BIGGS, CA (MPG) - Seven-year-old Anastasia Gutierrez is staying true to the adage “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

After surviving the Camp Fire, the Gutierrez family settled in Biggs. To help Anastasia work through her emotions and fears, she began seeing a therapist. When COVID19 hit “play therapy” with children her own age became virtual zoom art therapy sessions. As a result, Anastasia’s art career flourished.

Mom, Chondra, says that after drawings covered the walls of their home, they knew they had to do something. The idea for the art stand was Anastasia’s.  The spunky artist says, “I just think… I can make really cool pictures. Maybe I can just make my own stand and do it.” And she did!

Mom and Dad, Neithen, are immensely proud of their little entrepreneur and thankful for the community support. So far, Anastasia has sold four customer pieces and is upping production.  Mom says, “I can’t even tell you how many reems of paper I have had to buy! It’s a really good outlet for her.”

Anastasia says that she wants her pictures to make people happy. Subjects include lots of hearts, butterflies, houses, flowers, and “scribbles” as she calls them, in pen, pencil and crayon.  Each custom piece goes for $2 each and Anastasia is saving her earnings. Her art stand is located on the corner of 4^th and Bannock Streets in Biggs, and usually open on Sundays.