MIMI SHACKELFORD

What role does art play in your life?
Art IS my life. It is a constant surprise and is a part of everything I do. I can’t wait to get up in the morning and it all has to do with creativity and the way that art gives me something wonderful to do all the time. But most importantly, art gives me a way to give back to the world and share gifts of creativity with others.

Tell us about your career and your professional work.
Many years ago, I had my very first job as a medical illustrator. I went to UNCG in 1958 and back then there wasn’t a commercial art degree so they created one for me. I studied at TV stations, professional printers, and with architects to learn the trade. I’ve lived in Asheville since 1962 and I taught art classes out of my home when my children were young. During that time I also worked as a Freelance Artist and designed logos and newsletters, illustrated books, and worked on many advertising projects. For twenty years I worked at the Health Adventure making artwork, creating and designing exhibits, and teaching classes. The wildest things I made there were life-size costumes in the shape of dentures, milk cartoons, fruits and vegetables. It was so much fun.

We hear that you can be seen wearing colorful costumes.
Tell us about your work as a clown.
When I was working at the Health Adventure, someone asked for a clown to perform. We didn’t have a clown that we offered, but I thought to myself, “Well, I can do that.” That led me to creating a clown troop and teaching classes. About 500 people have been through my clowning classes.

Why do you devote time each week to volunteering with AFL?
It is such a joy to be with the children and see them grow. I love playing with them through the arts, and I love introducing them to new ideas and new ways to use their minds, their hands, and objects around them. Many of these children have been dealing with their illness for years and its intensity and demands have kept them from learning the basics like using scissors or discovering colors and patterns. All kids want to create and helping them through art allows them to learn, grow, and do something fun.

Can you describe any especially meaningful moments you have experienced volunteering?
For many months, one patients’ brother and sister have spent time with me at the art table each week. The patient himself struggles with social interactions and is very shy. That is part of his illness. Little by little he has seen the art projects his siblings are making. Now, he has worked up the courage to come to the art table himself and watch. That is a huge step and a big accomplishment for him. On another occasion, a sweet four-year-old girl climbed in my lap after one of our art sessions, threw her arms around my neck and told me, “Mimi you are my best friend.”