Q&A with Chloe (Deaton) Crum
Class of 2011 graduate Chloe Crum is the recipient of the 2016 Edward L. Whitbeck Memorial Award, the greatest distinction bestowed on a graduating student by UALR. Crum, a Donaghey Scholar at the university, opened up to the e-Mustang staff about her work in Nicaragua, her recent stop-motion films and her dedication to community service.
Tell us about your background.
I’m from Little Rock. My dad is a radiologist and my mom is an artist. I have an older brother, Max, who also went to CAC and is currently getting a Ph.D. in Economics. I was recently married in May to Kaley Crum. I have had several jobs, from studio assistant, radiology assistant to cake decorator. I fell in love with baking and edible art. My life goals are to leave a positive impact on people through creativity. I think that art can help bridge gaps, heal wounds and educate.
As part of your final project at UALR, you led a jewelry making class for Nicaraguan women previously trapped in prostitution. Tell us about your experience working with these women and how it impacted you.
This project was the most challenging and rewarding leap of faith I have taken. It was obvious to me that God was letting all these people fall into my life in order to get me to Nicaragua. Once I was there, I learned far more than I could ever teach. I learned that life is hard outside the walls of safety I grew up in. I also learned that God will use whatever crazy interests you might have, like Spanish and metalwork, and put it to good use. I was forever changed by the experience, and my heart is still there with the people of Nicaragua. I can't wait to return, Lord willing.
This year, your stop-motion film was accepted into eight film festivals and won several awards (including Best Student Film at the Indie Film Festival in Switzerland). Tell us a little bit about how you began animated filmmaking.
I was captivated by a commercial about a stop-motion film. It showed all the intricate miniature work that went into making this elaborate illusion. I was enchanted. I grew up with an artist as a mother, and at CAC, I was very involved in all forms of theater, from acting to props, sets, lighting, the works...
Read Chole's full Q&A here on CACMustangs.org.
