Five-year-old Stella Havlish said her biggest inspiration for art comes from nature.
Downtown's Chattanooga WorkSpace is filled to the brim with artists and their creative works - including works from its smallest member: Signal Mountain Christian School kindergartner Stella Havlish.
Chattanooga WorkSpace exists to offer creative professionals affordable studio space and the chance to mingle and collaborate. The first Friday of every month, WorkSpace invites the public in for the same reason, allowing them to meet the artists, peruse their work, ask questions, and buy pieces.
During the open studio nights, the Havlish family, too, opens up their rented space within the building, which actually serves as an office for Stella's father, David, as well as playing host to her art.
"We have a lot of fun with it. I find art provides great opportunities to teach [Stella] about the world, as well as subjects in academics," said her mother, Christy, adding that Stella has been making art since she turned 1.
"It's all experimental, and it's fun to spend time together while she learns things. It enriches her decision skills and teaches her things that she can apply throughout life."
For the family's growing artist, nature is the biggest inspiration. Stella said her family enjoys hiking, and she frequently finds rocks, twigs and leaves to incorporate into her pieces.
"Stella is always finding things for her rock art. My purse stays weighed down with the things she finds," her mother said.
Stella staunchly disagrees with the notion that being an adult is necessary to earn the title of "artist."
"I already am [one]," she said.