Accomplished storyteller, Judith Heineman and artist/educator, Laura Shaeffer curate a series of four storytelling competitions called Story Slams. Each event will explore a theme related to the exhibition and decided by Heineman and Shaeffer. A story slam consists of five-minute true stories, told without notes or props. Ten people sign up to tell their stories. Their names are put in a hat and are randomly selected during the event. Preselected judges and audience volunteers score the tellers, who compete for prizes—first prize is a screen print of The Beast.

Special Topic:  The Heart of the Beast

This theme can be interpreted as broadly as you wish. Have you ever had a beastly day? Beastly Boss? Actually been face to face with a ferocious animal in a life threatening scenario? In a dream? Ever dissect an animal and hold its heart in your hand . . .while it was still beating??? Have fun with it.

The Beast program is made possible in part by a grant from the Illinois Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Illinois General Assembly.

The exhibition and program is partially supported by: The Andy Warhol Foundation, Patricia Kay Swanson, Theaster Gates, and The Chuck Fund.