Kids Los Angeles - January 26, 2009

Brushstrokes of Genius

Katherine Chiu Family Portraits

You blinked and your little blob turned into a person with a personality.

Get in some face time (while she’ll still let you) with a modern family portrait by artist Katherine Chiu.

A graphic designer and private art teacher by day, Chiu offers an insightful look at your brood. Influenced by folklore and the Victorian era, each painting captures your family dynamics in a fairy tale-esque tableau.

Unlike with other portrait artists, there are no long, stiff sittings or forced smiles — Chiu snaps lots of photos as inspiration for her masterpieces.

So you won’t even see it coming.

Katherine Chiu Portraits (626-827-5104 or katherinechiu.net).

HEAR
The Hollow Trees
What: Foot-tapping Americana melodies for the whole family. Two bucks per kid; grown-ups pay five.
Why: Get in touch with your roots.
When: Sat. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.; concert starts at 11 a.m.
Where: American Legion Hall, 2109 Merton Ave., at Caspar Ave., Eagle Rock (323-356-7496).

CELEBRATE
Golden Dragon Parade
What: Ring in the Year of the Ox with floats, marching bands, and firecrackers. Grandstand seats available for $27.
Why: The yoke’s on you.
When: Sat., 2 p.m.
Where: Parade starts at the intersection of Cesar Chavez & Broadway, Chinatown. Map online at lagoldendragonparade.com. For seats, call 213-617-0396.

SHOP
Marie-Chantal
What: Petite suits and frocks fill the racks at the Crown Princess of Greece’s first LA outpost.
Why: Royally cute.
When: Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 338 N. Beverly Dr., b/t N. Santa Monica & Wilshire Blvds. (310-550-1401).