On November 14, 2026, The Origin Stories Project brings its signature Story Gathering to the Pico Union Project in Los Angeles, a historic gathering place transformed into a welcoming home for arts, culture, and connection.
Join us for a day-long conference celebrating live storytelling, art, and human connection.
When — Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Where — The Pico Union Project, 1153 Valencia Street, Los Angeles, California 90015
Program
In Our Own Words is one of our signature Story Gatherings: a day-long event filled with spoken word, visual art, music, movement, and conversation. Taking place immediately before the Thanksgiving holiday, this gathering will center on the theme of gratitude amidst it all.
Throughout the day, attendees will have opportunities to explore their own experiences and reflect creatively on the people, places, and moments that have shaped their lives.
Led by our host, digital storyteller/musician jason chu, attendees will listen to live storytellers, attend creative workshops, and browse an exhibition of Origin Stories Project art boxes presented in conjunction with a county-wide series of Art Box exhibitions. Confirmed workshop leaders and live performers:
Nic Cha Kim (PBS SoCal)
Stuart K Robinson (Voice Actor/Talent Agent)
Ally Vega (Choreographer)
The Crooked Trees (Band) with Bill Angarola (Songwriter/Sound Editor)
Chris Siders (Rapper/Poet)
More TBA
The day will include:
“Living Library” Art Box exhibition with recorded & live participants
Live storytelling and storyteller conversations
Creative workshops led by professional artists
Lunch accompanied by live music
Storytelling through movement: dance workshop
Opportunities for guests to reflect on & share their own stories
The Origin Stories Project
The Origin Stories Project is an ongoing arts project that uses personal storytelling and creative expression to help people feel seen, heard, and connected to one another.
Our participants are invited to share a story of their own origins - their migration, cultural heritage, struggle or discovery - and transform a clear plastic cube into a mixed-media Art Box visualizing that story.
In exhibitions and gatherings, we bring together storytellers and audiences for thoughtful, art-driven conversations about empathy