Budding Matawan Artist Shows Off Talent at St. Jude's Fundraiser

Jack Gartstein of Matawan answered quickly when asked what he likes most about art class.

"Painting," the five-year-old said with a smile on his face.

A collection of Jack's artwork was on display at "Draw 4 a Cure," an art show and carnival event at Mother Teresa Regional School on Saturday that supported St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Jack has been taking art classes once a week with teacher Deborah Stasiak through the Monmouth County Parks System for about one year now, explained his mother Stacey Gartstein. She thought it would be a fun activity for him to experience.

"I just tried it to see if he would like it because I had read an article that it's supposed to stimulate young brains," she said. "And he really liked it."

But Stacey never thought his five-year-old mind would produce art with such skill.

"It's absolutely amazing. I can't believe he's my kid," Stacey said with a laugh. "Once you frame them, they're incredible."

Jack couldn't settle on a favorite among his collection of sixteen paintings on display.

"All of them," the boy exclaimed when prompted for which he liked best of all.

Jack's family plans to hang several of his paintings in their home now that they are framed.