Creativity Connects Westport
What fuels a vibrant, connected and creative community? What makes people feel good about living in Westport?
When locals share the creativity that they uncover in the nooks and crannies of their community it brings about connectivity and makes us all feel good. Believe it or not, you discover creativity every day as you walk, shop, work, and play in Westport?
Creativity connects us. Meet Westport resident and author, Amy Oestreicher.
What organization in town makes you feel good?
I’m a proud member of Fairfield County Cultural Alliance, and I am so inspired by what they do for artists in the area - and that includes writers, sculptors, theatremakers, teaching artists, and so many local creators that make our community so vibrant. Since joining several years ago, I’ve been able to work with other organizations and artists in the area on new projects, arts education initiatives, and important issues, like speaking on a panel for artists with disabilities or making the arts accessible for everyone. It fills me with hope, excitement, and inspiration to know that there is so much creative spirit, energy and focus that surrounds us, and art being made in so many places, in so many ways.
How does creativity connect you to Westport?
Creativity connects me to Westport because of the wonderfully vibrant artistic community we have here. Whether it's writers, readers, painters, playwrights, musicians, theatergoers, or families that love seeing museums, the importance of creativity is such a shared value in this town which I feel draws our community together in the best ways possible.
Is there a person or organization using creativity to provoke change in Westport?
Yes. I write about how Beechwood Arts and Innovation changed my life in my memoir, My Beautiful Detour: An Unthinkable Journey from Gutless to Grateful. I first participated in their arts immersion salon, “Resilience and the Power of the Human Spirit”, incorporating my monologues, art, writings and recipes to express the life-altering detours and ultimately the invaluable gifts of my resilient journey. Later on, I performed a monologue from a documentary theatre play I had written in honor of my great-uncle, for their Giving Voice Salon. Most recently, I read an excerpt from my book at their Beechwood Open event, and my latest artwork was featured at the Westport Library in their Do or Die exhibits. Through every major milestone in my life and artistic journey, Jenaine and Frederic of Beechwood have been part of it!
Any place in town where you go for inspiration and creativity?
Outside! I can walk around our beautiful area for hours. The Winslow dog park, the labyrinth in Norwalk, the water by the Westport main street. So much of my art, writings, and songs are inspired by nature, so I love being in this area. There are so many organizations in our area that continue to inspire me. I love how Westport Library has created spaces for readers, makers, writers, performers, and has really turned this into a community space.
My first solo art exhibit in 2011, Journey Into Daylight (Westport Women’s Club) featured over 70 original works to spread hope in the darkest of times, and also to celebrate the world around us right here and now. Since then, I’ve mounted solo shows at the Discovery Museum, Temple Shalom, Picture This Gallery, Ridgefield Tusk and Cup Fine Coffee and many other venues in our area. I’ve found there are so many places eager to bring light and joy to the community through the arts.
When I think of creativity in town I think of …
Storytelling, and people engaging with one another through the arts - using various forms of expression to have larger conversations.I believe creativity is a mindset - a way to see the world differently. Because of my many detours, I’ve written a one-woman musical about my life, Gutless & Grateful, I discovered the world of mixed media art, published plays, recorded albums, given three TEDx talks all about transforming adversity to creative growth, and through my writing, speaking and workshops, I’ve inspired others to navigate their own detours by turning obstacles into opportunities. What I’ve experienced is, the more stories we hear about turning an obstacle into an opportunity, the more empowered we are to transform our own lives and have confidence that when life DOES surprise us, we’re capable of getting through anything.
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The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HamletHub or LIFEWTR.