Stories of Motherhood · 2027 Gala
The 2027 Gala participant waitlist is now open. Be the first to know when applications open for women who want their story told, their portrait on the wall, their words in the room.
What It Means to Participate
Being a participant in the Stories of Motherhood Gala means choosing to be seen. Fully, beautifully, and without apology. It means trusting that your story, exactly as it is, is worthy of being witnessed by a room full of women.
Each participant receives a custom portrait session with Brianna Shrader of Shy Heart Studios, a life-sized fine art portrait displayed in the Gala gallery, and the honor of having their written story shared with every guest who walks through the door.
You are choosing to stop shrinking. You are choosing to be honored.
The Experience
It begins before I ever pick up a camera. We start with a planning session where I learn about every member of your family: each personality, each relationship, each dynamic. By the time your session day arrives, I already know you. That is how I capture something real. No stiff poses that don't feel like you. Just the version of your family that you will want to find again someday.
After your session, you come into the studio to meet with Kara for a cinematic presentation of your images. The first time you will see what we captured together. You choose what you love, and we turn it into custom artwork or albums made for your home.
Then there is one image I keep back. One that I hold in secret. That image is the one revealed at the Gala, on the wall, in the room, in front of everyone who came to witness it.
Join the Waitlist
Fill out the form below and you will be among the first to know when 2027 Gala participant applications open. No commitment required. Just a declaration that your story matters.
While You Wait
The 2027 Gala is a year away, but the 2026 Gala is on May 28th. Come witness the stories of this year's participants. Let the room move you. Let it remind you that your story deserves to be next.