Written by Léna Roy, Chief of Education and Program Innovation
Yes, we braved frigid temperatures yet again and hosted another Teen Open Mic: the first one in Westchester since the pandemic. We were invited to collaborate with Mt. Kisco Arts Council and were hosted by a boutique bookstore called Curio Room. Stepping into Curio Room was a bit like stepping into a magic shop, piles of new and used books everywhere and all sorts of curiosities abounded. Some bookshelves were moved from the center of the shop, and voila…A performance space appeared.
While the cold weather kept some away, the space was filled with support from the community, including five Writopians from our Creative Portfolio program: Sonali Browning, Nila Shaines, Ellie Genitrini, Zoya Bhandari, and Alice Bediski. Nila emceed for her first time, hosting the evening beautifully with Sonali. We had everyone in attendance participate in adding to a joyful group poem, and had our usual writer Q&A at the end. One audience member asked: “Besides the workshop, how do you find people like you who write? Isn’t it rare?” I was so moved by the generosity of the collective group’s answer. Alice started the response by suggesting that more people write than one may think, either to vent or to figure things out. The others agreed and added that unless you identify as a writer, you’re not going to lead with that when you meet people, “People don’t ask out of the blue, “so, do you write?”
I was so moved by their genuine curiosity and positive outlook—that we all are more alike than we think. As always, I left the Teen Open Mic with a full heart and faith in writing as a path to authenticity and connection.
“Curio Room was founded by artists and writers with shared interests in literature, fables + folklore, alternative histories and ecologies, mysticism and music. We co-create the space with intention to share stories that expand minds and bewilder borders, and to showcase artwork from those who inspire us.”