When Grace James, an AHC Resident Engagement Specialist, first approached resident Gwen about sharing her story through art, the longtime Fort Henry Gardens resident hesitated.
“I’m not good at that,” she said. “I don’t think I’ll be good at it.”
Fifteen years after moving to Fort Henry Gardens and a lifetime of calling Green Valley home, Gwen had plenty of stories. She just wasn’t sure anyone would want to hear them. That changed through the “Me, Here, & Green Valley: City of Stories” community art project that allowed residents to share their stories in their own words.
The project emerged from a collaboration between Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) and Studio PAUSE, an Arlington art studio that invites people to make time to explore creativity and celebrate community. The initiative was funded by an Arlington Arts PLACE Grant and empowered residents and staff at The Shelton, Fort Henry Gardens, and The Macedonian to share their stories.
“This project allows residents to be in control of their own story. It provides a creative way for them to share their stories through words and images in a way that is both inviting and engaging. We’re proud to lift up our residents and give them an outlet to share who they are with their community — across Green Valley and beyond.”
– Michael Swisher, AHC Director of Community Engagement
“City of Stories” centers on Studio PAUSE’s signature creation: a one-page, origami-style book that folds into a three-dimensional house shape. One side shares the “Me, Here” stories of individual lives. The other side presents the “And Green Valley” reflections that connect those lives to the neighborhood. Participants’ books are then displayed together for viewers to walk around and immerse themselves in a “city” of stories.
Gwen became comfortable with the process and began to enjoy creating her storybook with encouragement from Grace and Studio PAUSE staff.
She wrote about swimming at the YMCA (her favorite memory to capture) and playing baseball on fields that were a highlight of her childhood. She shared stories of growing up in an area rich with activities and places to gather.
Throughout August and September, the books were on display at the Green Valley Farmers Market. For Gwen, one of the most rewarding moments was watching people pause to read her book.
Sushmita Mazumdar, Studio PAUSE founder, noticed the same sense of connection.
“At the farmer’s market, we got to meet so many relatives of people who had participated,” she said. “It was such a warm experience of this unique community.”
The project gave Gwen a creative outlet and helped her gain confidence.
“It meant a lot to me. It made me feel very happy… to express [myself].”
– Gwen, resident of Fort Henry Gardens
For Sushmita, who has worked with AHC residents for nearly a decade, the Green Valley project offered something special.
“As an artist, I work across stories, book arts, and mixed media, to explore memories of home, heritage, and my migration from India,” she said. “It was a wonderful experience to immerse myself in the stories of Green Valley through the ‘Me, Here, & Green Valley’ project.”
On September 20, participants in the “City of Stories” project presented their storybooks at Green Valley Day, an annual neighborhood celebration. Residents, community members, and staff shared what Green Valley and the community mean to them.
Among those who shared their storybooks at the event was Grace. In her book, she recalled being nervous on her first day working at AHC’s Afterschool program at Fort Henry Gardens.
A young resident approached her and said, “I hope you stay for a long time. People are always leaving.”
Grace shared that those words melted away her nerves and helped her understand the importance of stability and connection in the community.
She ended her book, “I knelt down to her level, smiling. ‘I hope so too,’ I replied.”
View the storybooks and more about the project on Studio PAUSE’s website.
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