Susan LeClair, former English teacher and one of Jane's favorite lunch dates, served as juror for the prize awards for Studio B's 9th book of poetry, prose, and art: "Transforming Moments: Finding Our Voice." In this episode Susan shares some of the considerations that informed her decisions. Then, in an update about the Human Library program, schedule for August 7, 2002, Jane shared that the response to her invitations to participate have been received enthusiastically. Participants will share their experiences living with "Depression," "ADHD" "Cults," "Autism," "Adoption," for example. In addition, on July 10, 17, 24, and 31, Jane invites folks to the studio with a book in hand--a book that is often banned from public school libraries and curriculum. Lessening prejudice, stereotyping, stigma, fears, and concerns about people and books is the mission of the summer programs. 

Monique Becker planned to become a professional ballerina. Her college degree led her into the medical field creating wellness programs. Then her worlds collided in recognizing an early love nurtured by the sewing skills her mother taught her and fueled by losing her to cancer. Taking a risk, Monique returned to needle and thread and to a full range of classes that inspired Becker Home, "a space where meaning, self-care, and joy" bring "beauty, functionality, recurring peace, and physical wellness" to her clients. Her life's transformation inspires the work she does to transform ours!

After over 50 years as a writer, John Yamrus's latest book or poetry, "Selected Poems: The Director's Cut" has hit first place in the U.S. on Amazon for Epic Poetry and is now available in a separate book internationally, translated in Albanian. This episode centers on John’s latest book “Selected Poems: The Director’s Cut” that weighs in at 2 pounds—almost 500 pages of minimalist poetry that serves up life close to the bone! Incisive perspectives on what life shoves in our faces on any normal day. Humorous at times. Disturbing at others. Addictive. 

And John’s poetry is now available internationally. A volume in Albanian has been translated by Fadil who has translated the works of hosts of poet greats and written subtitles for English language movies.  (Poets Fadil has translated include Ginsberg, Kerouac, Ferlinghetti, Michael McClure, Gregory Corso, Gary Snyder, Carl Solomon, Harold Norse, Ezra Pound, James Joyce, E.E. Cummings, John Fante, Frank O'Hara, Charles Bukowski, Robert Frost, William Carlos Williams, Hemingway, Fitzgerald and others...not to mention rock lyrics by Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Lou Reed and Bruce Springsteen.)

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!

Stellar House, Adriene Billet’s niche gift shop, is a bright and cheery space harnessing the celestial energy of her signature symbol--the moon—from floor to ceiling. Adriene offers an array of unique items for sale that she loves, knowing that you’ll love them too for the color and laughter they generate. Something special. Something meaningful. Joy is what you’ll find.

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!

Dazzling! Walking into Dolce inspires wide smiles! The space and its owner Christina Wabish present a bright, shiny, modern space and the energy of hair and nail specialists who clearly love what they do! Becoming a stylist was Christina's earliest dream; owning her own salon is her wildest dream-come-true. Not without its nightmares and challenges, but complete with exciting plans for the future. You'll love meeting her and you'll be smiling too!

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!

"Such a Neat Freak!” is a not only a perfect description of Tracy Cassel Bernard’s MO but also a perfect name for her business operation. As a child, Tracy Cassel Bernard has been on a mission to tidy her world, making sure her doll’s clothes were spaced evenly after laundering, with tiny clothes pins, on a tiny wash line. Today, she de-clutters, reorganizes, and decorates the homes of folks of all ages and in all stages in their lives—carefully helping them decide which clothes, children’s art, furniture, or collectables to save or to let go. She finds a “calling” in helping her clients transform their living space and satisfaction and joy in employing her “magical” gifts of perspective and decision-making—delivered gently with a wink and infectious energy. Home organization. Move management. Home staging. Seasonal decorating. Small construction projects. Find her website: suchaneatfreak.com; contact her: [email protected]

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

I love knowing that Bridget Scogna fell in love with the tin ceiling of her space at 30 E Philadelphia Avenue, Boyertown, and felt called to open “Bridget’s Place for Making Memories” at that very location. “Bridget’s Place” is a gift shop offering the creations of local artisans that brings people together to make memories through craft parties and social gatherings. Birthday parties, bridal showers, anniversary parties, weddings, Girls’ or Guys’ Nights Out—any themed opportunities to gather together and have fun—is what Bridget’s Place will provide. And while our conversation for the “B Inspired” episode lasted only 20 minutes, I found a “soul sister” and a new BFF in this teacher-at-heart whose mission involves nurturing the unique gift each person offers their world while having fun creating something beautiful in memory of the moment. (610) 473-6994, [email protected], @Bridgetsplaceformakingmemories

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!

Annette Faust has just the idea(s) for your celebration needs. Celebrate Together Events offers full-service event planning; DIY-ers can rent her equipment to save staffing and set-up costs; and for any occasion where a unique gift is preferred, there's "Box of Berks" containing products made in Berks County that bring tasty products to recipients and at the same time celebrate many businesses unique to our area. Find her on Facebook or websites: Celebrate Together Event Rentals and Design or A Box of Berks. New goals are always on her "to do" list for this "multi-preneur". Learn more about her many efforts: -https://tinyurl.com/CelebrateTogetherEvents,  https://g.page/r/CfKnmZTNDXb4EBM/review and at https://www.facebook.com/aboxofhome/reviews

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!

Turning the tables on host Jane Stahl, Lisa Muller wants to know how Jane's involvement in the arts all began. From a family trip as an adolescent to Rockport, Massachusetts, and a 35-year career teaching high school English to inspiring Bear Fever, chartering the Arts and Activities Alliance committee of Building a Better Boyertown, filling in as editor of 2 Boyertown pictorial history books, she has assisted Susan Biebuyck managing Studio B Art Gallery for 14 years. For those who know Jane, the stories are familiar. But for those who may have wondered about Jane's journey, Lisa patiently asks the right questions. The studio's summer activities during the studio's "Be Inspired" exhibit and "Transforming Moments" book release--discussions of books often banned and featuring the "Human Library"--are previewed.

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!