The Magic 25 -1983, I Never Saw Another Butterfly

I first walked into the doors of IFCC when I was 7 years old, which was 28 years ago. IFCC had just been renovated and the community was so very excited. My Mother was directing the first play there ever. It was a play called “I Never Saw Another Butterfly”. The subject matter was that of children during the Holocaust in a Concentration Camp. The children had such a will to learn they held secret schools. The subject matter was not a happy one but an important one. There was also an art installation that featured children from around the world that were presently being oppressed. There was such a buzz of excitement. Commissioner Jordon stood in front of us all and congratulated us as a community for accomplishing such a wonderful feat. A community based Arts Organization that would produce works that affected the community it was surrounded by. There was nothing like this anywhere let alone around North Portland at the time. After the grand opening IFCC was busy all the time. There were always classes and new projects coming through. For many in the community it was the only time that they we exposed to the arts. This is because it was made accessible to them.

When I was eight I couldn’t have been more proud to be involved in a play there. It was a children’s play. Some of my co stars were Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini fame and Adrienne Flagg, IFCC‘s current Creative Director. We have all gone on to perform professionally as well as teach.
I feel it is amazingly important to preserve the Arts. Especially in a community that over the years has been depleted of such. I have been an actor now for going on 20 years and have performed on many of the stages in Portland as well as film and television in Los Angeles. I can’t imagine my life otherwise. Places like IFCC exposed me and many others to many different forms of art. And many of us have gone on to continue to pass the beauty and appreciation on to others by either teaching or performing. By not supporting such a positive organization I fear that it would deny so many others the chance to discover the wonder and amazement of the arts, especially since most of the arts have been cut from the schools in the last 20 years. I truly believe as a society the arts hold an invaluable place in our society. I truly believe we need this wonderful organization in our community; there is no telling who it could inspire. Who they may become and how in turn they may affect us.

by Andrea White

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