Storytelling can probably be considered the most ancient of art forms. It is the basis

of community, culture, and history. In Liz Gruber's workshop, one type of story we

learned about was personal narratives -- unique to each individual, yet still

resonating with listeners based on our common human experiences.

In a story, something happens that creates change: a change in circumstances, a

change in knowledge, a change in a relationship, a change in perspective, perhaps a

change of heart.

In this week's project, you will write a story about an event that changed, in some

way big or small, your relationship to art. Maybe it was a negative experience,

maybe a positive one. Maybe it had a profound effect on the direction of your life,

maybe it had a small, but still significant effect. It may have been an experience of a

third grade teacher telling you that your picture was not good enough to hang up. Or

a school play where you forgot your lines. Or starting your own band in middle

school. Or going to a museum where one particular painting took your breath away.

Or a concert that you can still hear in your head. Or the first time you listened to a

song that seemed to be written just for you or danced in public or spray painted

your name on a rock. But the story must be more than an anecdote, it must have

created change.