Instagram story viewer> @mhcart> Tagged

Mel Harper Creative

@mhcart

675

followers

660

following

Writer, reader, thinker, maker.
Honest reflection + strategic planning = more space for creative work.

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

#onthisday in 1974, the triptych “Miles Davis” debuted in a solo exhibition on #washingtoncolorschool artist #kennethvictoryoung at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Some five decades later, this piece is now in his latest solo exhibition “Cosmic Harmonies: Kenneth V. Young” at the @samekartmuseum PA friends, please come see this incredible work sometime through December 6.
•
Heart is full! The show is really, real! But I remain particularly touched by the (punny) comment someone shared to the audience opening night. They expressed awe in the 🪐 galaxy 🪐 of support present - within the last ten years they have witnessed the expansion, and strength, of stakeholders- the artist’s family, contemporaries, collectors, and scholars (and my family, mentors, and friends!) - come together to in a myriad of ways to celebrate Young’s enduring legacy. And I must agree, I remain inspired by that too.
•
My exhibition tries to assert Young’s interest in the philosophical concept, cosmic harmony, within his creative process during a pivotal period of his career. Thank you to the artist’s nephew @tshep2 for encouraging me to read The Dancing Wu Li Masters all those years ago as the (dense!) book helped me articulate a framework to engage with his disparate styles. Thank you @begoniatech for your support, full stop, and for sharing never before seen in-color archival images for the exhibit design. And thank you @samekartmuseum team for all that you done to have made this exhibition possible. I am so proud of this presentation, and can’t wait to share more behind the scenes fun facts throughout the run of the show!
•
Sept 10 2026

81

8

Arrows flying, hearts racing — our ultimate Valentine’s Day event, Story Extreme’s “Stupid Cupid” show, is tomorrow evening at 7 PM!

And Cupid’s arrows weren’t the only thing flying— so did our tickets! 🎯 💘 we are now officially SOLD OUT!

See you at the show #fullhouse !

Thank you for always supporting us! #feelingthelove💕

#storyextreme #stories #storytellingforgrownups #storyextremestorytelling #storyextremepresents #CupidChronicles #valentinesdaymagic♥️ #loveisintheairandsoisthedrama 🎭 s #dcarts #northernvaarts #dmv #md #dcartscene #show #entertainment #eventbrite #reallifestories #fridays #happyvalentinesday

4

2

Last Wednesday I returned my attention to the artist who inspired my oral history project: #louisville born #washingtoncolorschool artist #kennethvictoryoung
•
The informal talk offered space for me to articulate how my understanding his studio practice between the years 1968-1974 has shifted in the past couple of years thanks to the art and information saved by artists and family historians in his hometown.
•
It also offered me a chance to discuss the importance of the info on DC modern art preserved by the Hayes-Benjamin papers newly acquired at the @driskellcenter and the orgs and individuals highlighted in Dr Meghelli’s current exhibit at the @smithsonianacm @samir.meghelli who would have engaged with Young during the turn to the ‘70s! I also got to riff on some cool slide finds from Young’s personal archive that have been recently made available. 🚨
•
Since this talk was my DC send off- I’m moving to Louisville this month, folks!- it was esp touching for so many artist fams to visit IRL. I am still stunned by the @yvettemariajones appearance of it all! ✈️Thank you @begoniatech and @bingsdream and Allyson for helping make this past week so special !! And to all who tuned in online. 🩵
•
Lastly, but not least!, a huge thank you to the many colleagues ~too many to tag~ for celebrating my research milestones these last five years / at the WIP / nearby a work by the very DC based painter. (More info on that acquisition can be shared by @bethesda_fine_art btw) Looking forward to the next era of this journey… in Ky!
•
📸: 10/02/24

80

16

I’m excited to kick off a new season of storytelling classes with a fantastic group of teachers. Our teacher retreat was fun and productive — working through our curriculum with updates and improvements. After 17 years of teaching this class and honing our methodology, we have literally seen thousands of people show up to class with no experience or stage fright and leave with the knowledge and skills to tell their stories on any stage with confidence and joy. — Amy

Happy World’s Teachers day!

Ready to learn from the best? Whether you’re taking your first step or fine-tuning your craft, we’ve got on line and in-person classes designed just for you.

📅Sign up today: link in bio.

Tag your favorite teacher in the comments!

36

1

NEW PODCAST EPISODE!

This is one for the books. In this episode you'll meet Mel Harper. Mel shares a true story as part of Sucker for Love — Story District's annual Valentine's Day tradition of showcasing true stories about the triumphs and challenges of romance and relationships. It has been so popular that it was selected and performed as part of Top Shelf, our showcase of the best stories of the year.

Spend Valentine’s With Story District! Tickets to Sucker for Love & Worst Date Ever on sale now storydistrict.org/tickets

In the 16th annual Sucker for Love on February 10, 2024 at the Lincoln Theatre, Story District offers a refreshing alternative to the commercialized clichés and overpriced crowded restaurants associated with Valentine’s Day. Through a series of short true stories, Sucker for Love explores authentic experiences of romantic love - a vast and diverse subject that touches on all things human: connection, loss, fear, triumph, ecstasy, and more.

#revenge #therapy #wedding #betrayal #funny #truestory #storytelling #storytellingdc #washingtondc #topshelf

10

0

40

2

It’s not easy getting on a stage to be judged by strangers. Wondering if they’ll laugh, cry, walk away feeling like money well spent, or pissed they wasted their time and coin.

Sure, this may not be considered a “great feat by some”, but it is huge to ✨ ME ✨ To go on a stage to tell a very personal story and be received by everyone really does warm my heart in ways I didn’t expect. And then to be asked back!!! Who? You want little ole me to spin the block?! Say less, babe. I'm there and I'm honored 🤗

Every single person on this stage did an amazing job. I appreciate that my name is mentioned alongside theirs 🩵. I can’t wait to hear more of their amazing stories 🤗

29

1

I’m in love with every one of these fine storytellers. Got a story? Tell is with Story District. Link in bio to storydistrict.org. Photos: @margotbuff. @unionstage

14

1

What a way to end the year! Story District’s Top Shelf did not disappoint. Every storyteller slayed. Julie, Reggie, Douala, and Jaleesa held down the first half while Renee, Marjorie, Mel, and Yasmin closed the show. Photos: @margotbuff
.
This year’s show was particularly special. Since 2010, we’ve produced this annual tribute to great storytelling, but had to take a break in 2022. So, honestly, I still feel triumphant whenever we are are able resume our normal programming.
.
Thanks to everyone on the Story District team and @unionstage who made this possible. Looking forward to more experiences like this in the new year. Next up: Sucker for Love (Feb 10) and Worst Date Ever (Feb 14)

54

2

Have you ever been to a storytelling show like this before? It's time to introduce you to DC's top storytellers this year.

Top Shelf is Story District's annual celebration of the year's best stories told on stage. Get early bird tickets until November 30—don't wait to get yours! This event sells out every year.⁠
⁠
Hosted at the poshest venue in town—the newly renovated @capturnaround in partnership with our friends @unionstage
⁠
Dress to the 9s and you could win tickets to the OG annual Valentine's Day show, Sucker For Love. ⁠
⁠
Get ready for an extravagant night out in DC featuring scintillating stories of sex, long-lost siblings, sweet revenge, and sex.

Your storytellers
Julie Condit
Mel Harper
Reggie MxCaw II
Yasmin Elhady
Jaleesa Matthews
Marjorie Winther
Douala Preston
Renee Moore

33

1

They inspired you, made you laugh and feel all kinds of emotions. Introducing your top 20 storytellers this season. 📣⁠
⁠
86 incredible storytellers took to the Story District stage to share their truth and we loved every single story. That's why it's so hard to choose the finalists.⁠
⁠
8 storytellers will get a highly coveted spot Top Shelf spot to tell you their story again at the iconic Capitol Turnaround on December 16. ⁠
⁠
Do you see yourself on the Top Shelf lineup? Pitch your story at bit.ly/3QeKKyz (link in bio). ⁠
⁠
Deadlines are October 30 and November 15.

35

10

Hanging with the Story District teachers. The BEST! @hookhall_dc. Next round of classes starts In June. Register soon @storydistrict.org / link in bio

47

4