In the heart of New Westminster, a vibrant space fosters creativity and development in young minds: World of Art Studio, helmed by the passionate Olesia Chyryk. More than just an art class, World of Art offers children a unique opportunity to explore their imagination, hone their fine motor skills, and build valuable social connections.
Olesia’s journey to establishing this creative haven is as inspiring as the colorful beadwork her students craft. Originally from Ukraine, Olesia brought with her a wealth of experience, including her own beading studio and a background in teaching, complemented by two master's degrees in economics and teaching. After moving to Canada six years ago, her desire to work with children and her passion for hands-on activities led her to establish World of Art.
Starting with donation-based beading classes in 2019, Olesia’s initiative quickly blossomed. Word spread, initially within the Russian and Ukrainian-speaking community, and now she proudly welcomes a diverse group of young artists, with approximately 25% or more being English-speaking. This growth is a testament to the engaging and enriching experience Olesia provides.
World of Art offers a variety of creative and development classes for kids, encompassing everything from crafting animals and flowers to designing their own jewelry. These activities are thoughtfully designed to develop fine motor skills and enhance social communication among children, catering to both typical kids and those with special abilities. Olesia’s dedication is evident in her explanation of how beading connects the brain and fingers, highlighting the educational value embedded in the fun.
You might find World of Art’s workshops taking place at the Russian Library on Sixth Street in New Westminster. Olesia also brings her engaging sessions to birthday parties and other locations like church premises or community amenity rooms, showcasing her flexibility and commitment to reaching young learners. Assisting her in these endeavors are her two daughters, her “best helpers,” who earn hourly wages, reflecting Olesia’s belief that all labor deserves to be paid.
While the colorful beads and charming creations might seem purely playful, Olesia emphasizes the deeper benefits of her classes. Beyond the fun, children learn problem-solving, spatial thinking, and the joy of creating their own patterns – a significant achievement Olesia finds incredibly rewarding. This educational aspect sometimes gets overlooked, as some parents might compare her classes to simple playrooms, not fully recognizing the skill development involved. However, for a reasonable price of around $30 for a two-hour session (including all materials, rent, and her daughters' salaries), children gain so much more than just an afternoon of fun.
Olesia’s favorite aspect of her studio workshops is the vibrant atmosphere where children can communicate, make friends, and socialize, which she finds particularly important for kids with special abilities. Witnessing these connections and the children’s creativity brings her immense joy. Even managing the boundless energy of some of the younger boys presents a fun challenge, and the initial apprehension before each class quickly fades as she witnesses the children’s engagement.
For those looking to ignite their child's creativity and support a passionate local business owner, finding World of Art is easy. Olesia encourages you to visit her Facebook page, "World of Art" where you can find more information, including her phone number, email address, and Instagram details. She also places her business cards at local establishments like Banette Brunch Bakery, Full Basket, and Imprinta in New Westminster. Keep an eye out for upcoming workshops, though the schedule is currently lighter due to Olesia’s studies and personal commitments, with hopes to expand in the summer.
By choosing World of Art, you're not just signing your child up for an art class; you're investing in their development, fostering their creativity, and supporting a dedicated local entrepreneur who pours her heart and soul into enriching the lives of young people in our community. Discover the magic of beading and so much more at World of Art – a true gem in New Westminster!