Matt Marcinkowski
This time of year, plenty of folks are putting together vision boards and planning for the future. But for the young creatives who are part of the Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective, a vision has now become a reality. This month, the youth-centered BIPOC organization—which seeks to influence positive change through artistic opportunities and partnerships—will give friends of the organization a first look at The Center, a space for “creative youth development” at 3701 Grandel Square. The Center, which is set to open in early 2023, will be a place for teens and young adults to access resources, safe spaces, mentors, youth stipends, and opportunities to serve the community and speak out against gun violence.
John “3irty” House IV, Emeara Burns, and Llord “LlordThaCreator” Brown are among the young artists who’ve shaped the vision for the new space. “We were putting stuff on the board and planning what we were going to put in each room. I was really looking forward to what we would have, instrument-wise,” says House IV, an intern with Story Stitchers. The Center will provide space for more instruments and host workshop sessions for young artists.
“The one thing I’m excited for is a safe space for youth,” says Brown. “A place where they can actually go and just take their mind off of regular life. Life is already hard. I want people to have some joy in their youth.” Among the resources will be a healing room, where a trauma expert will be available to speak with young people if needed.
House IV, Burns, Brown, and many of the youth who are part of Story Stitchers have experienced some form of gun violence. Burns, who’s been with the organization nearly since it was founded in 2013, remembers hearing gunshots growing up. Brown attended the same school as Michael Brown, who was shot and killed by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson in 2014. “Seeing something like that happen from the community I’m from…I want to do something to commemorate his life,” says Brown, who hopes to help others avoid violent situations and plant seeds of change within the community.
The space and programs will provide a creative outlet for young people to express their emotions, encourage change, and build relationships. “We’re trying to get them in so that they can value relationships,” says Burns. She notes that those between the ages of 16 and 24 are at a greater risk of experiencing gun violence.
“If you are between the ages of 16 and 24, this is the place for you—if you’re an artist, if you’re not an artist, if you want to learn about business. Because [Story Stitchers] is a youth-run organization, we have a say in everything that goes on… If you’re a youth and anywhere in St. Louis, this is the place for you.”
Hear more about The Center at storystitchers.org/stitchcast-studio.
NOW STREAMING
TUNE IN TO STITCHCAST STUDIO TO HEAR MORE FROM YOUNG ARTISTS.
StitchCast Studio offers Story Stitchers ages 16–24 the chance to work alongside professionals to record live podcasts and discuss topics of their choosing, such as gun violence and finding solutions to critical issues. The podcasts seek to build a greater understanding of the needs and desires of local young people. Interludes in the form of live art from Story Stitchers artists and guest artists provide breaks between the discussions. StitchCast Studio Live!, an in-person version of the podcast series, will return February 28 at Central Stage, and additional live events are planned throughout the year. Find the StitchCast Studio podcast on Podbean, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
