Influencer Katie Lolas shares touching tribute after sister's tragic death
Instagram influencer Katie Lolas has opened up about her "kind-hearted, funny and generous" sister Nadia, who passed away unexpectedly in January 2021.
Nadia was one of the founding artists of Studio A, and a long-term member of Studio ARTES (@studioartes). She also lived with autism.
To honour and share her sister’s life, Katie has teamed up with Studio A and Studio ARTES to design a new range of products featuring Nadia’s artworks.
“There aren’t words adequate enough to express how much my sister Nadia meant to me," Katie tells Yahoo Lifestyle.
"There aren’t words adequate enough to express how valued she was, and always will be.
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"What I can say, though, is that she changed everyone’s life she met for the better.
"She had a vivacious passion for life and a remarkable ability to transfer this energy onto the canvas.
"Her creative, talented, fun, warm and bubbly spirit is missed by all who were lucky enough to know her," Katie continues.
"She was a bright light. The epitome of kindness, illuminating only love and joy and I wish I shared more of her talent while she was still here.
"I wish more of this world got to encounter the beautiful person that she was."
To keep her memory alive and give back to the community that gave her and so many other young adults with unique abilities so much happiness, Katie will be releasing a small range of her artwork prints, and memorabilia, with all proceeds going to Studio A and Studio ARTES.
Studio helps artists shine
Katie previously told her Instagram community: “During her time at Studio A and Studio ARTES, Nadia created striking artwork and equally strong friendships.”
Studio A is a Sydney-based social enterprise and arts company that makes great art and tackles the barriers artists living with intellectual disability face in accessing conventional education, professional development pathways and opportunities to be successful visual artists.
Studio ARTES was established in 2000 and empowers adults living with disabilities through creative development and expression.
The organisation provides tailor-made creative and life skill programs through digital platforms and in studios across Sydney.
Each of the items for sale in the fundraiser has been ethically made and printed in Sydney, Australia. They are available for shipping, internationally.
Speaking about Nadia's artworks on Instagram, Studio A said: “The range features three of Nadia's artworks, one of which is titled Ramsey St, inspired by her love of the television show Neighbours.”
Tea towels, notebooks, tote bags, and fine art prints for your home or a Christmas gift can be purchased from the Studio A shop.
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