Erika DeFreitas explores how stories and memories connect generations. Despite only having a faint memory of meeting her paternal grandmother as a child, a story told to her as an adult led Erika to believe that her grandmother has been communicating with her in small ways to forge a relationship that defies space and time. Guided by Erika, the intergenerational participants created the artworks in Stories are Stories are Stories during a one-day workshop. Through storytelling and creative expression, they celebrated connections beyond the traditional parent-child bond – honouring elders, extended family, and chosen loved ones.
In pairs, the participants reflected on their connections through shared memories, while also creating new moments that shape their mutual histories. The workshop concluded with participants taking photos of each other, archiving their newly formed memories. This process held space for remembrance, highlighting how art and storytelling shape our sense of belonging across generations.
Special thanks to Allison Seto and Esker volunteer Justin Dolores for the photo documentation.