roots to Boston in 1976 and has spread across the country.
At this year's art exhibit, Bobby will represent Mount Carmel School. Last year, he was the youngest participating artist.
It's in his blood
Bobby can't remember a time when he wasn't interested in art.
"I like using different media," the soft-spoken boy said. "I really like pastels and markers."
Bobby said much of his work focuses on his favorite subject, dinosaurs, but his mother, Linda, said his talents have grown since he first began drawing at the age of 21/2.
"His birds have really come a long way, especially things like eagles," she said. "And he does things like dragons now that turn out very nice."
On the Web
His mother said she looked for outlets to encourage Bobby's talents, including finding Web sites for him to display his work. He's submitted stories and illustrations to the "Reading Rainbow" Annual Young Writers' and Illustrators Contest, and even has his own virtual reality gallery on www.artgally.com/bobby.
Like any other young boy, Bobby says he likes to do other things, like play soccer and baseball or have snowball fights, but art is his first love.
"My birthday is Jan. 23, and I am going to ask for more markers," he said. "Mine all broke."
slshaulis@vindy.com