Local artist Cathee vanRossem-St. Clairand#8217;s painted eggs have earned national recognition and are prized by collectors throughout the world. Some artists use canvas, others paper, but Cathee vanRossem-St. Clairand#8217;s medium of choice is the fragile eggshell.

St. Clair studied art and philosophy at San Jose State University and explored the works of great Renaissance painters and philosophers while living in Italy.

She researches her subjects extensively. Currently, St. Clair is an artist-in-residence for Arts For The Schools, a North Tahoe nonprofit organization and conducts regular egg-painting workshops for elementary school children. Children learn the art of poetry and create rhythmical lyrics to match their creative art on eggs of many sizes.

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St. Clair states that painting on eggshells presents a unique challenge; one that is humbling and requires an and#8220;altered awareness of composition, perspective and proportion. Nothing can match the mystery of the egg,and#8221; she says, when asked why she prefers this canvas. and#8220;For centuries, this small, protective shell has carried deep significance. It is a universal symbol of life, creation, rebirth, good fortune, transformation and enlightenment. To hold an egg in your hands is like holding a miniature world and#8212; a world no more fragile than the one we live in and#8212; no more fragile than we are.and#8221;

This summer, Cathee will teach an egg-painting workshop, Farm Eggs, at KidZone Museum this summer June 29 to July 3, Monday through Friday, from 1 to 5 p.m.

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The theme complements the museumand#8217;s current exhibit, Lucky Duck Farm and is for students ages 7 to 14. Sign up today and receive a 20 percent discount. Students will paint farm scenes on eggshells and write poems about their creations. There will be an art show and poetry reading for family and friends during the final class.

KidZone Museum is a nonprofit childrenand#8217;s museum dedicated to providing interactive learning through play activities for children. The Museum also offers science and art camps, classes and workshops. Check out the website for more information and hours of operation KidZoneMuseum.org or call 530.587.KIDS (5437). To see Catheeand#8217;s art go to her website at http://www.catheestclair.com.