LINDA SHIRLEY IS CREATING A LEGACY IN ARTS EDUCATION IN STEVESTON, BC

Much like any other curriculum or discipline, the arts offer so much opportunity for inner growth in our children and youth. 

Linda Shirley has created a legacy in Arts Education by providing every kind of imaginable opportunity a child or youth in these interconnected disciplines.

Both the Renaissance Academy and The Arts Conservatory in Steveston were an obvious choice when deciding who to feature to support the idea of nurturing the whole person through the arts by providing every kind of imaginable opportunity a child or youth might need to grow in these beautifully interconnected disciplines.

BC PARENT: What does Art Education mean to you?

LINDA: I believe art education is essential because a strictly academic approach to learning fails to nurture a child’s inner creativity.

BC PARENT: I know that you started off as a piano teacher, but did you set out to establish such an amazing arts organization for kids and youth?

LINDA: No I didn’t. After graduating, I continued to study piano for a while and also worked as an elementary school secretary. After marrying and having my first child, I took my sister’s advice, as a professional violinist, and began teaching private music lessons in the community until I could afford to teach at home. This also allowed me to stay at home with my newborn.

BC PARENT:  How did you go from your home based teaching to this beautiful fully integrated arts school you have today?

LINDA: This is a long story but to shorten it, we simply ran out of space over time. We ran out of space at our home and in every location we had afterwards, until we were able to create this location.

We ran out of space time after time. The 100 weekly students outgrew my Richmond home in the 80’s creating the need for more programs at various locations. Eventually, my dream was to unite all programs under one roof so they would all compliment one another.

BC PARENT: How did you come to include a preschool in a conservatory level multi-disciplined arts school?

LINDA:  We were just getting ready to expand and move from our first location to a larger one when a parent said to me, “I wish there was a program for my child to explore the arts so I could determine where their interest lies.” And I realized, that was it! What I needed to do was to start a fine arts based preschool!

We named our first preschool program Paddington Station because it was the one-stop shop for the arts. Much like a real train station, we had the Paddington Bear and the traffic lights with the four different colours, except that ours represented music, art, drama and dance.

Linda Shirley, Founder & Head Of School

BC PARENT:  I absolutely love that you started with the preschoolers. What made you decide to add school-aged programming to your existing preschool curriculum, arts, dance and music classes?

LINDA: Often our preschoolers form strong bonds with their teachers. When they leave us to go to school, we can continue to provide a safe second home while they expand their interests in the arts. My vision has always been to provide a hub of services, offering families childcare, academics, arts and other family-related resources in one location.

BC PARENT: Tell me how your team identifies and supports a child early in your program who has aptitudes for creativity. 

LINDA: When our teaching staff notice a child has a particular aptitude, whether it’s music, dance, drama or art, they can follow up with the specialized instructor in that discipline. Together with their family, we then formulate a plan to offer the child extra support and programming to develop this talent or passion.

All of our arts programming takes place in designated spaces. A child will be taken to one of our music studios for a piano lesson, put on their dance slippers for their dance class in our professional studio, or go to our beautiful atelier for their art lessons.

BC PARENT: And you’re providing them the pathway. That’s amazing. I have not seen that done anywhere else, actually. Can you tell us then what makes a great art educator in any discipline?

LINDA: I think the most important thing is their own personal passion for their art. If they’re passionate about it, that will carry through to their students.

BC PARENT:  Do your teachers in different disciplines have common qualities and goals that you look for?

LINDA: When I’m searching for teachers, I am looking for that passion that I just talked about. I also feel that that passion needs to extend beyond walking in the door, teaching for a couple of hours and walking back out the door. We’re looking for that special teacher who will go above and beyond.

BC PARENT: The level of enrichment that you are offering is very unique, and rare.

LINDA:  I think the level of enrichment that we offer for preschoolers differs from other centers in that we really, really focus on trying to build that inner child, that empathetic future citizen.

BC PARENT: How do you build empathetic future citizens?

LINDA: What we do here that I feel is very special is we involve the children, and their families, in our fundraising activities.

BC PARENT: What does that look like?

LINDA: None of the funds we raise go towards our operating expenses. Instead, all funds are directed back to various community initiative, both locally and internationally. In this way, the children learn about the broader world and how their contributions can make a difference. By contributing, helping and learning about these issues they become empathetic future citizens.

BC PARENT: What are you most proud of when you walk through the front door?

LINDA: I often still marvel at how large this place really is and how busy it is! And sometimes, to be honest, I’m a little bit taken aback myself. I never really thought that what started as a small vision in 1975 would ever grow to this size.

When people ask, “Do you realize the legacy you’ve left in the community?” my response is: “Yes, I have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this place. But at the end of the day, I also feel it’s important to remember that I couldn’t have done it alone. I had a lot of help from my family and friends along the way.”

Linda Shirley

BC PARENT: So do you still teach? 

LINDA:  Yes, I still teach piano and continue to be passionate about it. People often ask, “Why don’t you just give up teaching now…you’re so busy?”, and I’ll just look at them and say, “Are you kidding? That would be the last thing I would ever give up!”

Don’t miss Renaissance Academy Of Learning’s mentions in our recent 2024 Summer Camps Story and our past story on Choosing The Right Early Learning Program For Your Child.

Join us for a summer of growth, creativity, and unforgettable dance experiences!

Unleash your full potential this summer with our dance programs! Beginners can dive into the joy of movement at our welcoming camps, where they’ll explore various styles and build confidence. Meanwhile, experienced dancers can refine their skills at specialized workshops focusing on technique, flexibility, choreography, and performance.

theartsconservatory.ca/summer-dance-classes-in-richmond/

OTHER PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMS TO TAKE NOTE OF ACROSS BC THIS SUMMER!

ARTSCALIBRE ACADEMY

artscalibre.ca

VICTORIA, BC 250-382-3533

Summer Camps – Ages 4-5, 6-8, 9-12 and 9-14

ArtsCalibre Academy supports students in finding their passion and purpose while fostering Artistic Excellence.

We are a Ministry Recognized and Accredited School from PreK To Grade 12.

We see students for who they are and help them thrive. 

Our dynamic and diverse program is designed to challenge students academically, while encouraging exploration and development of their creative artistic talents. 

ArtsCalibre students are:

Engaged in the learning process, Excited and creative learners, Creative artists, Performers and thinkers, Confident leaders who model initiative and are willing to take learning risks.

DEEP COVE MUSIC & ARTS CENTRE

North Vancouver, 604/929-2683 (COVE)

deepcovemusic.com

Deep Cove Music & Arts Centre offers many ways for children to explore their performance arts skills without previous experience required. During Summer Arts Day Camp campers (Ages 6-12) will explore the art of music, acting and filmmaking by creating their own movie and premiering it on the last day! At BandFactory Jam Camps (Ages 7-12) & (Ages 10-18) whether you are a beginner or advanced musician, come explore your instruments through musical games, learning to play your favourite songs or even writing your own original songs! Performance on the last day! 

EJS SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS

Surrey, 604/621-947

ejsfinearts.com

We are a fine arts school in Surrey established in 1999.  We offer Music Lessons, Piano, Guitar, Violin, Cello, Drums , Voice.   Art: Visual & Digital Art Classes.  Dance classes focusing on Hip Hop Fusion, Bollywood.  Musical Theatre Classes for 2024-25  Sleeping Beauty & Sound of Music  Reaching for the Stars  classes for Music, Art, Dance, Theatre for students 5-7 yrs

EVERGREEN CULTURAL CENTRE

Coquitlam, 604/927-6555

evergreenculturalcentre.ca/schedule/

Located next to Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam, Evergreen Cultural Centre is proud to offer live arts events and programs for all ages and abilities. We believe access to the arts is an important part of building vibrant communities, so join us this summer to enjoy FREE outdoor performances, art exhibitions, seasonal camps, community celebrations and more. 

LIGHTS UP MUSICAL THEATRE SCHOOLS

Locations Throughout The Lower Mainland, 1-888/502-5253

lightsuptheatre.ca

At Lights Up, we teach musical theatre skills that help students shine on stage and in all aspects of their lives. We believe the true value of theatre is found in the process, rather than the final production.

Our students learn to work in teams, solve problems, build confidence, and be creative. Friendships are made and confidence is built in every session. Everyone is welcome at Lights Up!

Weekend Classes, After School Programs, Spring & Summer Camps for kids 3-18 across the Lower Mainland, BC

lightsuptheatre.ca * 1-888-502-5253 * info@lightsuptheatre.ca

SURREY CIVIC THEATRES

Surrey, 604/501-5566

surrey.ca/arts-culture/surrey-civic-theatres/surrey-spark-stages

SPARK Weekend of Performing Arts for Kids

May 24-26, 2024 at the Surrey Arts Centre

Join us for a weekend brimming with entertaining performances and activities for kids and families to share. This year we have spectacular shows on tour from Australia, Ireland, the USA and across Canada for babies, toddlers, and tweens. Show tickets include drop-in activities between shows like magic shows, dancing workshops and puppet making. Read all about it at surrey.ca/spark.