Sophomore Grace Walker at age six on tour with mother Shelley Olin in 2005. Olin is a 5th grade teacher at David C. Barrow Elementary School and now only performs when her shows do not interrupt her work schedule. Photo courtesy of Grace Walker.
By GRACE WALKER – Staff Writer
Because of her mother, sophomore Grace Walker’s life is significantly influenced by music and the local artistic community in Athens.
I can remember countless times as a young child at the Athens Farmers Market listening to my mom, Shelley Olin, sing her heart out while local farmers went up to tip her with fresh organic vegetables.
For my mom, having the community enjoy the passion she pours into her music has always been the most fulfilling form of payment.
My favorite part about Athens is the tight-knit music community that my mom, as a singer, joined when we moved to Athens from Asheville, N.C. in 2005. She has been a part of various local bands including Dubconscious, Whisper Kiss and the Jerry Garcia Band Cover Band.
Within the first year of our time here the music community accepted my mom and me as family and, since then, they have practically helped raise me. Her bandmates have carried us for many years through incredibly tough times with great music and friendships that will last for the rest of our lives.
It amazes me how supportive and caring these musicians are to everyone that they welcome into their lives. My exposure to this big part of Athens has taught me the importance of generosity and consideration which has impacted my life immensely.
As a 5th grade teacher at David C. Barrow Elementary School, my mom keeps a busy schedule, with shows only on the weekends. Singing with local musicians, however, remains one of her biggest passions.
No matter where we go, I know that the music community in Athens will forever provide my mom and me with a sense of welcome and purpose.
