Harvesting Stories: A Community Roundtable with Alyscia Cunningham

Harvesting Stories: A Community Roundtable with Alyscia Cunningham

Join Alyscia Cunningham, Artist-in-Residence with the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, for a roundtable conversation centered on the lived experiences, wisdom, and voices of those in the agriculture community.

This is a conversation—not a presentation. Whether you're a farmer, grower, land steward, or part of the local food system, this is a space for your stories to be heard.

Over coffee, tea, and light refreshments, we’ll explore what it means to work the land, live in connection with nature, and be part of a community that often goes unseen. Together, we’ll reflect, connect, and imagine what a more supportive, visible, and creative future could look like for agriculture in Montgomery County.

Choose One or Attend Both Dates:

• Thursday, July 17 | 12:00–1:30 PM
• Wednesday, July 23 | 6:00–7:30 PM

📍 Riverworks Art Center
19215 Beallsville Rd, Beallsville, MD 20839

What to Expect:

Welcome & Icebreakers:
We’ll start with warm introductions and some thought-provoking community questions like:

🌱 “What’s one thing people don’t understand about your work?”
🌿 “How does your land or work connect you to your community?”

Intro to the Event:
Learn how this event is part of Alyscia’s creative residency and how your input will help shape an artistic project that reflects the stories of UpCounty.

Main Discussion:
We’ll explore questions such as:

• “Where do you feel heard—or overlooked—as someone in agriculture?”
• “What changes would make your work and life easier or more sustainable?”
• “How can storytelling and creativity help shift how others see agriculture and those who live it every day?”

Bring Your Story to Life:

Every participant will receive a notebook—use it to write, sketch, reflect, or document your daily life in the field or on the farm.

You’re welcome to bring a photo or object that means something to you—maybe a family memory, a view from your land, or a meaningful piece of your journey.

After the roundtable, you’ll have the option to email photos or stories to Alyscia for printing and sharing at future creative gatherings.

You can also record a short audio story or phone video—a “day in the life” or reflection—that captures something real about your world. We’ll talk about how to do that during the event.

Media Release Info:

This roundtable will be audio recorded as part of Alyscia’s creative project. Participants will be asked to sign a media release form if they’re comfortable being part of the documentation.

📩 Questions or ideas?
Email Alyscia Cunningham at info@alyscia.com

Let’s plant the seeds of connection—starting with your story.

Q&A

❓Who is this event for?
This roundtable is open to anyone working in or connected to agriculture and food systems in Montgomery County (farmers, gardeners, food educators, market organizers, and beyond).

❓What will we be doing?
Talking, sharing, connecting. You’ll be invited to reflect on personal and community stories in a guided roundtable format. There’s no pressure to speak, just come as you are.

❓Will we be recorded?
Only if you choose. While Alyscia may invite you to share your story later (via phone recording, photos, or writing), no one will be recorded without consent. Minors must have a signed release from a parent or guardian.

❓Do I need to bring anything?
You’re welcome to bring a photo or memory that’s meaningful to your story, but it’s optional. Notebooks will be provided to take home, and stories can be submitted later if you'd like to participate further.

❓How can I follow up or learn more?
Email Alyscia Cunningham at info@alyscia.com with any questions or to share ideas before the event.