Call for Participation: A Celebration of Tears Art & Reading Event
When was the last time you cried? Was it because you were sad? Or happy? Overwhelmed, or frustrated? Maybe from relief or from pride? Was it in public or in private? Did you feel better afterwards, or worse? The reasons that we cry—and the circumstances in which we shed a tear—are often surprising and beautiful. Sad Happens is a collective, multi-faceted archive of tears that captures the complexity and variety of these circumstances.
We would like to invite students to participate in sharing some stories behind their own tears to share in a moment of emotional catharsis and self-care that encourages people to embrace their vulnerabilities. The goal is to discover connection, healing, even humor through this community building experience.
We are asking students to submit roughly 200 to 400 words that share an experience of crying (tears of joy, tears of sadness, happiness, etc.). That said, we’re happy to include a couple sentences if that’s what you want to write, and now and then, maybe someone wants to go longer.
An event asking for student and community participation is being planned for the evening of April 24, 2025.
What is the benefit of participating?
Student participation at this event includes the writing and sharing (optional) of their own stories alongside the writers and artist of “Sad Happens,” a great public resume opportunity for students!
Submitted stories will be published in a zine building activity hosted by the artist with personalized illustrations that students can take home after the event.
Following the event, a book signing opportunity will take place.
Copies of Sad Happens will be available for review in the Ray Howard Library!
How to submit: Submissions can be emailed directly to Gallery Director zmazur@shoreline.edu.
Due date for submissions is April 9, 2025. Any requests to remain anonymous will be respected.
