Just Like a Book: More Than My Cover

Join us for a month-long artist residency inviting people of all backgrounds into story and connection. In “Just Like a Book, More Than My Cover”, Ferene Paris of All Heart Inspirations creates space for a multi-generational dialogue around self-identity, outward appearance, and the stories we carry. Come for a performance, a workshop, a story slam—or experience the full series. Ages 16+.

All events take place in the library Community Room. On the second floor, this cozy space feels like living room vibes meets coffee shop meets open mic.

A Space for Story, Art, and Connection

This free, inclusive series offers a rare opportunity to explore self-identity through art, storytelling, and community connection. Whether you attend one session or all three, you’ll be invited to reflect and connect, and will leave feeling affirmed and empowered.

Ferene encourages multi-generational participation, welcoming individuals ages 16 to 116. By creating space for shared stories and creative expression, the series fosters empathy, understanding, and a celebration of the unique narratives that shape our community.

Join Ferene and your community to explore this guiding  question: As the human author of your story, how are you living out loud? 

Session One: Storytelling
Thursday, March 5
6:30 pm  - 7:30 pm
Doors open at 6:00 pm

Join us for a heart-felt storytelling performance by Ferene. Then enjoy Haitian treats, meet the artist and your neighbors, and get a taste of what’s ahead in the residency.

Session Two: Hands-on Craft/Storytelling Workshop
Saturday, March 14
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

In this hands-on workshop hosted by Ferene, participants will create book-themed art that reflects both their inner and outer selves. Through a guided creative process, attendees will craft visual and written pieces that tell their personal stories using a variety of artistic materials. This part of the residency invites self-exploration and shared reflection, helping participants recognize how their own narratives connect with and are shaped by the stories of others.

Bonus hands-on time
Sunday, March 15 & Sunday, March 22
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Bring your materials from Session Two and continue to craft your story in a quiet, companionable space. 

Session Three: Story Slam – An Evening of Stories & Dessert
Thursday, March 26
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Doors open at 6:00 pm, Story Slam begins at 6:30

Ferene will guide the closing evening of the series with prompts and gentle encouragement, so no worries if you haven’t attended the previous sessions. Participants can share reflections from the earlier sessions—or just respond to the guiding question: As the human author of your story, how are you living out loud?

This low-pressure gathering celebrates connection, curiosity, and the collective voices of our community. Enjoy dessert, connect, and share stories in a space designed to be inclusive, welcoming, and open to all.

More about artist-in-residence, Ferene Paris 

Ferene Paris (she/her) is a storyteller and Black Haitian femme artist who creates heart centered spaces through live performances, interactive workshops, and community engagements. Known for living out loud with courageous truth-telling and vulnerable vibes, her work is rooted in love and purpose—inviting people to see themselves, one another, and their stories more clearly. 

For Ferene, this work is more than a calling—it is an honor. Each invitation to hold space feels like being welcomed into the community as the cool, queer Black Auntie who arrives simply to love on your people. She believes we all carry stories worthy of sharing, and her constant invitation is simple: What’s yours? 

That spirit led her to establish All Heart Inspirations in 2020—a vessel for storytelling-centered spaces that honor culture, people, and connection. Since its founding, Ferene has curated more than 200 offerings, including keynote addresses, artist residencies, campus workshops, story slams, and community rituals. All Heart Inspirations is a storytelling practice rooted in love, culture, and collective care. All Heart invites people to live out loud, tell the truth, and remember themselves back into community. 

A sampling of Ferene Paris’s work 

6th Annual Community Leadership Summit, Keynote address centering truth-telling, collective care, and community action: https://www.youtube.com/live/NjXJ55Fpwvg? si=U9SPZY7K8Dg1ik62&t=1860

Hartford School District, Keynote focused on belonging, voice, and storytelling as a leadership practice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iapANWN6FGE 

PechaKucha Night Burlington – Thoughts on the Heart: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=70WInYEAr7U

Homegoings: A Live Performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l02styRITQ8