At the 2022 Arizona Storytellers Show on Wednesday, December 14, six community storytellers will tell stories about the theme “Holidays”.

Glendale’s Elizabeth Wunsch will share her story about how a childhood Christmas experience left her with a scarlet letter. This led to a long search for meaning and understanding of the holidays.

Never lose hope. “There are many signs that can help us heal. As long as we recognize them,” Wunsch stated.

This month, Wunsch will be retiring as director of Andre House in Phoenix. It is a Phoenix non-profit that provides meals for the homeless and supports them with their needs.

“I have had the honor of sharing amazing stories of hope and helping others. It is impossible to predict who might share a piece of their lives that will bring healing and insight. “Many times, our guests (at Andre House), will provide moments of hope for many volunteers who come through our doors,” Wunsch stated.

The following are other tellers who will be appearing in the next week’s program:

  • Bryce Barraza is a South Mountain Community College storytelling student who will tell you how his childhood memories of the holidays helped him discover magic as an adult.
  • Anthony Fusco Jr., from Goodyear, will tell the Estrella Mountain Community College Professor about how a Holocaust survivor taught him about Jewish holidays and, most importantly, love and forgiveness.
  • South Mountain Community College storytelling instructor Phoenix Sharee’ Hurts will discuss how family traditions can help keep the spirit of generosity and giving alive during the holidays.
  • Phoenix architect Diane Jacob will tell you about how her Jewish family moved to Phoenix from Puerto Rico. She didn’t feel welcome or valued, especially during holidays.
  • Adiba Nelson, a Tucson speaker, and author, will tell you how her mother made holidays memorable despite hardships.

Arizona Republic reporter Rafael Carranza and Megan Finnerty, founder of Arizona Storytellers, cohost the show.

“Holidays”, the last of the six 2022 shows.

All stories are first-person, true accounts. Republic journalists coach tellers, as well as instructors and students at South Mountain Community College’s Storytelling Institute.

Arizona Storytellers: Holidays

Where? Tempe Center For the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy. Tempe.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 14. Doors open at 6:30 pm. The show begins at 7 pm.

Tickets: $12 and can be purchased online only at storytellersproject.com. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Note: Captioning services for the hard of hearing and deaf are provided by the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.