"Make space for your art, and time to be alone."

Artist Trudy Benson making her first abstract composition at age 10.

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Great artists make artists. And to prove that point, over 70 of today's greatest have contributed their work in support of Children's Museum of the Arts' Emergency Arts Education Fund, establishing utterly ambitious art programs in New York City schools that need them most.

Bidding for the online auction concludes Thursday, October 19 at 12 PM EDT. Bid now. Bid often. Bid here.

Below, meet auction artist Trudy Benson.

Trudy (lower right) making art with her brother, mother, and mother's friend

Do you have a favorite memory of making art as a child?

I went with my dad to work for Take Your Daughter to Work Day around age 10 or 11. Before he retired, my dad was a computer programmer, so I got to sit at his desk and use his computer for part of the day. I made some drawings using MacPaint, and then used his work printer to print them. I was obsessed with the black and white toolbar. Maybe this was the first time I consciously made abstract compositions!

What advice would you give to young artists who wish to pursue an art practice?

Always be making something. Make space for your art, and time to be alone.

How does working with children inspire you?

Children are truly the best artists. My 6 year old niece and I recently collaborated on a small painting together, and she is truly fearless. She reminded me not to be afraid to take risks.

When did you first know you were going to be an artist?

I think I was around 8, though it could have been younger. I feel like I *always* knew.

Can you describe a formative experience visiting a museum or gallery?

My mom took me to Anderson Gallery at Virginia Commonwealth University, which was being used for a contemporary sculpture installation. I have no idea who the artist was, but there was a set of yellow raincoats hung from cartoonish hooks (or so I recall), and I was a bit disturbed by it. In another room was a wall installation of candid polaroids. I was pretty young and I remember thinking that art could be anything.