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Westport’s youngest children have many chances to be curious and creative, explore activities and grow.

Music, dance, gymnastics, sensory experiences — they’re all there, with experienced instructors, and mommy (or daddy) (or caregiver) close by.

All are important. And all are some of the early learning advantages that youngsters growing up in Westport enjoy.

The newest is Whimsy Works. But the cool space on Post Road East, next to Stop & Shop, is different.

There is no instruction. Children won’t look to adults to validate they did the “right” thing.

Instead, they’re encouraged to figure things out for themselves. To try whatever strikes their fancy.

And to be as messy as they want.

Playing with paint at Whimsy Works. 

Owner Catalina Schmidt says, “kids are born explorers. They’re attracted to light, reflection, texture and wonder.”

She wants them to explore all that — on their own.

That means not being told what, how or when to do it.

Schmidt simply provides the space, and the objects. After that, they’re on their own.

The new venture, which opens this month, is a career pivot for the Colombia native.

Owner Catalina Schmidt, at Whmsy Works. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Her background is in product and interior design. But after coming to the US 21 years ago, she worked in hospitality. Many Westporters know her from her most recent gig: general manager of Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse.

Two life events led her to open Whimsy Works: the birth of her daughter G 18 months ago, and her family’s move last year to Westport.

As she watched G engage with the world, Schmidt searched for opportunities for “messy play.” There were none.

Encouraged by her husband, she took a leap of faith. She decided to create her own.

Catalina Schmidt, with her daughter.

Through research, Schmidt discovered the Reggio Emilia approach. Similar to the Montessori philosophy of self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play — but with more freedom — it was exactly what she was looking for.

But Schmidt did not just study it. She headed to the Internazionale Loris Malaguzzi near Bologna, Italy.

There — at a workshop with 300 others from around the world — she learned that children possess “100 languages” of expression. They include movement, art, light, building, sound, play — far more than just words.

Schmidt was particularly intrigued with the “atelier” concept. Often associated with fine artists or craftspeople, it can also be adapted to children.

An atelier can be a place to experiment with paint, clay, wood and other objects, along with light and shadows.

Plenty of stuff — and kid-sized tables — at Whimsy Works.

Looking on the LoopNet commercial real estate site, she quickly found vacant space in the small building just past Goodwill.

Owner Roger Leifer was excited. Schmidt spent the past 2 months building out her vision.

There are 5 areas: clay and Play-Doh; paint; “loose parts”; “nature (think dirt); a nook to work on a project of the week (like “contrast”).

A separate room is dedicated to light, projected on a wall. Children can play with shadows and colors.

Fun with light … 

Whimsy Works plans morning sessions for boys and girls ages 1 to 4 (though, Schmidt says, a 6-month-old was recently fully engaged there). She may open up afternoon slots for 5-6-year-olds.

A parent or caregiver must be present (no drop-offs). But the adult’s role is to observe what the child does, and be actively engaged in the process — not “correct”  him or her.

Schmidt helps gently guide, rather than instruct. She won’t say, for example, “Draw a circle.” Instead she’ll suggest, “What happens if you make this go around bigger?”

Sessions are 45 minutes. Groups include no more than than 8 children.

Amenities include a bathroom with shower (for accidents and pesky spills, though Schmidt supplies aprons), and a kitchenette with free coffee (for the adults).

… and dirt.

Many of the activities young Westporters enjoy may lead to passions. But lessons — sports, dance, music — can also be gateways to competition.

That’s not what Whimsy Works is about — not by a long shot.

“This is just about creativity, and the excitement of experience and discovery,” Schmidt says. “Every child can find the joy in that.”

(To learn more about Whimsy Works, click here for their website. Follow them on social media @WhimsyWorksAtelier. Their address is 1720 Post Road East.)

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