Education
Art education and creative development
Ukrainian Studies develops educational and art programs for children, youth and adults in Calgary, Canada, combining academic approaches to art education, contemporary creative practice and the study of Ukrainian cultural heritage.
Our educational work aims to develop creative abilities, artistic thinking and practical art skills, and to deepen the understanding of Ukrainian culture in the context of world art.
Programs run as systematic study, individual and group lessons, creative workshops and cultural and educational leisure activities.
At the heart of our approach is the individual — their creative potential, interest in art and opportunity for self-expression, regardless of age or previous experience.
Directions
Main areas of the educational program
Visual arts
Visual arts classes combine practical mastery of artistic techniques with the development of visual thinking, observation, composition skills and an individual creative language.
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The program covers drawing, painting, composition and a variety of means of artistic expression.
Teaching is adapted to the age and level of the participants — from the first steps in art to an in-depth study of academic foundations.
For youth and adults aged 16 and over, there are practical classes in academic drawing and painting, focused on artistic skill and an understanding of form, proportion, colour, light and shade, and the principles of composition.
Theatre arts
The theatre program offers a space for creative self-expression through stage work, interaction and artistic interpretation.
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Classes develop imagination, emotional expressiveness, communication skills, self-confidence and the ability to work in a creative team.
Special attention is given to theatre as a means of cultural communication and an introduction to Ukrainian artistic traditions.
Ukrainian dance
The dance program covers Ukrainian social and folk dance as important parts of a living cultural tradition.
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Classes develop musicality, a sense of rhythm, coordination, expressive movement and the skills of dancing in pairs and in a group.
Through dance, participants discover Ukrainian culture, its regional features and traditions of shared leisure.
Art school
Age groups and learning formats
Ukrainian Studies educational programs are open to children, teenagers, youth and adults.
Classes are organized according to age, level, learning needs and creative interests of the participants.
Current age groups
5–10
years
A first introduction to art: creative imagination, artistic perception and basic skills.
11–16
years
Building artistic competence, mastering techniques and developing individual creative potential.
17–21
years
In-depth art training, developing a personal artistic vision and refining practical skills.
22–60
years
Art education, creative self-fulfilment, academic and personal practice for adults.
Lessons are held in group and individual formats.
Participants can choose systematic art training or join classes as a form of creative development and meaningful leisure.
Partnership and lectures
Institutional partnership
An important part of the work of Ukrainian Studies is building partnerships with Ukrainian community, cultural and educational organizations in Canada.
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As part of this partnership, Ukrainian Studies teaches visual arts at the Colonel Yevhen Konovalets Calgary Branch of the Ukrainian Youth Association (CYM).
The program covers children and youth aged 5 to 17, as well as older participants and adults.
Participants aged 16 and over can attend practical classes in academic drawing and painting.
This partnership helps create an accessible Ukrainian cultural and educational environment, supports creative initiatives and strengthens ties between generations of the Ukrainian community.
History of Ukrainian art
For adult participants aged 18+, we hold classes on the history of Ukrainian art in the context of world art.
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The program deepens knowledge of the Ukrainian artistic heritage, its historical development, stylistic diversity and connections with European and world cultural traditions.
Classes help to see Ukrainian art as an integral part of world culture, to develop skills in analysing works of art and to form a broader view of the history of art.
Workshops
Creative workshops and traditional crafts
Ukrainian Studies regularly holds themed creative workshops dedicated to traditional Ukrainian crafts, decorative and applied arts, and contemporary interpretations of cultural heritage.
- PysankaThe symbolism, ornamental traditions and decoration techniques of the Ukrainian Easter egg.
- VytynankaThe art of decorative paper cutting: traditional and contemporary compositions.
- Ornaments from plant materialsThe tradition of making ritual straw ornaments and their symbolic meaning.
- PaintingTraditional painting techniques on surfaces of various materials.
- Ukrainian folk costumeThe principles of design and the construction and decorative features of traditional dress.
- Embroidery and decorative techniquesOrnaments, materials and methods of artistic decoration.
- BeadworkDecorative items and jewellery made with traditional and contemporary beading techniques.
The range of workshops keeps growing, covering many areas of folk and contemporary decorative art.
The workshops combine hands-on creative work with learning about the cultural context, symbolism and history of Ukrainian traditions.
Schedule
Class schedule
The art school runs during the week outside school hours, so art education can be combined with regular studies or work.
The exact class time depends on the age group, the program and the format of participation.
- Weekdays4:00–7:30 pm
- Saturday12:00–7:00 pm
Join us
Join the Ukrainian Studies educational programs
We invite children, youth and adults to discover the world of art, creativity and Ukrainian cultural heritage.
Whether you are looking for systematic art training, want to improve your artistic skills or simply need a space for creative leisure, our programs offer room to grow and express yourself.
Sign up for a trial class by filling in the registration form. It is a chance to get to know the learning environment, choose a direction and learn more about the program.