HOULTON, Maine — A man, originally from Shanghai, recently stopped to read the poster for a “Story Time” program in the window of Summer Dulinsky’s Market Square studio, seemingly disappointed that it might only be for kids, she said.
Spurring locals to explore their own creative tales, the New Mexico transplant rhetorically asked, “What if we did a series called the ‘Story Teller,’ and anyone could come in and tell a story?”
In the heart of Houlton’s historic downtown, Dulinsky invites anyone to join her at the Mustard Seed, at 39 Market Square, during her free open studio hours from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. They can engage in either quiet reflection or boisterous creative exploration.
“Books are my world and I am a big believer in making space for creativity,” she said.
Much like the internationally lauded Moth Radio Hour — founded in 1997 to create the experience of friends telling stories on a porch — Dulinsky believes storytelling nurtures creative thought, empathy and connectedness.
The Mustard Seed’s exposed brick-walled space is bedecked with local artisan works and boasts other features including a picture-framed TV, ottomans and a lush, soft-leather gold sofa. It offers a space to hang out, think and perhaps spark new ideas, or just a stop-off where one can play the piano, she added.
“I’m trying to cultivate a culture here where people can go and talk, create, read,” she said. “Story Time is a great precursor to more. Someone’s creativity might not look like anybody else’s, but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter.”
This is the second summer that Dulinsky has hosted Saturday morning Story Time, initially held at the downtown Carleton Project. Now that she’s moved into her Market Square location, it’s held at the Mustard Seed, with an ever-changing roster of guest readers, including the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Tribal Chief Clarissa Sabbattis and Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca reading the children’s book “Potato Pants!”
It is a downtown highlight that will now continue year-round, she said.
During the Houlton’s Harvest Festival last week, Story Time guest reader Sarah Porter — an author, mom, speech pathologist and business owner — shared her book, “I’m Mix and I’m Me,” which she created with her children to celebrate identity and belonging.
“Having her kids read alongside her made it especially meaningful, and the studio was packed with children of all ages,” said Dulinsky. “Story Time continues to be one of our favorite ways to bring families together and celebrate community through books.”
An admitted lifelong lover of books, Dulinsky, who started as a kid with “The Baby-Sitters Club” novels, is a self-proclaimed “Harry Potter” nerd and can’t pass up a good mystery.
A 2018 move from Las Cruces, New Mexico was also a bit of a mystery as Dulinsky and her husband, a Border Patrol agent, moved into the home they purchased sight unseen.
But the second she walked into the historic building on Market Square seven years ago, now the Mustard Seed studio, she knew she would have a space in there for something, she said.
As she contemplates the studio’s future — in between her interior design property staging for companies such as Tiny Homes of Maine — she talks about creating something like the old Parisian salons that invited women to talk, share and explore new creations.
“There are so many crazy-talented people here,” she said.
On Nov. 15, the Mustard Seed will host a free evening of sharing homemade dishes together and watching a film version of “Pride and Prejudice.”
“From six until nine in the evening, all those of spirited disposition are requested to make their way to 39 Market Square, suitably attired in their most elegant raiment, and to bring a dish worthy of the Bennet household,” she said in her invitation, referring to the story’s family.
And in the evolution of her dream of sparking ideas, creations and connections, the man from Shanghai returned this week.
He lives in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and his parents live in Houlton, she said.
“I have been invited to go have authentic dumplings at their home next week and I can bring friends,” she said.
