Taking "Shell" to Elgin Fringe

I am Julie Leir-VanSickle, and I make stuff. This includes art, dance, and odd little multi-media shows that I take to Fringe Festivals across the US. This year I am taking "Shell" to the Elgin Fringe Festival. It will ask questions about slowing down, feeling safe, and what home means. And because I love to connect with audiences and believe creativity is for everyone, there will be an element of interaction and participation.

Attending these festivals helps me grow as an artist as I connect with a community of performers, writers, and storytellers across the country, and have the opportunity to see new work that can enrich and inspire my own creative practice.

I try to travel as economically as possible (I think I have just about figured out the most comfortable way to sleep in my car now, and I always bring a tent ;)) and save as much as I can on my own, but the truth is that making money from making art is a difficult proposition, and we all need a little help sometimes. Even a small donation may help me fill up a tank of gas, or get a meal or cup of coffee along the way.

I believe in what I do. I believe in sharing what I do. I believe that art is important, down to my toes. Every single donation, however large or small is so, so appreciated, from the bottom of my heart.