The Penny

ARTIST
Dorothy Bentley

SENIOR OR ELDER
Astrid Dézèntjé

ARTFORM
Short Story

ABOUT THE ARTWORK
This story was inspired by the true adventures of Astrid Dézèntjé as conveyed to Dorothy Bentley during several lively phone visits within the Art of Conversation Project, sponsored by Arts Council Wood Buffalo and St. Aidan’s Society. All of the elements in the story are true; however, some have been altered, emphasized, or embellished for literary affect. Astrid’s first penny in the corner is very real, as is the Fort McMurray flood of 2020 with its ensuing devastation, and her found crystal. Moreover, her reasons for emigrating are true, and our efforts to resist and counter discrimination must persist. Degas, a real raven, may be seen dancing near the Clearwater River
– Dorothy Bentley

READ “THE PENNY” SHORT STORY BY CLICKING BELOW.