In today’s blog, I’m excited to introduce the #SPARKStory Series. When I planned my website, this series was the first concept I knew would be part of my blog because it would give me the opportunity to celebrate people in our communities who live their SPARK every day.

Before we meet, I ask the person I’m interviewing to think about their answer to the question #WhatsYourSPARK. After the interview, I share a part of their story - things like what motivates them, their passions and what their SPARK means to them.

For today’s story, I sat down for a conversation with Calgary costume designer Darcie Howe.

As Howe comments: "it's more than just building a costume or creating a few pieces - it's how to make a look for the entire show and create a piece of art on the stage." Creating art on stage is exactly what Howe is known for, and at present she is designing costumes for Amahl and the Night Visitors (Ambrose University). Recent work has also included Into the Woods, A Charlie Brown Christmas, West Side Story and Seussical (all for StoryBook Theatre).

Howe also has a passion for working with youth, and to see them grow, and discover their talents and gifts. As she comments: “The opportunity to have young people come alongside and work with me on costumes, and in turn getting to teach them and get them excited about the creative process brings me such joy.” When I asked Howe what her SPARK means to her she replied: "My faith as a Christian, it's the foundation of everything. It's also people, being able to connect with people, and the fact that I can connect with people at theatre through theatre. That I can create my art and discover who I am as an artist has been pretty amazing."