Everyone deserves the opportunity to discover and explore their own potential, their dream, their voice. Our goal is to help make this happen. 

At Art of The Story we believe that self-confidence and courage are the foundation of a fulfilled life. To live fully, we must first recognize and embrace who we are — not just who we think we should be. This is no easy task in a world which often rewards conformity and discourages vulnerability. We believe that through the act of creative expression we practice being ourselves, unapologetically and wholeheartedly. 

Equally important is learning to accept and value others as they are. True connection comes when we set aside judgement, listen deeply and make room for other voices to flourish. In this way , Art — as a verb — becomes a powerful voice for building community , fostering understanding and creating a world where all have the opportunity to feel seen, valued and heard. 

Our programs are not just about exploration and expression, they are about transformation. They are about exercising the courage to be who you are, the confidence to take up space and the empathy to honor and celebrate the uniqueness of others. 

We are cultivating a way of life — one rooted in authenticity, connection, regardless of age and circumstance. Together we are working to help build a belief that the art of being is the greatest masterpiece of all. 

We can’t do this without your help…please consider making your donation here (donate button). Your donation helps to provide supplies, materials, venue and logistics expenses that can’t be done by our volunteers — like trucks to move and local labor to help load and install things, and some technical support. Your donation also helps to support providing stipends to the brilliant faculty who make these experiences possible. 

Art of the Story is a 501(c)3 and your donation in the Usa is tax deductible. For more information on our programs and partner programs scheduled for 2025 see below.

Spark | Chispa

Spark is about celebrating the unique voices of young people. This three day summer program is crafted to give the participants the chance to explore who they are and to discover how they want to be seen in the world. Our programming helps by providing experiences which create the opportunity to explore new ways of showing themselves, encouraging creativity and self expression, and a little bit of magic along the way. It’s not just about having fun, it’s also about building self-confidence and creating a space where each person can feel comfortable and proud of who they are.

In the end, our participants leave feeling more connected to themselves and ready to share their story. 

Spark is completely without cost to the participants, and is largely supported through volunteer efforts. An extra benefit of Spark is that it gives kids and parents a chance to connect in creative moments, moments of bonding that are just never frequent enough in most of our lives. See the 2024 Program

Spark by Art of the Story

This is the adult version of the kids programming, and is designed for adults who are looking to step outside their usual boundaries and try something new. This three day experience invites the participants to break free from their normal routines and to explore new ways to be in touch and to express themselves. There is a nominal cost to participate in this experience. We introduce the unexpected and the familiar in ways which provide the chance to break through your comfort zone, fan the flame of your creative spark, and gain confidence in embracing new possibilities and in expanding existing perceptions. This space is both intimate and collaborative and insists that participants explore, take risks, and at a bare minimum learn more about what it is to be you in this world. See the 2024 Program

Festival de Vivos y Muertos

Art of the Story is proud to be a partner to Festival de Vivos y Muertos, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary on October 26, 2025.

Vivos y Muertos was founded to provide an opportunity for the local community during a very special time of the year, the Día de Muertos. This event, which is completely without cost to the participants, provides ways to connect culture, community and contemporary society to honoring this most important time. Participants have the chance to create all manner of things from ceramic, paper, cardboard, found objects, legos , 3-D forms, art, collage, and more. Many of these creations are for the family altars for Day of the Dead, others are gifts the participants make — usually for their mothers. 

The age group for this event, which also includes a talent show and informal exhibition of the works created by the kids, spans about 18 months to 17 years. 

We are supported by local community and student volunteers from the programs which give civil service credits to students for volunteering. Our youngest volunteer is 12 years old. She’s amazing — as are all of our dedicated volunteer team. 

Your help in supporting our 10th anniversary would be so wonderful…