WHAT WE CARRY: Adult Show & Tell Events Pop Up In The Valley
Kaleidoscope Soul offers a low-stakes environment where locals can share stories and objects
Allison Fine, owner and event organizer of Kaleidoscope Soul, has always felt called to bring people together – especially since becoming a resident of Eau Claire just a few years ago. “I’ve always (done) community events, I love connecting people with each other,” she said.
Fine’s new event series – “What We Carry: Show & Tell for Grownups” – aims to counter feelings of isolation and global uncertainty; through show and tell, she nurtures low-stakes social interactions among local adults, breaking down social barriers.
“An evening of stories, objects, and curious humans – no pressure, no performances, just connection,” Fine said.
The mission for “What We Carry” is simple: bring locals together in a low-stakes environment, for an evening of sharing stories and objects which matter to them.
She believes that as children, there are often more spaces to instill curiosity, like a show and tell in the classroom. Today, she encourages adults to reconnect with this childlike wonder and the simple act of getting to know your neighbor.
A photo, your favorite toy from childhood, “a letter you almost threw away but didn’t” – all will be welcome as adults in the Valley seek comfort, and a little bit of play, through storytelling.
“Show and tell makes (conversations) more interesting,” she continued. “You don’t have to ask someone what they do for a living… you can just be like ‘oh my god, like what’s the story behind that hat you're wearing?’ ”
The first event of the series was held on Feb. 25 at SHIFT (615 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) in which Fine asked attendees to register ahead of time – or show up day-of – with something that inspires them.
In practice, she shared that over a dozen locals from all walks of life brought “artifacts” and memorabilia to the coffee shop. Vintage photographs, written excerpts of poetry, flash mob choreography videos, even an inflatable dinosaur were presented for a range of 30 seconds to minutes on end.
Fine began the event with a presentation of her own walnut eraser and a peach costume. The two items – with completely separate, lighthearted stories behind them – offered a chance for attendees to connect with her fondest memories and daily enjoyment.
“I gave the whole story behind this peach costume, (and) where my husband and me had an inside joke,” Fine said. “Everyone was so plugged into what each other was saying – it was refreshing.”
Another attendee, an older gentleman, shared a photograph he and his family found whilst packing up belongings from a relative’s home.
“I just feel like his name and his story should be shared and I want to honor him by like showing his picture,” Fine said the man shared with attendees. It was something unexpected, but allowed locals to ask questions of one another and discover the humanity in their shared stories.
Fine draws experience from her former Death Cafés, empowerment-driven retreats, and other community events which attracted locals from many different backgrounds – even folks who may have presented more social anxieties.
She hopes to instill similar laid back environments through the new show and tell, where people can participate at their own comfort level, even if it’s just listening.
At 6pm on April 22, “What We Carry” will return for its second installment at SHIFT, with a theme centered on what inspires hope. “What helps you keep tending it? What small object reminds you that things can grow back… even after hard seasons,” Fine shared.
A photo, your favorite toy from childhood, “a letter you almost threw away but didn’t” – all will be welcome as adults in the Valley seek comfort, and a little bit of play, through storytelling.
“What We Carry: Show & Tell for Grownups” will return to SHIFT (612 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) at 6pm on April 22. For new updates and event announcements from Kaleidoscope Soul, visit the organization’s webpage online or Facebook (@kscopesoul).