Community Collaborator

At heart, Erin Fitzgerald is a storyteller. She believes everyone has a story to tell, and all stories are important. She is passionate about the power that can be found by exploring one’s own voice. In 2014, her first book for children was regionally published, and has been used in group work with kids exploring the process of “creative reading and writing,” which incorporates creative arts into reading and writing initiatives. As a musician and songwriter, Erin is proficient on guitar, dulcimer, vocals, and washboard. She facilitates workshops and small group sessions in various locations in the community, wherein participants are encouraged to explore their own strengths and learn through creative expression. Erin lives in Louisville, KY, is a member of the Louisville Federation of Musicians, and an active volunteer with Girls Rock Louisville.

If you are interested in scheduling a performance, arts residency, or collaboration of any kind, please send your inquiry to Erin at agirlnamedearl@gmail.com

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I was honored to be one of the instructors for the Rockshops for Girls, the educational component of the Louisville Outskirts Festival. Check out this video (courtesy of Beargrass Media) about the Rockshops: 

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These audio tracks (below) are recordings from a group of girls in the Power of Music group, a 6-week music class that was part of the extended day program at Nativity Academy. 

The first track, No Trouble at the River, is this group's interpretation of an old spiritual, incorporating both rhythm and vocal elements.

The second track, Wonderful Day, is a recording of a song written with and by this group of girls. Check them out!

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Thanks to partial funding from the Kentucky Foundation for Women (Arts Meets Activism grant, 2013), Erin had the opportunity to work with a theatre artist and incorporate writing, music, and drama into the programming for the Resilient Families Project (RFP). This program, which focuses on strengths and resilience in families in transition, is a partnership between the University of Louisville and Wayside Christian Mission, and takes place weekly at Hotel Louisville.

Though the grant-based work was short-term, the connection with RFP has continued, and arts-based activities have become a regular feature of the program.

Many thanks to everyone at Hotel Louisville and the Resilient Families Project for always welcoming new ideas and for encouraging community collaboration.