"I like to make those flowers," she says with a face streaked in blue and yellow.

Joshua Medina, 4, Madison's classmate at Tuvia School, located at Temple Menorah in Redondo Beach, says he "just likes to paint." His favorite part about his art class is when "they make projects that I [can] take home."

So where do these children go to learn so much about art? Actually, the class comes to them.

For two years, Art To Grow On Children's Art Center Inc., a Torrance-based company, has helped teach children and adults alike the benefits of creating art. Last year, the center's founder, Lauren Perelmuter, decided to take her art classes on the road across the South Bay, including the Peninsula.

Perelmuter has watched as her company has spread into many parts of the community. She brings her colorful, hands-on show to such diverse groups as Congregation Ner Tamid preschool, the 1736 Family Crisis Center and private birthday parties.

"Business is doing great...because I think we're filling a void in the local schools. You can see a dramatic shift in the schools toward academics and away from the arts," says Perelmuter. "There is definitely a need."

Karen November, who directs the Tuvia School, agrees.

"We've had as many as 30 children enrolled in Lauren's art classes," says November. "It's not a typical class. Lauren uses a wonderful technique, letting the kids use different tools and materials. She teaches a bit of the history and shows the kids the pictures of famous artwork.

"My 4-year-old daughter took her class last spring," November adds. "I'll take her to a museum and she'll point out the Monets."

When Art To Grow On began in the fall of 2000, Perelmuter had a dedicated site in Torrance where she held classes nearly every day of the week. But, she says, the center began getting offeres from companies and schools to hold offsite classes.

Now, with (many) clients under her belt and more to come -- Perelmuter says the Peninsula Montessori School in Rancho Palos Verdes has shown interest -- the door is open for children to gain hands-on experience in art.

"I didn't want a drawing school," says Perelmuter, who draws upon her personal experiences in art and business. "This is focused on letting the children express twhat and how they see the world. There is no right or wrong. It helps a child increase his risk-taking... Really, the bottom line is focusing on improving a child's self-esteem."

The mobility of her business allows Perelmuter and her six employees to take the show wherever it is needed.

This Saturday, Art To Grow On will feature a free art workshop at the opening of Borders Books and Music in The Avenue of the Peninsula. Kids will have a chance to make and take home collage frames colored in glittery paint.

"Lauren's not just a business person, she's very, very talented," says Borders Marketing Manager Jan Wagner, a freidn of Perelmuter's for years. "I remember her store looking like Disneyland, all colorful and larger than life. I think we have a lot of similar ideas on children and teaching."

At the 1736 Family Crisis Center. Perelmuter brings her expertise to victims of domestic violence.

"Many of these kids have nothing but what can fit in their backpacks. When we show up and they see a table full of art supplies, they're amazed," she says. "It's very gratifying for me. All children need art, but when someone doesn't even have a home, it turns out a little more fulfilling.

"And you'd be surprised," she adds. "The artwork the kids at the shelter produce is pretty joyful. Lots of colors, fields and sunsets."

Perelmuter is no stranger to Palos Verdes. In her youth, she studied under Gemma, whose art studio was once located in Malaga Cove, and Dan Pinkham, and RPV resident and noted plein-air painter. She has studied from San Francisco to Paris.

She also finds a need for art among adults, andholds what she calls "Art Stress Buster" and "Mom's Club" classes in Maggie's General Store and Cafe in Torrance.

"Sometimes art has a greater effect on adults because of all the judgments we have before we walk into a class, because we live in such a result-oriented society," she says. "Many will say they don't know how to draw, but we tell them just do it, jus tput your paint on the paper. By the end of the class, they find they're surprised with themselves."

And Perelmuter is using today's technology to spread the message that art is vital for personal development. She will soon appear on "Story Island," produced by Torrance Cable Communications, with 10 minutes of each show dedicated to arts and crafts.

"Anything is possible in art," she says.



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