Ilene Evans is a performance artist; instructor of music, dance, and drama; and self-described “Chautauquan.”

She grew up in Detroit and Chicago but now makes her home in West Virginia at the headwaters of the Potomac River.

She believes that damaging stereotypes of Appalachia and a pervasive sense of shame about living in the state contribute to a lack of self-esteem for people who grow up in West Virginia. She remains hopeful, however, that this situation can improve.

“I think there is always hope because people can change and grow,” she said. “There is an abundance of love and light and goodness. We can appeal to each other’s better selves to help that growth happen.”