The Lehigh Valley Arts Council announces the annual members' reception, The Power of Story, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 12 at the Penn State/Refind Pop-up Gallery, 645 Hamilton St. in Allentown.

The arts tell us stories about what it means to be human and keep us connected to each other. Friends and colleagues are invited to attend and share a moment when the arts touched their lives.Topics may include your most memorable arts experience, a creative accomplishment or the power of the arts to heal the spirit or simply create joy. You can choose to write it down for recording or for publication on the Arts Council's new web portal.As an added dose of inspiration, videographer Marco Calderon will be on site to capture your story on film, and storyteller Mary Wright will demonstrate how to craft a compelling story."Every story sends a powerful message - many stories command attention," says Randall Forte, executive director. "We are building a collection of stories as part of an advocacy campaign to promote the value of the arts in our region."Featured guest and international artist Thomas Mann will also speak about his community arts residency titled Trajectory Heart. Mann is working with a small team of students and professional artists in an Arts Walk storefront to create a sculpture during the month of July. Upon completion, the work will be transported throughout the region and photographed in various sites as a way for the community to interact with the sculpture.For more information, visit www.lvarts council.org/power-of-story.