Step into Jacksonville’s most intimate, high-energy storytelling space.

Celebrating over 9 years of Monthly Story Slams at BABS’LAB

Join us for an evening of true stories, tasty treats, and good vibes! Hosted by BABS COLACIELLO, our February 13th Story Slam theme, RED, may flirt with Valentine’s Day, but this theme has a wider appetite. RED is not just romance. It’s a pulse. A warning light. A streak of lipstick on a coffee cup. Red is what rises when you’re furious, embarrassed, exhilarated, alive.
Come share your five-minute true story, or relax, sit back and listen.

FEATURED ARTIST SPOTLIGHT / RECEPTION

To help set the tone for RED, we’re thrilled to partner with visionary artist Mere Mason. Her illuminating work will transform BABS’LAB for the evening, creating an immersive environment shaped by light, color, and form.

Mere Mason, a resident of Jacksonville’s Springfield neighborhood, with a studio in Riverside at Margaret Street Studios transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, celebrating sustainability, imagination, and functionality. From radiant lighting fixtures to tables and vases, each piece reflects her thoughtful, hands-on approach to design.

ARTIST RECEPTION | 7:00 PM
Join us to celebrate and experience a little RED MAGIC while bathed in the light of Mere’s one-of-a-kind fixtures displayed and available for purchase. Installation developed in collaboration with Julia Ivanisova, BABS’LAB Curatorial Collaborator.

❤️ Why not wear a little RED? ❤️
Or go all out if the mood strikes.

PRIZES & SPONSORS
Winner’s Prize: Our first-place storyteller wins a $50 gift certificate to Castaways Vintage to Modern, an antique shop and record store offering art, furniture, gifts, boutique & more! It’s our favorite place to dig for treasures.

Second Place Winners Get Love!
Each second-place storyteller will receive a $20 gift certificate to a local Jacksonville spot. Plus, they’ll be invited to a pre-Grand Slam “run-off story marathon” to earn a spot in the Grand Slam.

EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Friday, February 13, 2026
WHERE: BABS’LAB, CoRK Arts District
Entrance located on Phyllis St. on the path between metal fence and palm tree across from Yellow House!
SHOW TIME: 8:00PM
ARTIST RECEPTION: 7:00PM ART + TREATS + CHIT-CHAT + Libations
TICKETS: $18.00‍ www.barbaracolaciello.com/register/febslambabslab-2026

WHAT THEY SAID
A Popular Play-Along
A listening game where audience members jot down the lines that STICK with them. Quick and intuitive, it’s a practice in catching the art of words as they fly. Together, audiences help build a living “Wall of Quotes,” where standout lines from the night may find new life on a t-shirt, mug, or in our archive. (Inspired by Anna Jacobson, the Queen of Capturing Lines)

WHAT’S A STORY SLAM?

• 10 people's names are picked from the hat.

• Storytellers have 5 minutes each to tell a TRUE personal story based on a THEME.

• At the end of the evening the audience Votes for their favorite storyteller.

• Story must connect to the Theme.

• No notes. No props.

•Please no political ranting, no preaching.

For more info: babslab@barbaracolaciello.com

CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION TO BABS'LAB!

Your Donation allows us to offer scholarships covering
tuition fees for classes, support artist fees, fund production costs,
and facilitate community outreach initiatives.
Thank you for being a part of our story!

barbaracolaciello.com/donation