In recent years, people have been more open to making space in their lives for creative expression. The pandemic forced people to simply be with themselves for much of the day, and with this came a wave of inspiration for trying new activities and hobbies. Now, people in Falmouth are able to do this thanks to a new space dedicated to creative classes and workshops.

Maya’s, on Killigrew Street, is a fun, vibrant and laid- back space for people to try something new. Owned by Canadian-born Maya - who takes inspiration from indigenous Canadian artwork, and uses bright colours and crisp black line-work to produce bold, statement pieces of art - it is her mission to make art accessible to everyone, and since opening the space in December 2024, it has had a positive response from the community.

We first caught up with Maya ahead of the grand opening (www.life-media.co.uk/news/mayas-falmouth) and she told us that her business began as a little market stall at a craft fair, feeling she had to give her true passion a chance after a hard time at work. Having made and sold art her entire life, a skill passed down to her through the women in her family, Maya was excited to start selling her printed lino work at markets across Cornwall. She then began printing on t-shirts and tote bags, and the question on whether she would start teaching classes began floating around.

After some time looking for the perfect space, Maya finally settled on a little shop in the centre of Falmouth, and so the preparations began! Finally, just before Christmas, and after a fresh coat of paint and a bit of a tidy-up, the space was ready to open to the public - and it reflects Maya’s art and values in the most perfect way.

“I’ve had a lot of positive feedback from people who have been in for the classes,” she told Falmouth Life. “We’ve already had classes in lino printing classes, macrame keyring workshops, and we have a ‘sip and paint’ coming up. We’ll be adding new events and classes to the schedule all the time to keep things fresh and fun.

“It’s great to see people being creative and going home with something they’ve made themselves.”

Some of the core values of Maya’s is to ensure art is made available to everyone. Classes are suitable for all abilities, with value for money in mind, and there is even a loyalty card for people to return with friends each time a new class pops up.

The main table is also available for people to rent for private lessons and meetings.

You can book your place on a class or shop for new art work at mayasfalmouth.co.uk

‍