Timeline – Holly Near

1949

Holly born into a family that encourages creativity.

1955

Having made friends with Native American children at grammar school, begins to witness racism for the first time.

1958

Sings in a talent contest in Ukiah, at a Veterans of Foreign Wars talent competition.

1959

Sings at Talmage Mental Hospital – an experience that shapes young Holly’s consciousness of mental illness, as well as how many of the programs in mental hospitals and prisons are under-funded

1961

While at the Perry-Mansfield music camp in Colorado works with nationally acknowledged dance, theater and music teachers

1964

Starts high school in Ukiah, California. Joins a student committee dedicated to changing the dress code.

1965

Near family gets a TV. News footage of the civil rights movement very influential on young Holly.

1966

Protests the military recruiters on campus at Ukiah High School.

1967

Wins Bank of America Achievement Award in the field of Fine Arts.

1967

Starts school at UCLA. Auditions for theater arts program singing Pirate Jenny from Threepenny Opera.

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