In2BIGart on until June In2art Gallery in Oakville is featuring work from Canadian and American artists as part of a show that runs until this summer. The In2BIGart show and sale runs until June 30. It will feature large-scale pieces from various artists. Individual artists' pieces will be up for two weeks and then other works will be put in their place as part of a rotation. Local artist Amanda Reeves will have her work displayed at the gallery in March. The gallery is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It is open on Tuesday by appointment. It is located at 136 Church St. in unit 2A. For more information, visit www.in2artgallery.com. 21 · Wednesday, February 24, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Speak up! You can comment on any story in today's Oakville Beaver at oakvillebeaver.com. ERIC RIEHL / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER NEW IN THE BUSINESS: Five of the young authors who collaborated to write the book Mystery at the Blue Whale and its editor participated in the recent book launch at Boston Pizza. Pictured are, from left, Owen Campbell, Ethan Rolle, Emma Harris (the book's editor), Jada Nakamoto, Yasmine Haik and Jessica Mason. Happy to be published By Karen Majerly SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Grade 5 student Yasmine Haik won't soon forget she became a published author on Family Day 2010. The student from École Forest Trail is one of nine elementary students who contributed to Mystery at the Blue Whale, a story set around the Winter Olympics. On Family Day, she and the other authors and their families celebrated the book launch at Boston Pizza Dorval Crossing. Haik says she reads a lot and always checks the back of the book for information about the author. "I think I want to be an author when I grow up," she said. "And this is my first step." Kids for Kids Books is behind the endeavour that has these kids excited about books. The local publisher is known for its in-school Young Author Publishing Adventure Program, which has already published the work of more than 25,000 students. When the online authoring project began in October 2009, children like Haik voted on the setting and type of story. Once the scene was set, students wrote what they thought should be the next chapter. Entries were evaluated by the team at Kids for Kids Books, with a new chapter posted every couple of weeks. Haik told the audience that she couldn't have done it without her teacher. "She's a really good writer," she said. "And she gives everyone credit for their work. You feel encouraged." That special lady is Maggie Murphy, who came to the launch to support her student. "I focus on writing a lot in the classroom, encouraging them to use vivid language." Murphy said. "I'm just so proud of her." The Family Day celebration included recognition for the authors and young editor, Emma Harris, as well as readings by the authors. On March 7, Kids for Kids Books will host an author's workshop for children aged 10-14. Visit www.kidsforkidsbooks.com or call 905338-5322.