View of the Grand Canyon
On October 12, our Teaching Artist and Administrative Associate, Lindsey Samples, will embark on a risky but very exciting Grand Canyon adventure – and she has decided to support Upstream Arts in the process! Keep reading to learn more about her journey, how it will support the work that we do, and how you can be part of it all.
One of the greatest lessons I have learned as a teaching artist for Upstream Arts is the learning opportunity presented in taking safe risks. Safe risks can feel anything but safe when you’re stepping into them for the first time. They come in all shapes and sizes depending on the person, but inside they all feel as big as the Grand Canyon. For a participant in one of our classes who has never been exposed to the arts, as is often the case, saying their name in front of the group and how they’re feeling is a big enough risk for the day. For others it may be a movement activity, an acting scenario, or a song. We all have our Grand Canyons to cross.
For me this fall, my risk to take is literally the Grand Canyon. My family has hiked the Canyon rim to rim on many occasions. After a bad knee injury over 10 years ago, the hike was an unsafe risk I was not willing to take. With healing and several athletic accomplishments since the injury, the hike is now in the safe risk zone: still a major feat that leaves butterflies in my stomach, but in the end will make me stronger and proud. Witnessing Upstream Arts participants choose bravery in our classes, I know it’s safe to face my own risks with courage. So, here I go on October 12, 2014: 24 hours, 24 miles, rim to rim. An artist in action for Upstream Arts.
Lindsey Samples, ready to hike!
You can easily make your tax-deductible donation via GiveMN.org, send in a check with “Grand Canyon” in the memo line (to Upstream Arts, 3501 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407), or hand me cash and I’ll make sure it makes its way into the office. Any amount you choose to give will be much appreciated and will help share our unique programming with more people. Won’t you join me in supporting an organization in bringing more creative risk taking to youth and adults with disabilities?
About Upstream Arts:
The mission of Upstream Arts is to enhance the lives of adults and youth with disabilities by fostering creative communication and social independence through the power of arts education. We believe that the arts are uniquely suited to act as a tool to teach and learn the complicated nuances of social interaction and communication; and that artistic experiences nurture growth, leading to individuals who are better able to live, work and make positive contributions to our society.
Lindsey Samples
Teaching Artist and Administrative Associate
Upstream Arts
To make a contribution to Lindsey’s hike, click here.
To learn more about Lindsey and all of our Teaching Artists, click here.