June Slam + Art Exhibit - 2026
June Slam + Art Exhibit - 2026
It’s a New Story Slam Cycle! 2026 - 2027
THEME: EVERYTHING, ALL AT ONCE
June Holds More Than One Story. Some of Them Refuse to Stay Quiet.
June holds multitudes — Pride, Juneteenth, Immigrant Heritage, Men’s Mental Health, and more. This month, we’re not choosing just one story. We’re holding them all.
Everything, All at Once is an evening of true, personal storytelling honoring the fullness of who we are — the joy and grief, the roots and becoming, the quiet struggles and loud celebrations.
JOIN US
Friday, June 12th at BABS'LAB
An unforgettable storytelling showdown bursting with:
Tales + Treats + Libations
Expect a lively mix of heart, humor, and surprise. Whether you take the stage or listen from the audience, you’ll experience the electric community connection that has made Story Slam one of BABS’LAB’s most beloved traditions.
THE AUDIENCE DECIDES
Step up to the mic or settle in as an audience conspirator — because the audience doesn’t just watch, they vote. At the end of the evening, you choose the winning story. Come ready to listen, feel, and choose.
STORYTELLER PRIZES
🎁 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 Fave favorite place to dig for treasures.
✨ Second Place Get Some Love!
Receives a $20 gift certificate to a favorite local Jacksonville spot.
Perfect Attendance = Prizes! Audience members who attend all eight slams this season will receive a special prize at the Grand Slam.
AUDIENCE CAPTURES WHAT THEY SAID
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 YOU NEED TO KNOW
DATE: Friday, June 12, 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
TICKETS: $18.00
https://www.barbaracolaciello.com/register/juneslambabslab-2026
ABOUT 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 ranting, no preaching, no politicizing.
For more info: babslab@barbaracolaciello.com
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A POP-UP ART EXHIBITION
ON MY OWN TERMS ~ making space
Conceived and Curated by Julia Ivanisova and Barbara Colaciello
Guest JudgesDustin Harewood, Julia Ivanisova, Kelli Suzanne will select:
On My Own Terms is a pop-up art exhibition presented alongside Everything, All at Once, our Slam celebrating June’s intersecting histories — Juneteenth, Pride, Immigrant Heritage, Men’s Mental Health and the many lived experiences they hold.
The exhibit invites artists to respond to these histories and themes through painting, photography, mixed media, and all visual forms. Where the Slam brings voices to the stage, this exhibit brings them to the walls. Together, they create a shared space that holds it all.
CALL FOR ARTISTS
We are seeking work rooted in lived experience, memory, identity, and self-definition. Work that asks: What does it mean to exist fully, on your own terms?
If these themes speak to your practice, we want to hear from you. More Information coming!
EXHIBITION AWARDS
Our Guest will select:
✨ First Place
✨ Second Place
✨ Third Place
🎁 First Place receives a $100 cash prize.
EXHIBITION DATES
June 12 through Sunday, July 5th. Opening Reception @7 pm. The exhibition will remain on view through July 5th.
What’s a Story Slam?
A Story Slam is an evening of true stories told live, without notes, in five minutes or less. It’s raw, surprising, and full of energy—where everyday people step up to the mic and share moments that have shaped their lives. The audience plays an important role—listening with care, being part of the circle, and ultimately voting for their favorite tale.
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!