Today we’d like to introduce you to Delight Lester.
Hi Delight, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
When I was 16 years old, I was asked to play guitar for a Sunday school class at my church which was a class for individuals with disabilities. I had no idea what to expect but what happened led to a lifelong journey of advocacy and care. The class was fun and full of laughter. We may not have sung perfectly, but we certainly had zest. Many people would have been intimidated, but I was ecstatic to share my love for music and meet some new people.
The experience of that first class set me on the path to pave the way for arts access for all. The next month I worked as an assistant choreographer in a local theatre group. I met a woman who was running a dance program for individuals with disabilities, and I jumped in wholeheartedly. This was in Birmingham, Michigan at FAR conservatory, based at the First Presbyterian Church, where I was a member. I started volunteering there and then became a teacher at 18. When I was 26, one of my good friends gave birth to a beautiful daughter with down syndrome. I was so excited when they called me, I was full of hope. I was delighted for them as I knew their journey would be full of amazing surprises. Soon after, I was asked to speak to a group of parents who had young children with Down Syndrome in Grand Rapids. I came to present to them about early intervention with the arts. During the time I was speaking, one of the parents asked me if I would consider teaching here and the gauntlet was thrown. I was recently divorced and looking at life options, so I packed up my life and creative camped for the summer until I could find a home and begin Arts in Motion studio. At first, I rented space and was the only teacher. Eventually, I found a home in the Blackport Building, where we are now housed. In 2011 the studio gained non-profit status. We are open five-six- days a week, teaching all aspects of the arts year-round, adapted to the unique abilities of our students. At any given time, there are 5-10 staff members.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a non-profit is always challenging. You have to be able to translate what you are doing to a viable need in the community and then find financial support. The ins and outs of doing charitable work are immense, and you must be able to wear and show several hats. Relying on the “goodness” of the community often translates to living in a vulnerable place. You must have courage and the ability to keep your voice clear and loud. Advocacy can often put you in a place of argument. I have often felt that I will always be “pointing out areas of change” and hoping that change will come in good ways. I could have chosen many paths that would have gained me a higher level of wealth and free time, but the smiles, pride, and growing abilities of my students have been more than enough wealth and the kind that fills your heart to the brim.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in creating arts opportunities for individuals with disabilities. We have dance, music, drama, fine art, writing, and poetry classes. I formed a dance company Living Light Dance which has been performing in West Michigan since 1986. We have done festivals, events, and performances in the area for almost 40 years. Our studio runs year-round with personalized and intimate opportunities to learn and create. Our studio is a safe place where expression is our greatest commodity.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I love fantasy books. My favorite Author is Charles de Lint. I love to escape and be in a new kind of world. I love opening my own creative imagination. I suppose that is also why I love to teach.
When I am not advocating or searching for funding, I need a place to escape and be on an adventure. Nature is my inspiration, and I love to dance with the wind at the beach.
I love to write and will be opening a new website that will be hosting self-published authors in February of this year The website will be duneviewcollective.com. I am also going to being blogging on my own website delightlester.com
Both of these projects should be completed by February first.
Reposted from VoyageMichigan.com: https://voyagemichigan.com/interview/conversations-with-delight-lester/