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November 26, 2014

Where Did Art Start For You? - Lori Sherritt-Fleming, Author, Playwright and Actor

In the days leading up to GivingTuesday on December 2, 2014, we are sharing stories from artists in the ArtStarts community. We asked them, "Where did art start for you?" It's a question that asks us to reflect on our own lives in order to see where along our journey our passion for the arts was sparked.


What is GivingTuesday?

GivingTuesday is a movement for giving and volunteering that takes place this year on December 2, 2014. Taking place each year right after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, GivingTuesday is proof that the holiday season can be about both giving and giving back. GivingTuesday is the perfect time for the world to come together and show how powerful humanity can be when we unite to give on one day.

 

How YOU Can Help

ArtStarts fosters creative experiences for young people. Your support can spark the start of something special.

 

Double Your Impact on Dec 2 with Interac Online

Choose Interac Online when you donate here on December 2, 2014 and Interac will match up to your donation, up to $25. Your $25 donation becomes $50! Click here to donate via Canada Helps on December 2, 2014—and remember to select Interac Online as your payment method.

 


Read the story from author, playwright and actor, Lori Sherritt-Fleming below and share your own story at artstarts.com/you

Where did art start for you?

Art started in my childhood home with crayons, paint by numbers, knitting needles, sandcastles, mud pies, pieces of cardboard to colour on. the Sunday night oldies show blaring through the upstairs speakers and picture books, read aloud every night before bed. Art was gathering my siblings, herding them into the upstairs bedroom and pressing 'record' on my dad's tape player, then giggling madly as we listened to our squeaky voices singing pop tunes. Art was unlimited and imaginative enough to know how to transform dried tea leaves and a little white glue into frame able, organic masterpieces. It was paying careful attention when my grandmother taught me how to do the Irish jig and still being able to do it today.

It was the telling and writing of stories, weekly visits to the library and a bookcase full of favourites that could be reread over and over. It was writing and directing skits at Brownies and presenting them on the church stage where we met. The first one I remember writing was one about aliens landing in our yard and how we had to learn how to communicate with them. In grade five, before I knew how to type, I wrote, produced, directed and starred in a play I wrote especially for my beloved teacher, Mrs. Lato. I remember using carbon copy paper to make copies of the hand written script (I'm giving away my age) and asking classmates to take on roles and show up at secret rehearsals at recess. I remember the enthusiasm with which people played the forest animals and the surprise and joy on Mrs. Lato's face when we performed Snow White and the Seven Dwarves for her and the Kindergarten class. I always strove to find artful moments and opportunities... always took every opportunity to dance, paint, sing, take photos. Art is part of my evolution, even today.

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