When Swampscott resident Eugene Pintail grew up in Ukraine, sculpting clay was a hobby that distracted him from tough times around him.
“It was a hideaway from the turmoil in the world around me,” said Pintail. “It was a way of meditation for me.”
Pintail continued sculpting throughout his life and brought his talent and passion from Ukraine to Swampscott, moving when war between Ukraine and Russia started. After arriving on the North Shore, Pintail founded Schoolptura, a business that offers sculpting classes to local children and adults.
“Since we got here, I’ve been trying to make my way and find something that will help out others,” said Pintail.
Sculpting is a way to express a creative side, Pintail said. It can also be used to teach children about the world, from science to history.
“I thought it would be cool to have a school for children not only to sculpt, but to learn,” said Pintail.
Hands-on classes are broken down by age group, including options geared towards parents and children working together. Participants make a lot of different things out of the clay, such as model houses, flowers and pottery. First the clay is sculpted using hands into a certain shape before being baked, painted and decorated.
“The classes allow kids to talk to each other, it’s about having fun,” said Pintail. “Fun is essential for learning and developing.”
Pintail, who is also an interior designer, said there is no experience required for any Schoolptura classes, located at 330 Paradise Road.
“Everybody is welcome,” said Pintail. “It’s not overly difficult. It’s about helping yourself be a child, at any age…Creativity is about being curious, being open and being true.”
