The Power of Story - Lehigh Valley Arts Council

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The Power of Story

The Power of Story Project

Sharing a moment when the arts touched your life has great power. With each story, we strengthen arts advocacy!

Here is our collection of personal stories from the Lehigh Valley community. By preserving these experiences, we are building a library of impact in support of the arts.

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1 Creativity 2 Dance 6 Literature 6 Music 5 Theatre 13 Visual Arts

Featured Story

Matt Wolf

Bethlehem, PA

That was the night, influenced by Ginsberg, Kerouac and that poet at Lafayette, that I started my journey writing poetry.

Bill George

Bethlehem, PA

And then, I knew why I was an actor, an artist. To connect my friend with her loved one. To help us transcend the pain and celebrate the glory of life.

Dominic Singleton

Greensburg, PA

Career day for me was never as exciting because out of all these choices I could never make a decision. I knew that I wanted to help people, but I wanted to do it in my own special way.

William Childs

Allentown, PA

Creativity is real and it’s here to stay. Those who are brave enough to accept that fact will capitalize on its undeniable power and use it as a force for change.

Loren Marquardt

Bethlehem, PA

I believe that art and its inspiration surrounds the willing observer.

Barbara Martyska

Allentown, PA

I don't remember exactly when I realized that I really needed this music in my life, but at some point I knew I couldn't imagine my life without it.

Alan Levin

Lehigh Valley, PA

Centering the clay is so important, it's like life in general -- if your life is centered, you're good to go.

Renee James

Bethlehem, PA

With full hearts, our giving and supportive Choir members were honored to offer “World Farewell,” and share the comfort that piece brings to those who hear it, as they remember those they have lost. With sincere thanks, the family felt the comfort that only voices raised in song can offer.

Christine Talley

Allentown, PA

I'd like people to know that folks with disabilities or mental illness are fascinating, valuable contributors to society.

Ann E. Michael

Emmaus, PA

There's no way to "explain" how that works in me, but in the following poem I endeavor to do so by imagining myself as an artwork.

Ava Beck

Allentown, PA

What if they laugh? What if they call me names? What if I trip and fall? I worried myself to sleep.

Paula Holoviak

Sugarloaf, PA

In a time and place where many young people are left behind, Ukrainian folk dance has opened up a world of art, culture, travel and dance to generations of kids.

Matt Snyder

Allentown, PA

Art is an every day think outside the box sort of thing...

Sonny Hunt

Lehigh Valley

There are so many challenges for families that deal with individuals with autism and/or sensory processing that typical events such as movies, theaters, theme park shows are not enjoyable for even a few minutes.

Alice Yeakel

Bethlehem, PA

Music is so often associated with events that, because of the music, are never forgotten.

Randall Forte

Mertztown, PA

Engagement in the arts affects people in deeply quiet ways, and it can be particularly magical for those of us with disabilities.

Kellie Dietrich

Breinigsville, PA

Art helped me express myself on one of the most important days of my life: graduation.

Ann Lalik

Allentown, PA

Jewelry by its very nature of not being a necessity shows us that a person is making a statement about various stations in life, culture, religion, or other identification.

Lisa Higgins

Center Valley, PA

What could be better than working with people dedicated to stories that must be told?

Ruth Knafo Setton

Allentown, PA

If we explore fearlessly, without a map destination, open to every interesting path and mysterious alley, we reawaken our sense of astonishment...

Noberto Dominguez

Allentown, PA

One brush, one stroke, one step, one line, the loving guidance of one hand.

Nora Suggs

Allentown, PA

Playing music with friends and colleagues is a great joy, and when the audience becomes entwined in the music as well, it’s even more exciting.

Shawn Hager

Easton, PA

I am a solo Indie Alt.Rock artist from the Lehigh Valley. I started back in 2006 when my wife fell sick and I was trying anything I could to make money to help save her.

Holly Gage

Bowmansville, PA

I found my freedom through artistic expression. As a dyslexic Jewelry Sculptor, my written communication can be cumbersome...

Sarah Carlson

Allentown, PA

I am a dancer. I speak with my body. Sometimes, the act of moving can bring me - and those who are watching me - to a new understanding.

Patty Passick

Palmerton, PA

As my 4th graders worked on their clay projects, one student said, "When I do this, I feel more alive!"

Tara Santoro

Macungie, PA

For me art was always an escape. As a kid I could be found in my room with my dog at my side, a reem of green and white lined paper or gigantic coloring book with a large box of crayons.

Ronald Demkee

Allentown, PA

I serve as conductor of the Allentown Band because it is important work that is unquestionable and unequivocally stimulating, challenging, and gratifying...

Nancy Scott

Easton, PA

It started with the open reading at Godfrey Daniels. I read two poems, as a blind writer reading from Braille. I didn’t die. Later, I got the call asking me to feature-read.

Mandy Gero

Northampton, PA

Alert and Alive inside, Colors moving forth...

Jude Chase

Bethlehem, PA

Seven and a half years ago, I was crossing the street on a rainy day and the creek was rising. I little old lady was driving by, looking at the creek and not at me.

Deborah Hamsho

Whitehall, PA

I pronounce the annunciation: I AM AN ARTIST of fibrous hues...

Angela Faidley

Macungie, PA

When I stand in front of a class I look out and see bright eyes looking to for inspiration and guidance. The responsibility is overwhelming, empowering, frightening, and heady.