Sharing Their Gifts With The Community

Q & A with Dragana C., mom to Classy Cucumber Dalia and Village Alum Danijela and future Villager Danica

Tell us what center you’re leading this year! How does that tie in with your personal passions, creative gifts, and background?
This is our 9th year leading centers at Village, and every year has been a great experience. I’ve done Cooking, Ancient Rome, Technojournalism, and Agriculture, to name a few, and this year I am leading upper grade Calligrafiti. I’m always excited for the current center, and for next year’s center! Calligraffiti is a composite of Calligraphy and Graffiti. I love art and writing, and I’m having a lot of fun with kids as they explore these writing and art styles.

How does it make you feel to share a little bit of your creative world with the children?
There is honestly no other job I’d rather do at Village than teach a center. From day one I wished to lead centers, and for as long as centers are around (always I hope), and as long as we’re at Village, I don’t think we’d trade a center lead’s job for anything else. Meeting so many kids, and getting to know them better while teaching new skills, is an amazing experience filled with lasting memories. Also, working with many talented and kind co-lead and aide parents in forming and refining a curriculum, as well as collaborating during team-spirited weekly in-class experiences, has all been great.

Do you have any words of wisdom or advice for budding young crafters, artists, and lettering enthusiasts?
I suggest that young artists be curious and bold in exploring something new, put time into practicing, and let their imagination run free.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I encourage new and veteran parents to try aiding in a center — maybe subbing for an aide or even for a lead, at least once while at Village. They may find or revive their passion(s) through centers!