[The New Regular] Meaghan Laaper | Painting with Fabi

“That was one of the most beautiful things - that people were actually enjoying the time and not giving up their creativity.”

—Fabiola Martinez, Visual Artist & Art Instructor at Painting with Fabi

After the New Brunswick government called for a two-week quarantine, Fabiola had one thing in mind: “We have to advocate for the arts.” Separated from her students and working at home with her two children, Fabiola realized how important it was for everyone to have the chance and space to participate in “creative time.” Taking advantage of the technology at her disposal, Fabiola went live for the first time on her Facebook page on March 16th, starting what would be a two-week endeavour to bring art classes into the homes of children and families.

Fabiola admitted that though she talks in front of her art students all the time, talking in front of a camera felt different. Putting nerves aside, she told herself she couldn’t put it off: “This is my part for the community, and I have to do it.”

Geared towards a young audience, Fabiola provided a suggested list of art supplies. Understanding that many would not have the means to obtain acrylic paints or brushes, she made sure her art classes could be completed using a multitude of supplies. As Fabiola stated, “this is not about the product. It’s about the moment that we are sharing together right now.”

Fabiola was amazed at what her participants accomplished. In her lessons, she explains, “I’m just going to guide you with whatever I have here, and you are going to come up with your own interpretation.” People ran with it. From watercolours to crayons or pencils, everyone brought their own twist.

The weekly live streams continued for two weeks and the videos are still available on Painting with Fabi. When this intensive period came to an end, Fabiola stated “it was a lot of energy, but it was very rewarding, and I am grateful for that.”  The overwhelmingly positive reception has sparked Fabiola to continue the virtual classes, now planning to host a class once a week every Friday at 11 am.

Lucia Cabrera, in front of her personal gallery of artwork competed through Fabiola’s classes

Though the live streams began as a way to connect with her art class and as an activity for herself and her children, families from all over joined in. People were grateful to have the creative practice, many sending donations even though the classes were free. Fabiola also continues to receive artwork digitally, from participants close to home in New Brunswick, and as far away as Quebec, Mexico, Ottawa, and Argentina.

The flood of artwork from her students inspired another project. In collaboration with website developer Erica Waddell, Fabiola will be sharing her students’ artwork in an online community exhibition entitled Together. Partnering with Simple Green Things (an online natural goods company based in Ontario), free "Grow Your Own Greens" kits will also be given to the families involved.   

The art world has always been a social community, and though we may be separated by distance, we can still maintain that social connection. Fabiola is one artist who is learning to navigate the new regular and inspiring others to find creative solutions for a changing society.

—Meaghan Laaper, Staff Writer for CreatedHere

The photos of Fabiola were taken by her son Isaiah Arbeau Martinez, and Lucia’s picture was taken by her mother, Gabriela Cabrera