Creativity—what is it? How many times were we told that "everyone is CREATIVE?" …and still many of us don’t quite believe this statement. Have you ever wondered, like I have, why young children are eager to create, but once they pass middle school very few continue pursuing art?
Recently, I met an artist, Vladi Nepychnyi, who is not only talented himself, but also has a special way of working with children. He starts his class with asking his students what ideas, styles and materials they want to implement in their creations. From their ideas he creates his curriculum. Vladi likes to say, "I am not teaching children 'how to draw,' rather I help them find and connect with their inner creativity." Vladi introduces new techniques to children when they are ready to "soar" to the next level.
One time, Vladi shared
a story that occurred in his class: “A new student at my school did not want to draw anything. He said that he hated art because someone once told him that he cannot draw. I responded that it would be fun if he drew how much he hated art using any medium he wanted. Time at school goes by very quickly, however. The soft sound of the bell reminded us that class was over, but during break time, the boy came over and asked to work on the “I Hate Art” project. He drew a picture showing how much he hates art.”
Do you want to expose your child to art techniques and mixed media? Do you see your child as a creative soul and want to expose him/her to the arts but in a class that is more free-flowing than rigid? 
Perhaps you will be enamored as I was by Vladi Nepychnyi, who is a contemporary artist and graduate of the School of Fine Arts in Ukraine and Certified Teacher of the International Baccalaureate Visual Arts Program. Vladi knows how to motivate children in their passion to pursue expressive art. Vladi’s works range in mediums from oil paintings, mosaics, reliefs and sculpture. Vladi’s mission is to reach every artist in their own right and empower them to find their “inner creativity.” He is able to inspire, teach, direct, follow and guide students to find their creativity whether it be through photography, sculpture, painting, cartooning or chalk.
To learn more about the class details, go to Exploration Classes at http://ourparentingplace.com. Our Parenting Place is a new program in San Marino embracing the values of emergent hands-on curriculum in a home-like setting located at the Hill Harbison House.
If the class interests you, email or call us at gmoshir@gmail.com
or (626) 588-2945
