A conversation with my mom and ‘plus-one’ Dee Benton 

Rachel Benton

If you have ever seen me at a local event, there is a high probability that I introduced you to my mama, Dee Benton, aka my best friend and "plus-one" at shows. Anyone who has met her knows that she is iconic in her own right. She is deeply (and rightfully) loved in this community.   

What better way to celebrate Mother's Day in this column than by interviewing my own mom about the arts! 

I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did!  

Growing up 

Growing up, my mom felt it was imperative to surround my sister, Faith and I with as many artistic opportunities as possible. Much of this has to do with her own upbringing.  

“My first actual experience with the arts was in second grade when I got to perform the part of Little Miss Muffet, sitting on her tuffet, you know eating her curds and whey. Then, I was the narrator for the rest of the story," she said.

Mom continued, “That part had the most lines and so getting it was a huge deal and made me feel so special.”  

From there, Mom was in her elementary school choir and enjoyed creating things like mixed media art, making jewelry and collages in her free time. Mom loved school projects like dioramas where my grandma encouraged her to think outside the box. She also had the opportunity to learn recorder and violin in school.  

When she was in middle and high school, she played the saxophone, played in a jazz band, and took a music appreciation class. In her 20s and 30s, she would create art pieces or help decorate business spaces in exchange for services. At home, Mom created many whimsical spaces for my sister and I, and taught us how to create art from recycling.  

Today 

Mom continues to express her artistic energy throughout what we call “Beulah Land.” 

Beulah Land houses multiple spaces for the work we do in our 501(c)3 charitable organization, The Dare to Love Project (DTL as we call it). DTL exists to empower others to shine by providing respite and encouragement for caregivers, both locally at our “Respite Haven,” and globally, on outreach trips. Click here to learn more.  

“DTL encompasses not only my artistic freedom, but my love of hospitality and sharing with and serving others," she said.

Mom continued, “I wanted to create a peaceful space, an avenue for people (especially caregivers) to have their artistic creativity sparked.”  

On May 17, DTL will be hosting an open house event for the community to come see, learn and join the fun. There will be giveaways, a light lunch, and live music provided. From there, we will begin hosting small art classes for groups of six or under in the respite haven.  

Classes will include mediums like paper, clay, stamps, beading, painting and more. 

“I know from being a caregiver myself that caregivers can get caught up in the practical or logical part of their brains. Art is a huge stress reliever and allows people to relax, unwind, express themselves, and explore their imaginations," she said.

To learn more about upcoming opportunities or inquire about private classes, click here or email thedtlproject@gmail.com.  

 Concluding thoughts 

 “I’m constantly in awe of the talent in our community, from young to old,” Mom shared with me as she listed her local favorites.  

• “I love Ballet Northwest. Ken and Josie Johnson’s heart and kindness emanates in all their dancers. Their sense of community and love shines in all their performances.” 

• “I love Olympia Family Theater and how they allow families to play pretend together.” 

• "Olympia Little Theater is so cozy and immersive."  

• "I loved Theater Artists Olympia’s 'The Head!!! That Wouldn’t DIE!!!'"

• “Even though I don’t go to bars, I loved Story OLY because it was so comfortable and welcoming, and gave me a very deep sense of community.” 

• “I love anything and everything that Terry Shaw does in the arts.”  

This is what my mama, Dee Benton wants you to remember: 

• The arts can speak to us mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. “I think they are a powerful and amazing gift from God that we need to nurture and cherish," she said.  

• We must advocate for younger audiences. “I want young people to experience the joy of the arts, so we must invite them to be a part of it and pass the baton to them. I don’t want to see the arts die with our generation," she said.
• “The JOLT is the only news source I will go to. Typically, I don’t like having any form of news in my life because it is depressing, but the JOLT’s style in their coverage doesn’t make me feel discouraged," she said.

Rachel is a writer, arts advocate, performing arts enthusiast, and passionate about our beloved Thurston County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and minor in Music. You can enjoy more of Rachel's writings by visiting her website. All inquiries for Rachel can be submitted here.