When Coral Anderson,  an 11-year-old resident of Edmonds, was in the second grade, she and her classmates were assigned to draw the particular insect they had chosen to study. As her mother Janna explains, “She picked the dragonfly. When I saw her piece, I was blown away by what she had accomplished.”

At the time Coral was only 7 years old. That is when Janna Anderson knew that her daughter had a special gift that needed to be expressed and shared with others.

Asked if she would be interested in taking some art classes, Coral promptly responded, “No!” Then, when asked if she would be open to one-on-one classes, she said, “Yes!”

By the time Coral was 9 years old, her mother found elementary school teacher and artist Rebecca Stout. Besides guidance from Stout, Coral explores Pinterest “for ideas and inspirations for all things crafty, artistic and fun,” her mother explains.

The young artist prefers the media of watercolor and decoupage (with several types of materials). Her art is now available on cards for sale at Salon 512 (512 5th Ave. S.) through Dec. 31, and may soon be on Etsy.com.

One of Coral’s friends has found her way to the doorstep of Stout’s art classes and, according to Coral’s mother, “it has been fun for the girls to encourage each other in their creative talents.”

So, if you are strolling 5th Avenue in need of thank you notes for those holiday gifts – stop by Salon 512 and select one of Coral Anderson’s creative, colorful note card packets.

— By Emily Hill