Thanks to all of you who came out to support Graham Franciose at his Fables art opening on March 25th. For those of you who didn't make it, we had a story contest. Patrons wrote short fables for each of Graham's new art pieces and we chose two winners for the best stories. Here is a list of notables stories from the event, including the 1st and 2nd place winners.


Graham Franciose
She sat waiting...

1st Place Winner - Jeff St. Onge
Based on Graham Franciose’s "She sat waiting for the right one to find her"

Once there was a little girl. She loved her pet bird very much. The only thing she loved more was riding elevators to the penthouse floor and climbing the highest hills in town. One day she went walking, carrying her beloved bird in its cage. They came upon a strange object—a very, very, very tall chair. They girl climbed and climbed until she reached the top, whereupon she sat down to survey her surroundings from her unexpectedly tall perch. An overwhelming desire came upon her, and she opened the bird cage and let her winged friend escape.

She watched in satisfaction as he flew faster and farther than he’d ever flown before. She watched in gratitude as the little bird was welcomed into the flock around them. And she contemplated the quiet rewards of letting go of the things you love.

Graham Franciose
The Lonesome Giant

Second place: Levi McGlathery,
Based on Graham Franciose’s “The Lonesome Giant”

“It’s lovely to meet you here,” the giant said to his new friend. ”I’ve been ever so lonely up here.” His new friend did not respond. ”You’re the quiet type, huh? That’s okay, I’ve got plenty to talk about.” His new friend began to drift apart. “Please don’t leave me,” the giant pleaded, but his new friend didn’t hear.

Notable Selection: by Sarine King
Based on Graham Franciose’s "She sat waiting for the right one to find her"

Another friend slowly glides past. The giant laments that his friends always leaves him as lonely as they found him. He dreams that far off in the distance he sees the one, a friend that will cure his loneliness. He lets that idea float by also. No need to get a lonely giant's hopes up.


Graham Franciose
Looking Back

 

Notable Selection: by Joeleen Ornt
Based on Graham Franciose's "Looking Back"

The future seemed too bright for both eyes to handle. "Balance in all things," Harold told himself. His desire to continue forward, to bask in the sunlight, was strong but the past was still too intoxicating to completely let go of. The device was awkward and sometimes caused him to trip. Harold, however, was content to keep on eye forward and one eye looking back.


Graham Franciose
A Strange Bath
Notable Selection: by Amanda Jones
Based on Graham Franciose's "A Strange Bath"

He had travelled so far in search of what lies beneath. But when he finally arrived all he could see where the sparkles on the surface.

Notable Selection: by Danielle Dawdle
Based on Graham Franciose's "A Strange Bath"

The sky dimmed, I floated. Above the depths, of a green sea. Watching electric bubbles light my way. Until finally... I was unafraid.


Graham Franciose
Antler Suit
Notable Selection: by Nikki
Based on Graham Franciose's "Antler Suit"

Tyrone's Antlers
So she was always telling me she loved me. Always telling me I was awesome. Always telling me I'm the only one. Until the antlers. They changed it all. She stopped kissing me, she stopped telling me I was awesome. All because of these f%$#ing antlers. She finally left, THANK GOD. I'm finally free to be me, a man that f%$#ing loves antlers. She's never coming back. Totally worth it. F%$* her. I'm Tyrone. These are my Antlers.


Graham Franciose
He waited patiently
Notable Selection: Amparo
Based on Graham Franciose's "He waited patiently"

I'll wait here because I know better. I know that love and life are both fleeting. And if you let them go, they won't return. You cage beautiful things because they won't stay on their own. They also don't remain beautiful. So you have to keep them close while you can. Lure them in with promises of security and safety. Even if you smother one or two. Eventually, it'll be worth the wait.

Graham Franciose
The harvest is easier with teamwork
Notable Selection: Anonymous
Based on Graham Franciose's "the harvest is easier with teamwork"

They made a great team, the bird and the boy. One could reach high places, and one had thumbs.

The fruit was for the main dish. The boy didn't say, he wanted the bird for side dish.