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Carolyn West emerged from an abusive marriage over 30 years ago to imagine and create The Little Red School of Art and Music in Stratford. Having her artwork showcased by such notables as Hallmark Cards and the Danbury mint, galleries in Europe, Jamaica and the United States, Carolyn used her talent, overwhelming positive energy and selfless love of children to bring her unique brand of teaching and love to local children. Raising 3 boys as a single parent during this time in and of itself qualifies her for notice. Her 5-year tenure on the Stratford arts commission permitted her to add her own energetic views on all aspects of the local art scene. (Carolyn was a past WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE focus in the Connecticut Post). In 2002 Carolyn's son Christopher passed away. Being her youngest this proved to be, as one can well imagine, a most severe test of her spirit. As devastating as the loss of a child is, and continues to be, Carolyn took her grief and strong positive outlook to create a musical tribute and benefit at Boothe Park in Stratford (an unenviable task if one is aware of local politics) in memory of her son Christopher. (The FIRST time anything like it had been allowed in this park). The benefit was widely covered by the media and raised money benefiting local organizations that help young people in crisis situations, specifically ones who cannot afford counseling. Drug Abuse awareness was a recurrent theme during the event, Carolyn even taking the stage a few times to share her personal grief and hope with the crowd. In the intervening years her school has staged a yearly benefit recital and art show showcasing the talented students at the school. Many local organizations and fortunate enough to receive gifts of Carolyn's art on a regular basis for their fundraising efforts. Carolyn's recent inclusion in Biltmore's Who's Who is a further endorsement of the special place she holds in the hearts and minds of her peers. Over these 30 years Carolyn has tirelessly helped the children (and many adults) in her hometown, hundreds of people have been inspired, helped, changed for the better by her talent and brilliant heart. A very rare individual in the unfortunate climate of selfishness we currently find ourselves in.