At Sawyer we have the privilege of working with hundreds of inspiring educators around the country. The curricula always foster enriching atmospheres for children of all ages to discover their love of learning and grow as people.
We got the opportunity to chat with Yael Lichaa, Founder, Managing Director, and arts teacher at RAZ Land, an art center that helps children and adults in Los Angeles unlock their creativity through art. In our conversation, we learned more about the benefits of out-of-school enrichment activities, inspiring moments in and out of the classroom, and so much more.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! I’d love to hear a bit more about you and why you started your business.
Since I was six years old, I dreamed of a “one-stop” place where I could simply create - without sitting through rigid 45-minute lectures. I imagined a vibrant, hands-on space filled with materials to paint, sculpt, woodworking, fashion design, music, acting, and filmmaking, all happening in different rooms under one roof. Growing up in Kyiv in the 1970s and '80s, that place didn’t exist - and even years later in America, I still couldn’t find it. So I decided to build it myself.
Can you describe an inspiring moment you’ve had as an educator?
The most inspiring moments are when children arrive excited and leave reluctantly, saying RAZ Land is better than school. That kind of joy tells me we’re creating something meaningful. It means we've built a space where creativity feels like freedom, and learning feels like play.
What’s the most rewarding thing about teaching children?
Seeing children create projects far beyond what I could imagine myself is the greatest reward. They tap into an endless well of creativity, free from judgment or limits - and that is pure magic. It reminds me that my role isn’t to direct their ideas, but to nurture the conditions where their imagination can thrive.
What’s one time a child surprised you and made your day?
Honestly, I’m surprised every day by the imagination children bring when given the right tools, guidance, and freedom. One day, 7-year-old Ava made a fabulous purse using donated upholstery fabric, box filler, a button, and a pipe cleaner. Another girl, age 9, created a full set of athletes using materials I would never have thought of - true outside-the-box thinkers.
On a similar note, what’s the funniest thing a child has done in your class?
A 9-year-old boy once built a 3-by-6-foot panda out of discarded shoe boxes - just before they were about to be thrown away. It was a brilliant recycling idea. The funniest part? He insisted on bringing it home after he finished making it, in his small apartment. His parents had to borrow a car to fit it in, and were so happy later to give it back to us for our summer cultural exhibition!
Why is after school/extracurricular enrichment and camp so important for children?
At RAZ Land, we believe creativity is a life skill - one that builds confidence, resilience, and the ability to solve problems from new angles. After-school programs and camps give children space to expand their perspective, strengthen their brain in playful ways, and express themselves beyond academic constraints. Through art and storytelling, we help them become not just better students, but compassionate thinkers and changemakers in every area of life.
How do you think children can discover their passions when they’re not in school or your programs?
Limit screen time and invite creativity. Parents can set up simple art stations at home with a mix of materials - no instructions needed. Even more importantly, involve children in everyday tasks - cooking, planning, organizing, or preparing for work projects. Real life offers endless opportunities for learning and discovery - and at RAZ Land, we build on that by offering immersive experiences that mirror the richness and spontaneity of life itself.
