Dear Penny: A Storytelling Performance

Dear Friend,

Inspired by the grandmothers of the advice column, I’m collecting stories and reflections centered on advice – advice that stays with you, shapes you, or stings in hindsight.

There is a red mailbox set up in the Kayes Community Gallery right now at the AGSM. If you can’t make it down to drop a note, you are invited to send me* a message in my virtual mailbox:

DEAR PENNY 📮
https://agsm.ca/event/dear-penny-a-storytelling-performance/

You should also know, this is no ordinary red mailbox – it’s the heart of an upcoming live storytelling performance that will happen at the gallery in September. Some of the anonymous stories I collect will be read aloud, some elements woven into the performance, and others will be responded to live during the storytelling event.

Thank you for being a part of this project! Your stories matter and I can’t wait to hear from you.

– The Penny Philosopher

"I couldn't have done this without you" is on display in the Kayes Community Gallery at the AGSM from August 14th to October 4th, 2025.

https://agsm.ca/series/i-couldnt-have-done-it-without-you/

Image: Alysha Farrell, Has no one ever told you? (detail). Mixed media installation, 2025.