Find Your Creative Sanctuary at Art House Atelier in Prague

Imagine a place where each brushstroke shares a story—of overcoming, of imagination, and of different cultures coming together. That’s the essence of the story I discovered through my conversations with Maya Sibai, a remarkable woman whose life’s journey combines the warmth of Syrian traditions and the artistic roots of Czech heritage. 

Facing the daunting challenges of war and personal adversity, Maya didn’t just seek refuge; she created a sanctuary of expression in the form of an art school, the Art House Atelier. Through her eyes, I saw how art can heal and unite us, making her school a special place where everyone, no matter their age or background, can find peace and a sense of community.

Let’s take a closer look at Maya’s path and see how her art school has become a haven for so many people.

The Birth of the Art House Atelier

Born and raised in Syria, within a fusion of Czech and Syrian cultures, Maya was nurtured in an environment where art and expression were daily bread, thanks to her mother’s artistic influence and her own passion for architecture. 

However, the war in Syria and subsequent personal challenges, including a pivotal move while pregnant and caring for her young daughter, led her back to Prague, searching for safety and a fresh start.

“It was really difficult for me to start my architecture career here because I had just freshly graduated and I was pregnant,” shares Maya, “But my mom was teaching here for a few years in an art school, so we put our heads together and said, okay, why don’t we start our own thing? Now we are two.”

And in 2018, they opened the Art House Atelier in Prague 1. It was a leap of faith into empowering others through art. With this step, Maya not only reclaimed her narrative but also extended a hand to others to find their voice and sanctuary.

Business in a Different Culture

Starting their own school came with a built-in advantage; Maya’s mom had been teaching art here for years, building strong bonds with her students. Word of their new venture spread quickly among these familiar faces. They eagerly shared the news with their friends, family, and acquaintances, helping the community grow right from the start.

But adjusting to the European way of doing business was a whole new challenge for Maya.  “It was really difficult for me to understand the cultural differences of running a business. That, okay, here it’s common to pay by credit card, not cash, you need to have a website… In Syria, we used social media and websites only for personal purposes, not for business. It felt like a different world, so we needed time to absorb everything.”

This was when she first started exploring digital platforms, crucial for reaching more people and making her art school known in Prague. Maya quickly learned to use these online tools, not just for advertising but as a way to build her art school’s community. This mix of old and new ways of connecting with people helped their school grow.  

Crafting a Safe Haven

The philosophy of the Art House Atelier is rooted in the belief that art is not just about learning to draw or paint; it’s a path to healing and a way to find belonging. 

“People who come to our courses feel comfortable to open up, to talk about their ups and downs. They say that when they stand in front of the canvas they separate themselves from all the problems, all the stress that they had all week long, and they have these three hours to just relax.”

This unique approach to art education has drawn people from all walks of life to Maya and Maria’s school. They come not only for the art but for the atmosphere of understanding, support, and connection. Maya and Maria’s dedication to individual attention ensures that each student, whether a 6-year-old child or someone over 100, feels seen, heard, and valued. 

“In our classes, it’s not uncommon to see a diverse group, each working on something completely different, with different material, yet all sharing the same supportive space,” Maya explains. “ When you come to us we talk to you, we understand what you want, what you need, what will make you happy and we take it from there.” 

Join the Canvas at the Art House Atelier

Maya and Maria’s Art House Atelier is a welcoming place for anyone looking to explore their creativity and connect with others. Each class offers a chance to dive into your artistic side and discover something new about yourself. The school provides a variety of courses and workshops, making it easy for anyone to find something that matches their interests and skill level, from painting and drawing to more specialized art forms.

What truly sets the school apart is the simple but powerful business lesson at its core: listening to people and understanding their needs. Maya believes in creating a connection with each person who walks through her door. “They’re not just a number or a client; they’re individuals with lives and dreams,” she says.

If you’re looking for a place to start your art journey, to grow, and to find a community that cares, the Art House Atelier is waiting for you. Reach out and book a session today. Discover the joy of art and the strength of community, all while being truly heard and seen.

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