Sheila Arnold has a talent for storytelling, a passion for history, and compassion for people. She
provides Storytelling, Historic Character Presentations, Christian Monologues, and Professional
Development for schools, festivals, churches, and organizations nationally and internationally.
She is co-founder and Artistic Director of Artists Standing Strong Together (ASST) a source of
inspiration, strength and action in the storytelling and artists world. Sheila has been honored as a
2021 MacDowell Artist Fellow, a 2020 Mt. Vernon Research Fellow and a 2019 Hewnoaks
Artist Colony summer residence Noted Artist. Sheila lives in Hampton, VA near her son,
grandsons, and parents.

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Author of debut poetry collection, Sonder, JayO is a spoken word artist from the 757 that focuses in on real-life, introspective poetry that resonates with its readers.

Sara Ryan is the author of I Thought There Would Be More Wolves and two chapbooks. Her work has been published in Brevity, Kenyon Review, Diode, and others. She lives in Norfolk and teaches English at Virginia Wesleyan/Batten University.

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Symay Rhodes is a poet,musician, and teacher from Norfolk,VA. He holds a Bachelor's of Arts in English and Creative Writing from Norfolk State University. He is the slam master for Hampton Roads Verb Benders poetry slam team. He published his first book, Poetry is like Medicine, in 2021. He is currently the host of the Monday Night Open Mic at the Venue on 35th st. and Co-curator of Conduit: night of artistic worship.

Luz Schweig is an emerging poet raised in Mexico-Tenochtitlan and Southern California. Since 2012, her work has primarily focused on anthologizing women’s voices. Schweig’s sixth, and most recent anthology, Somos Xicanas (Riot of Roses, 2024), is the first to illuminate and explore Xicana identity and culture through the voices of over eighty Mexican American women authors. Somos Xicanas was a recipient of the Dolores Huerta Best Cultural & Community Themed Book, and the Best Women’s Issues Book of the 2025 International Latino Book Awards. Luz’s own poetry—previously published under a pen name—is a first-place recipient of the Mulberry Literary Fresh Voices Award, and a Best of Net and Pushcart Prize nominee. Her first poetry manuscript, The Half That Runs was selected by Juan Felipe Herrera as one of two runners-up for the 2024 Andrés Montoya Poetry Prize, and is forthcoming with Mouthfeel Press in March 2026. Luz is a former editorial staff member of Somos en escrito Literary Foundation, and a board member of MeXicanos 2070. As a self-taught writer, she defies conventional educational norms and stigmas. A proud Abuelita of three, Luz currently lives by the Powhatan River, on occupied Tsenacommacah territory, with her life partner and elderly mother for whom she acts as caregiver.

Rob Holmes, known by his creative pseudonym Ace, hails from Hampton, Virginia—nestled in the vibrant Hampton Roads region (ZIP 757). Grounded by family values and discipline instilled by his father, Ace blossomed into an introspective, faith-driven young man, channeling his energy into the arts.
Creative Journey: Ace is a multifaceted spoken-word artist and musician, celebrated for his raw, soulful performances. A founding member of the cultural collective Tower of BABL, he combines literary and musical dynamics with spiritual undertones . Utilizing poetry and track performances, he engages audiences across Hampton Roads and beyond.
Published Author: Prolific and prolific: Ace emerges as a 6× published author, exploring themes of love, politics, race, spirituality, and identity. His poetry collections include:
• It All Makes Sense (2017)
• Love You To Pieces (2017)
• American Rage: Views from an Adult Civil Rights Child (2020) with Quentin B Jackson
His words have resonated through open-mics, community events, and deep-dive discussions on faith and culture.
Community & Collaboration: As part of the Tower of BABL team, Ace merges faith with pop culture—acting both as an artist and cultural storyteller . Through this platform, he reaches audiences with earnest messages rooted in humility, integrity, and perseverance.
In summary, Rob “Ace.” Holmes is a Hampton Roads creative rooted in family, faith, and community. His gifts span spoken-word artistry, music, and poetry—empowering listeners with reflection, hope, and inspiration.