To know Arline Christ--creative artist, empathic teacher--is to love her bright smile and undaunted enthusiasm. She's one of those people who you know will always cheer you on, offer hugs in tough times, and bring sunny color wherever she goes! Studio B's event, modeled after the non-profit initiative The Human Library that began in Denmark, inspired Arline to share the really awful events of her early childhood that she's chosen to keep hidden throughout her life--not wanting to be judged or misunderstood. She stands as the poster child of resilience. Hear her story; sharing it was cathartic for Arline and unbelievably inspiring.

Artist Joe Szimhart headed west after college to make his way as a working artist and find his life's purpose. His explorations led him to joining a cult. As part of Studio B's event modeled after Denmark's The Human Library, Joe shared his research, how his experiences as a cult member have affected his life, and some advice to others. Find Joe's podcast "Cults in the Occulture" on YouTube; read Robert Jay Lifton's Losing Reality: On Cults, Cultism, and the Mindset of Political and Religious Zealotry.

On August 7, 2022, Studio B hosted an event modeled after Denmark's unique non-profit The Human Library that began over 20 years ago and is now found in over 80 countries or cities around the world. Host Jane Stahl shares some of the comments from the "Discovery Statements" that were left by the human "books" and those who listened. Shared among all: "Folks are just like me," "Let's do this again," and "Life's challenges are growth-producing opportunities; listening to them inspires compassion and a determination not to judge." 

Jane also announced a new initiative "coming soon": A digital news site "The Boyertown Area Expression" offering feature stories about people, events, and opportunities in and around this "special kind of place" that will be available by email. Stay tuned and subscribe to learn more about the special humans among us! 

So much to love about Harper Lee's novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." Personal courage. Super communication skills. Awesome parenting. Justice and injustice in 1930's Alabama and, unfortunately, even today. The novel speaks to all ages. There's good and bad in all of us: the novel showcases both. 

It's a tough one--no doubt. William Golding's view of humanity is disturbing. But "It's real," insists Bob Wood. "It makes you think," claims Craig Bennett--both former teachers of literature who joined Jane in the second of the series finding value in books that are often on lists of books to be banned from public school libraries and curriculum. Great literature presents situations to inspire us, and sometimes the inspiration comes from what we fear. The Lord of the Flies is one of those. Next week "To Kill a Mockingbird."  

Just Say NO! to banning JD Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye! In this episode of “B Inspired,”Craig Bennett, writer, teacher, actor and Jane spent some time together discussing the reasons that Salinger’s iconic novel is often at the top of the list of books to be banned by public school libraries and curriculum. And, more important, why it shouldn’t be!

Truth: “Many, many men”—then, now, and always—"are troubled morally and spiritually” just as the novel’s character Holden Caulfield is as an unhappy adolescent. In addition, Jane shared thoughts about a second Salinger novel Franny and Zooey, a book that helped her develop her own belief system decades ago. Recommended to all! Coming next: Bob Wood supports William Golding's Lord of the Flies.

While it's not easy making a living as a writer, Jennifer Hetrick took the challenge! Writing for newspapers and magazines, publishing 3 books of poetry highlighting senior citizens from Berks County's manufacturing history were just a few gigs Jen has put together to fashion her on-going writer's journey. Resilient, hard-working, creative, and dedicated, Jen inspires others to forge their own paths. 

Find more information about Studio B Fine Art Gallery on our website: studiobbb.org, on Studio B’s Facebook page, by contacting Jane Stahl, [email protected], 610-563-7879, or stopping by Studio B. And we welcome you to suggest people, projects, and perceptions that inspire YOU

Little did Brenda Cullen imagine while watching Hallmark movies with her children that one day she would want to re-create them in her hometown as owner of Boyertown's iconic, historic Twin Turrets Inn. Brenda has plans and a vision for the Inn and adding to the unique charm of small town life in PA. Stay tuned for updates and look forward to a grand holiday open house. 

Find more information about Studio B Fine Art Gallery on our website: studiobbb.org, on Studio B’s Facebook page, by contacting Jane Stahl, [email protected], 610-563-7879, or stopping by Studio B. And, remember, we welcome you to connect us with people, projects, and perceptions that inspire YOU to help us continue to B Inspired! 

Mish (Eileen) Murphy--co-editor of Studio B's 9th book of poetry, prose, and art--along with her husband Mike--visited Studio B from Tampa, Florida, to attend the art opening of "Be Inspired by Words" and the release of "Transforming Moments: Finding Our Voice." "B Inspired" was thrilled to meet her in person, learn more about her, and thank her for her efforts in putting together our annual anthology of the work of our local writers and artists. 

Find more information about Studio B Fine Art Gallery on our website: studiobbb.org, on Studio B’s Facebook page, by contacting Jane Stahl, [email protected], 610-563-7879, or stopping by Studio B. And, remember, we welcome you to connect us with people, projects, and perceptions that inspire YOU to help us continue to B Inspired!