Toronto artist Wanda Goodman honors memory of former student with largest sculpting lesson

Toronto artist Wanda Goodman has produced sculptures professionally for more than 20 years, now operating the successful Wanda's Creative Clay shop.

Also in that time, she's used her skills as a platform to teach children of all ages, helping "bring children together though the bonding of artistic expression and genuine approach, giving them the tools and the confidence to let their imagination run free," according to her Guinness World Records application.

Ten years ago, Wanda met then-4-year-old Eden Worth in class, a child who would unknowingly inspire her to accomplish one of her life's greatest achievements. Wanda has broken the record for the largest sculpting lesson, teaching a class of 588 participants at KidsFest in Toronto on July 5.

In this case, though, the reason for the record was perhaps more important to Wanda than the accomplishment itself.

Shortly after they met, little Eden was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Despite ongoing treatments and a long fight, Eden succumbed to the disease in 2013, just shy of her 13th birthday.

Throughout Eden's struggle, Wanda grew closer with the child, teaching her sculpture for years. When Eden could no longer go to Wanda's classes due to her treatments, Wanda took the lessons to Eden.

And so, just after a year since Eden's passing, Wanda decided to hold a fundraising event in her honor. She taught the 588 students at KidsFest how to sculpt clay elephants - elephants because those were Eden's favorite animal.

All of the proceeds raised by the event through sponsorships and donations were then donated to SickKids, the fundraising arm of The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Wanda was able to raise more than $15,000 in Eden's name on the day of the event for brain tumor research.

" We DID IT!!!!!!!!!" Wanda shared on Facebook immediately after the attempt. "Truly an emotional day! Thank you to EVERYONE that made this day possible.".