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Kids & Joy: A refuge for the creative
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Posted on Aug 02 2019
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- Kids & Joy is a place where creative youth can play by using various art materials such as slime, canvas drawing, plaster fragrance toys, and etc. (Mark Rabago)
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- A participant admires his creation at Kids & Joy. (Contributed Photo)
The CNMI’s “little artists” now have a place to call home in the heart of Garapan.
Kids & Joy was created last February to, in the words of its president, Sungwook Hwang, cater to and hone children’s creativity.
“We opened our business because we felt that there was a shortage of cultural facilities for children [on] Saipan. We would like to make a space where little artists can express themselves with creativity and fun,” he said.
Creative youth can play with several art materials such as slime, canvas drawing, plaster fragrance toys, and etc.
After making their artwork, children can then take their work home to show to their parents and other family members.
Currently, Kids & Joy has been operating summer vacation programs. It’s also been conducting a special fun class dubbed “Glow in the Dark Night” every Friday evening from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
Hwang also disclosed that the company is coming up with ideas on how to do voluntary work for children on Saipan.
When asked how Kids & Joy is weathering the ongoing economic downturn and government austerity, Hwang said the company fully understands that facilities like theirs isn’t really a priority in the current economy. “Our business is affected by the local economic status.
“However, we believe this business is necessary for the local community to strengthen kids’ development. So, we hope this business will succeed and grow,” Hwang said.
He reiterated that Kids & Joy was created to develop the full potential of creative youth on island. “The most fulfilling part of our business is seeing the creativity of children grow as they create their masterpiece. Due to Saipan being a small place, it is rare to see kid-based facilities. The goal of our business is to give children the chance and opportunity to experience something new.”
Kids & Joy is located across the D’Elegance Restaurant in Garapan. On weekdays, it is open from Wednesday to Friday, 3pm-8pm. On weekends, Kids & Joy is open from 1pm-8pm.
For inquiries, call Kids & Joy at (670) 233-8185. Customers can also inquire anytime via Facebook or Instagram ID: @kidsnjoysaipan.
