Nancy Shapiro-Pikelny has created this original and compelling storytelling performance, inspired by the experiences of a young girl, her remarkable teacher and their secret art classes in the Terezin Concentration Camp in Czechoslovakia.  It is a tale of courage, friendship and the power of artistic expression to sustain hope, lighting the way in the darkest of times. 

Nancy has been bringing A Window of Beauty to Jews and non-Jews, middle/high school students and adults, close to home and far away.
This powerful epic story has been recognized in helping create a new generation of "eyewitnesses to the Holocaust."

  "After experiencing Nancy's telling of A Window of Beauty, I can truthfully say I have never been more moved by a storytelling performance in my life."        Hawk Hurst, Director, Stories For Life Festival at Piccolo Spoleto, Charleston, SC                                                                                                            

The debut of A Window of Beauty was at Whitwell Middle School in May, 2005.  This school has received world-wide acclaim for their study of the Holocaust and their creation of The Children’s Holocaust Memorial.  The remarkable community of Whitwell, Tennessee was the subject of the award-winning documentary Paper Clips.   

See press coverage: Storytellers Weave Tales of Holocaust Victims for Pupils

Nancy’s performance was described by Linda Hooper, Principal of Whitwell Middle School in Tennessee:  

"A beautiful and moving story. Even after all these weeks, parents are still coming up to me and telling me how much Nancy’s story meant to their children. 

 A Window of Beauty served to make students more sensitive to others; changing attitudes and opening hearts.” 

Nancy (R) with Linda Hooper, 
principal of Whitwell Middle School, 
featured in the documentary film Paper Clips.

  "A Window of Beauty is exactly what is needed to educate and personalize the Holocaust."
   - Richard S. Hirschhaut, Executive Director Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center 

“A Window of Beauty was the most meaningful Holocaust Remembrance Day program I have ever been a part of. We were spellbound. It was an extraordinary experience!” 
   - Judith S. Grossbard, Director of Education, Congregation Beth Shalom - Northbrook, IL 

  “You kept the audience's attention for the entire hour. The students were the best I have ever seen them.  Absolutely Amazing!” 
   - Heather Niemi, Teacher - West Ashley Middle School, Charleston, SC 

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     Fees: Affordable rates are determined by type of venue, audience size and travel time. (Additional travel expenses for out-of-town performances.) Reduced rates for multiple performances and workshops on same day.   

Call 847-674-5705 or email Nancy for details.

Audiences: Middle and High School students – adults

Nancy offers this storytelling performance for adult groups, youth groups, libraries, schools, community and religious groups throughout the year and at Holocaust commemoration events.

A Window of Beauty enriches and supports Social Studies, Language Arts and Holocaust Education; exploring issues of prejudice, racism, tolerance and resistance.

“Poignant, moving, haunting, hopeful.  These are just some of the words that my students used to describe Nancy Shapiro-Pikelny’s presentation of A Window of Beauty.  Rutie and Friedl’s story brings the Holocaust to a generation so far removed, as to almost view it as a tale from Grimm’s Fairy Tales.  Nancy artfully presents the reality of the Shoah by personalizing this story in a unique and touching way.  My students were completely mesmerized.” 
   - Lori B. Sagarin, Director of Congregational Learning at Temple Beth Israel - Skokie, IL     

 “Thank you for opening A Window of Beauty at our library. Your gentle presentation was ever so powerful in the selection of words and the drawings that together brought everything to life."
- A. Denise Farrugia, Librarian St. Charles Public Library - St. Charles, IL 

“Nancy's program is worth bringing back.  I've told a number of people about A Window of Beauty and I have a hard time explaining without getting emotional." 
- Jonathan Sanchez, Poet - Charleston, SC

"I appreciate your passion for Holocaust Education and for keeping the memory alive for all of us.  Thank you for being a 'witness' for our students.  The portrayal of research, stories, and artwork was certainly a revealing and compassionate view of these two heroes. . . and it was such an important aspect to our children's education and personal history." - Dr. Gerri Spinella, Assistant Principal Caruso Middle School - Deerfield, IL

 “Today was by far, one of the best at Temple Beth-El. Very moving.  I loved this storyteller!"
   - Middle School Parent -  Northbrook, IL 

"You really worked your magic!  I have NEVER seen my students so attentive.  Your love of people and your generous heart shined through your story.  My students were enriched by the experience.  I think that hour of your story will be what they remember this year about their study of the Holocaust.  I couldn't ask for a better memory."  - Barbara Minkus, Teacher, Solomon Schechter Day School, Skokie, IL

(847) 674-5705