Creativity makes us stronger

"Sometimes, it’s not the paintings that stay with me — it’s the quiet, beautiful changes I see in the people holding the brushes."- Taya Danchenko, Manager at Art Academica

The other day, I stayed back after one of our workshops, cleaning up brushes when I noticed something that made me pause. At one table, a 10-year-old boy had been struggling all lesson to get his drawing "just right." Across from him, a 40-year-old woman — a beginner, just like him — was also working on her piece. Yes we have classes for both kids and their parents. You are welcome to join.

At first, they were both a little restless, making mistakes, even getting frustrated.

But then… they both laughed about a smudge. They swapped a few ideas.

They leaned back in their chairs, breathed a little easier, and kept going — slower, more focused.

And it hit me again:

Art doesn’t just teach us how to draw or paint.

It teaches us how to keep trying. How to listen, adapt, encourage, and trust ourselves.

 Creativity and Problem-Solving

Watching that boy decide to turn his “mistake” into a shadow, and that woman turn her paint drip into a river — that’s real creativity.

The World Economic Forum even says creativity is now one of the top skills kids (and adults!) need for the future.

 Patience and Resilience

Art teaches patience in the softest, most natural way.

Psychologists say making art lowers cortisol levels — and honestly, after an hour of painting, you can see the difference in every smile and relaxed shoulder.

 Listening and Communication

In every class, we don’t just create — we share, listen, and inspire each other. Whether it’s a six-year-old showing a dragon sketch, or an adult explaining why they chose a certain color — art helps us find our voices.

 Collaboration and Empathy

I’ve seen kids cheer for a classmate's painting. I’ve seen adults high-five after finishing a tough piece.

A 2020 study by the University of Arkansas found that arts education boosts empathy and tolerance. I believe it — I see it every single day.

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So if you ever wonder if that little “art time” matters —It does. It grows resilience, creativity, empathy, and patience — the soft skills that carry us through life.