The Pod Arts for Kids in East Vancouver

Often I discover new things as I walk around my neighbourhood, and a few weeks back I noticed a new poster outside the big green house beside The Cultch, at Venables and Victoria Drive.  As we went past a few phrases jumped out at me – “Art for kids between 4-14” and “Opening soon!”  This past week Beatrice and I went to check out The Pod.

Silkscreening for Preschoolers

The Pod offers a selection of different classes for different age groups, in both the morning and the afternoon, including book arts, textiles, printing, painting and explorations in art, a mix of art history and experiential learning about art.  The class Bea and I attended was a Saturday afternoon Print Arts class, for preschoolers and a parent or other adult to attend together.  Carlin welcomed us warmly and described our project, which was a silkscreened t-shirt for the kids to take home.  With three kids and two parents, the class was nice and small, so we got a lot of one-on-one attention and the freedom to work at our own pace.

Arts on the East Side

The Pod is a welcome addition to the selection of classes and activities available for kids in East Van.  Being able to walk to the majority of our activities and errands is something I’m working towards, and I love to be able to support my neighbours and get to know the people running my kid’s classes.  The Pod definitely meets these requirements for me.  The Pod has a homey vibe and a really relaxed, friendly space.

Birthday Parties and Date Nights

In addition to their regular class offering, including sewing for 11- to 14-year-olds and knitting for the 7 to 10 set, The Pod also offers a Friday Night Date Night between 6-8pm every Friday.  This is a chance for parents to drop the kids off to play at the craft table, watch a kid-friendly movie and munch popcorn, giving mom and dad a chance to get out for a meal on their own.   The Pod also offers original birthday parties, such as making tie-dye t-shirts or fancy party dresses from modified Value Village frocks.

In the end, Bea’s silkscreened t-shirt turned out great.  It was the perfect project to do together – some things required an adult’s dexterity but most of it was easy enough for Bea to do on her own.  And, most importantly, she wore her shirt proudly as part of her “best outfit” this week.

The Pod Art for Kids

1885 Venables Street, Vancouver

www.thepodarts.com | 778-881-7746