Story Crossroads: The Newsletter Volume 11, Issue 2
Welcome to a short, more direct weekly newsletter * Week 1: Story of the Month - links with membership * Week 2: Upcoming
Events * Week 3: Cap's Off to You! - people/organization profiles * Week 4: Past & Future News
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Photo Credit: Brother Valdez Photography - from 2025 Summit &
Festival |
"Sustain the Story" - from July 1 - August 1
Tomorrow it begins. Our 4-week fundraising campaign launches July 1—and we need you more than ever. Due to unexpected federal cuts, we’re short $16,000, and yet, we remain focused on the future. We’re not shrinking—we’re sharpening. With library concerts, school outreaches, and free performances at Murray City Park, we’re trimming costs while expanding our reach. But to keep it all going, we need
sustainable support. That’s why tomorrow we’re asking for more than a one-time gift. We’re inviting you to become a monthly donor—because even $5/month fuels
story maps, classroom residencies, and inclusive programming that changes lives. Be part of the story still unfolding. The woods are deep, but like Vasilisa the Wise, we move forward with courage and heart—together.
Pleasant
Grove Library & Next Steps
On June 10, 2025, we celebrated our 4th annual collaboration with the Pleasant Grove Library as part of their Summer Reading program. This special
evening featured youth tellers Katelyn Tehero, Jay Doxey, and Benson Hart, alongside professional story artist Paige Funk. Together, they brought the power of story to life for a lively and engaged audience. Even more exciting, this event marked the library’s first-ever livestream as they launched their new YouTube channel! Looking ahead, we’re thrilled that Pleasant Grove Library will be part of the 2026 Story Crossroads Summit & Festival on Tuesday, May 5. Librarian Misty Walker shared her enthusiasm and plans are already in motion.
Utah Arts
Festival & Fate of Writing Center |
At the June 19–22, 2025 Utah Arts Festival, stories came alive in every form—from balloons to spontaneous tales. Kira Larkin returned to our booth,
dazzling crowds with balloon animals that became instant characters in her improv storytelling. Kira, who is blind, reminded us all that storytelling is about connection, creativity, and joy—and she brings all three in abundance. We also welcomed 12-year-old Dezmond, who created a brand-new story using our interactive Story Walk—five signs with three choices behind each. His imagination soared, and with permission from both him and his dad, we’ll be sharing his story in an upcoming message. For the third year, we shared our space with the SLCC Community Writing Center, though we received bittersweet news that this may be their final—or
penultimate—appearance at the Arts Fest. SLCC plans to close the Center by June 30, 2026, a decision reflecting broader cuts to DEI efforts across the country. We honor their legacy and are grateful for the powerful stories made possible through this partnership.
On June 15, 2025 we launched the issue Sizzling
Splendor. Meanwhile, submissions are open for Quirky Quandries until August 15, 2025. Send us your stories, articles, or artwork—theme-related or not! Have a tale about "surviving your art" through mishaps or strange encounters? Or a story tied to Quirky Quandries? We’d love to see it! Though separate from Story Crossroads, The Story Beast is a free, worldwide publication. Learn more at storybeast.org.
We already shared some moments of the Pleasant Grove Library (June 10) as well as the Utah Arts Festival (June 19-22). Here's some more details of
the virtual workshop and house concert that took place this month. On June 7, Sam Payne led an insightful session on the art and craft of podcasting. He dove
deep into the technical side—covering recommended equipment and the latest software—while also exploring the deeper “why” behind podcasting. From thoughtful discussions on purpose and audience to practical tips on marketing and promotion, Sam offered a well-rounded look at what it takes to launch and sustain a meaningful podcast. This workshop as well as other past workshops are still available to purchase at http://storycrossroads.org/AllThingsStory On June 18, Paige Funk returned to enchant audiences—not just at the Pleasant Grove Library, but also at our 92nd Story Crossroads house concert. Hosted for the fifth time by the generous Barnson Family, the evening featured a completely different set of stories from Paige. Blending song, guitar, personal narratives, fantasy, and traditional tales, she created a truly magical atmosphere. One young attendee put it best: she couldn’t even decide what she loved most—it was all
unforgettable. You can find this house concert as well as streams of past ones at http://storycrossroads.org/HouseConcerts
As for future events, we have at least two every month. We have Kristin Pedemonti teaching a virtual workshop (July 12). We also have plans for a July house concert soon
to be announced.
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Enjoy this hint of the next virtual workshop taught by Kristin Pedemonti called "Steer Your Story: How Narrative Therapy Practices Assist Us to Preferred Stories." See more videos at our YouTube Channel.
If you or someone you know has a story video that you want us to see, then let us know by emailing info@storycrossroads.org.
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Story Crossroads - 501(c)(3) - To foster creative and compassionate communities through the art of storytelling.
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