Young artist finds inspiration in father’s artistic career, meeting people
Growing up with an artist father meant Olive Ribaudo was surrounded by art. She not only got to know the art he made, but while traveling the family would always visit museums.
“I grew up seeing a lot of versions of what art can be,” the 14-year-old Riverside resident said.
It was the coronavirus pandemic, however, that inspired Ribaudo to start creating her own art. Looking for something to do that did not involve being on a computer, she began crocheting and making jewelry. Once things began to reopen, the family began traveling to “Volkswagen campouts.” These unique camping and car show events bring Volkswagen enthusiasts from around the country together.
“When we went to camp in our bus this past spring, I started vending at Volkswagen shows,” Ribaudo said. “My first time vending my crafts was this spring at the VW Spring Picnic & Campout at Featherly Park, and then again at Blackstar Campout at Prado. I was surprised that people actually bought the stuff I made.”
When the downtown Riverside Artswalk returned July 1, Ribaudo decided to take things a step further and made her first appearance under the vendor name “Tate’s Trinkets.”
“I used to see the vendors when my family would go to Artswalk,” she said. “My dad would always tell me that his students were the ones who started vending on the corner.”
The event, which takes place the first Thursday of each month, began in 2002 with museums, galleries and studios opening their doors to the public. Individual artists began setting up on the corner of University and Lemon, which eventually led to the vendors being housed in the parking lot at that same corner.
Ribaudo is the youngest vendor in the lot. She has set up under the watchful eye of her parents each of the three months Artswalk has been back.
“I’ve been having fun and meeting new people,” she said. “I’m thankful that I have this opportunity to do this at a young age. I recognize that I’m lucky that my dad has been active in the Riverside art scene, so he knew how to sign up for it.”
Ribaudo has also exhibited her work as part of one of her father’s shows at SCA Gallery in Pomona, adding her own installation. She also had her digital work in the Riverside Unified School District virtual art show this past year.
The arts are something that Ribaudo enjoys as a way to express herself and take a break from the things she has to do and learn in school.
“I’ve seen some weird art with my parents, and both my mom and dad have always taught us to question what art is, so I really think that art is a way for all of us to have a voice,” she said.
Ribaudo also likes reading, hiking and taking pictures.
“And I love cats,” she said. “And Volkswagens. I have lots of pictures of cats and Volkswagens.”
A student at Riverside Poly High School, Ribaudo joined the cross-country team, so she has been doing a lot of running.
“It’s a cool way to relieve stress and be out in nature,” she said. “I also like thrifting and going to yard sales. Our family likes to go thrifting together, and it’s even more fun in an old VW.”
Ribaudo is focusing on school and is enjoying learning American Sign Language. In addition to crocheting and making jewelry, she also would like to learn more about digital art.
“I hope to continue doing Artswalk so I can keep meeting people and maybe sell affordable crafts to people who like the same stuff I do,” she said. “As for the long term, I plan to go to college, possibly for art. And the idea of studying abroad intrigues me.”
Information: Instagram @tates.trinkets.