Ten Years of Stories: Kassya and Kieran’s MYAI Experience

The MASC Young Authors and Illustrators (MYAI) Festival returns this spring, offering students a rare opportunity to step inside the world of storytelling and visual art. Taking place May 5 and 6 at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the two-day festival welcomes students in Grades 4–8 to participate in hands-on workshops, live readings, book signings, and interactive sessions led by renowned Canadian authors and illustrators. 

Throughout the program, students engage directly with creators: they attend artist-led Master classes, explore different techniques, and take part in discussions that bring stories and illustrations to life. The festival invites participants to sign up for one or both days, creating a flexible and immersive experience for young people who are passionate about writing and drawing. Over the years, many students have returned year after year, finding in MYAI a place to explore, create, and grow. 

For Kassya Ziegelmayer and Kieran Murray, this experience has been especially formative; MYAI is more than an annual event: it is a space where they have grown up, developed their creative interests, honed leadership skills, and built a strong sense of community over nearly a decade. 

From First Workshops to Leadership Roles 

Ziegelmayer and Murray first attended MYAI as children, introduced through their mother’s workplace, which sponsored the festival for many years. What began as a simple opportunity quickly became a formative experience. 

“You basically select the author or illustrator you’d like to see, and you get to do a workshop with them,” Ziegelmayer explained. “You go and you never get the same thing twice.” 

Attending the festival also meant navigating it independently from a young age. “We wouldn’t normally have any classmates that went,” Murray recalled. “So we’d be on our own for the day… and at lunch we’d meet up and talk about what workshop we did.” 

Each sister gravitated toward different aspects of the program: Ziegelmayer toward writing, Murray toward illustration. Over time, their continued participation led naturally into volunteering roles as “high school shadows,” where they supported workshop leaders and younger students. Today, both serve as shadow coordinators, helping guide the event from behind the scenes. 

Reflecting on their early experiences, Murray described the excitement of meeting creators face-to-face: “It’s like seeing famous people.” 

A Family Tradition Rooted in the Arts 

Their connection to MYAI extends beyond their own participation; it is deeply tied to family involvement. Both their mother and grandmother have been long-time volunteers, contributing to the festival in different capacities. 

“Our mom definitely got us into it when we were young,” Murray shared with a smile. “She knew what we’d prefer.” 

Ziegelmayer described her grandmother as someone engaged in the arts, with a background in theatre and a lifelong enthusiasm for creative expression. Murray added that their grandmother’s career as a teacher and principal made her commitment to youth programming a natural extension of her work. Their mother, who has a strong interest in design, remained involved even after her company’s sponsorship ended. 

“It’s just a really fun event,” Ziegelmayer said, eyes alight. “It’s important to keep the arts alive.” 

Skills That Extend Beyond the Festival 

Their years with MYAI have contributed to both personal and professional development. As volunteers, they learned to lead, communicate, and adapt in dynamic environments. 

“Practicing public speaking at the festival quietly shaped us, giving us confidence to speak with conviction as adults,” Murray reflected.

Ziegelmayer noted that her early interest in creative writing continues to influence her work today. While her current responsibilities involve more technical writing, the foundation built through MYAI remains relevant. 

Both emphasized that the experience fosters confidence and initiative—skills that extend far beyond the festival setting. 

What Makes MYAI Unique 

At the heart of MYAI is its direct connection between young participants and professional creators. This level of access, both noted, is rare in traditional classroom settings. 

You don’t often get this kind of experience in school,” Ziegelmayer observed. “Here, you receive feedback directly from a published author or illustrator.”

Murray also highlighted the freedom within the workshops. “You get to be yourself,” she added, emphasizing the contrast with more structured classroom environments. 

That sense of creative freedom leaves a lasting mark. “The festival unlocks parts of yourself you didn’t know were there,” Ziegelmayer reflected.

The Value of Volunteering 

For students considering volunteering, both coordinators described the shadow role as both engaging and impactful. Volunteers remain part of the workshop environment while also supporting others. 

“You get to learn something new while you’re helping out,” Ziegelmayer remarked.

Murray emphasized the broader effect the experience can have: “It can set them off in a bunch of directions,” she explained, pointing to the exposure students gain to different creative and professional paths. 

Advice for First-Time Participants and Families 

For those new to MYAI, both offered reassurance and practical advice. Ziegelmayer acknowledged that attending alone may feel intimidating at first; however, she stressed that the environment quickly becomes welcoming. 

“Come lunchtime, everyone’s found a friend,” she said.

Murray encouraged students to focus on their own interests when selecting workshops. “Pick a workshop that you are actually interested in,” she advised. “Let it be about you.” 

For volunteers, their message was consistent: join in wholeheartedly. “Don’t be shy,” Murray urged, noting that the more you engage, the more rewarding the experience becomes. 

Looking Ahead 

As MYAI continues to expand, both Ziegelmayer and Murray see opportunities for further growth. The festival now spans multiple days, a sign of its continued momentum. For the pair, it marks another step forward as the festival continues to bring together a vibrant mix of authors and illustrators. 

“Every year, the festival strengthens the community and the connections people form feel truly meaningful, making us excited for all that the festival still has the potential to become,” Ziegelmayer reflected. 

When reflecting on legacy, both remained focused on impact rather than recognition. Murray expressed a desire to contribute quietly behind the scenes, helping the festival grow. Ziegelmayer framed her hopes more broadly: she wants participants to carry forward a connection to creativity. 

“You walk away and you just have all this inspiration,” she said. “You’re ready to take off.” 

That sense of momentum, they suggest, is what defines the experience: not just a day of workshops, but the beginning of something ongoing. 

For both, MYAI is ultimately about connection—to creativity, to community, and to the idea that those early sparks of inspiration can continue to grow long after the festival ends. 

Wish to volunteer in MYAI 2026?  
Contact: mascyoungauthors@gmail.com

To register, please visit the MYAI page for updates on the next spring festival and access the registration link