ABOUT STORIES THAT HEAL

Located in Benzie County, Michigan, the project has been shaped and led by healing-centered artistic director/composer Molly Sturges with local creative facilitator/songwriter Tim Jones and others. Stories That Heal includes community dialogues, creative workshops and story-gathering.  A community concert and interactive community dialogue was presented at The Garden Theater on May 15th. A podcast series about the project was also produced by Interlochen Public Radio and public intergenerational creative workshops were held around Benzie throughout April(see below).  

Now an ongoing project in development STH was initially a community partners project of the Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Network with Interlochen Public Radio, Grow Benzie, The Garden Theater, and featured local (and regional) storytellers, musicians, and community members of all ages.

Stories That Heal was originally funded by Arts Midwest, Michigan Arts & Culture Council (MACC) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS THAT HAPPENED SPRING 2022

Stories That Heal Pop-Up Choir-Singers of all-ages and experience  are invited to join a pop-up choir for Stories That Heal, a music, storytelling and community wellbeing project taking place in Benzie April-May 2022.  No formal training required and all skill levels are welcome! 

Open-Call for Stories That Heal: Storytellers & Writers of All Ages Wanted: Anyone willing to share your  story is  invited to submit  a story to Stories That Heal, a music, storytelling and community wellbeing project taking place in Benzie April-May 2022.  We invite you to share your story about a hard time you have faced, or are facing, how it has impacted you and what helped you or is helping you get through it.  3 awards of $50 wll be given to stories of honor and winners will be notified by email or phone. Feel free to submit your story anonymously as well.

Let’s Make A Power Song Workshop for All-Ages: Young & old (and all caregivers and parents) are invited to come together to create a power song to help us get through hard times. WHAT IS A POWER SONG YOU MAY ASK?  A power song is easy to sing and helps us find our way when we are going through challenges.  During this workshop we will have the opportunity to exchange stories and ideas about what helps us get through. 

Creating A Healing Story Together: A Storytelling Workshop for All-Ages. Benzonia Library, Mondays, April 11 & 18th, 4:30 pm: No experience needed and perfect for people of all ages.  Through sharing ideas and experiences we will create a story together that helps people feel better when times get hard. Come to either or both sessions.  Everyone is welcome. 

 Stories That Heal Listening & Support Circle: Through sharing our stories we can lessen some of the  shame and isolation that often goes with mental and physical pain that many of us are facing during these challenging times. If it would feel supportive and positive to listen to others or share a story please feel free to come. Sharing our stories can help us all heal.  There is no pressure to participate in a certain way and all are welcome. Childcare option is available and feel free to contact Molly at mollysturges@gmail.com, 505-660-9473

Stories That Heal Artist Talk with Molly Sturges

Concert & Community Dialogue

Individual Story-Gathering: The Stories That Heals team is meeting with individuals throughout the month of April.