010: Learning Through Creativity with Kiki Lally

In this episode with Kiki Lally, we talk about learning through creativity and art, especially when you’re feeling stuck. We chat about learning environments that foster creativity, building community and connections, universal design principles to improve access to creative opportunities for persons with disabilities and so much more!  Kiki Lally is the owner and creative director of Pinnovate DIY Studio, an art school and events space for children and adults to create and connect.  Pinnovate opened its doors in 2017 with the hopes of filling the existing gap in children's artistic programming in Calgary. Like many small businesses Pinnovate faced some big challenges in 2020 and had to face multiple studio closures. But with their small but mighty team they began virtual events and classes and even started another business called DIY Delivery. This business ships ready to go DIY crafting kits across North America and recently began a DIY Subscription service for all ages.  Pinnovate has been featured in the Globe and Mail, the Creative Industries International magazine, as well as countless other publications. Recently they were the recipients of the City of Calgary Access and Achievement award as well as the Between Friends outstanding contribution award for their charitable local work throughout our city.   Listen in as we talk about: Bringing together community, creativity and connection. Kiki shares how Pinnovate brings these three very important Cs together. Improving access for people with disabilities. Learn how Kiki and her team are implementing universal design principles to improve access for people with disabilities.  Learning through creativity. How can we learn and grow through creativity? Kiki tells us why it’s so important to bring more creativity into our daily lives. Learning every day. This involves being self-reflective, admitting what you aren’t good at, and using failures as fuel to learn.   Connect with Kiki: Websites: Pinnovate: https://pinnovate.ca DIY Delivery: https://deliverydiy.com Instagram: @pinnovate https://www.instagram.com/pinnovate/ @diydelivery_  https://www.instagram.com/diydelivery_/ Facebook: @pinnovateyyc https://www.facebook.com/pinnovateyyc TikTok: @pinnovate https://www.tiktok.com/@pinnovate YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsX4vk79b-o2uj5AHo3EAgQ   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianafech/ Instagram: @tianafech https://www.instagram.com/tianafech/ Facebook: @tianafech https://www.facebook.com/tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course https://amzn.to/3BujR21      BRINGING TOGETHER COMMUNITY, CREATIVITY, AND CONNECTION Art doesn't have the same barriers or challenges when it comes to making connections in different spaces, especially for those who have disabilities or are newcomers to Canada, for example. Everyone gets to be in the same creative space doing the same projects, and communicate through this shared language. When you foster a loving environment and try to create projects for all niches, ages, demographics and wants. Through art, we have the capability to do something for everybody that doesn't have barriers the same way as other things do.    LOOK WHAT I MADE! The minute you are proud of something that you have created you want to show it off to your partner or your friends. You want to hang it up in your house. Creating is a joyful experience. It can result in the release of endorphins. You use different parts of your brain when you are painting, drawing, or sculpting.  Kiki talks about how this creativity was lost in the previous generation. It was more about technology, IT, and the Internet. However, there is now a renewed interest and appreciation for creativity and the arts.    IMPLEMENTING UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES TO IMPROVE ACCESS During the COVID shut downs, it was really heartbreaking to see adults with dis...