Description

Storytellers is back at Distillery 98 this May—this time with a special Art Month collaboration.

In celebration of Art Month with the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, this evening will be part of our Distilled: An Artist Series—where visual art and storytelling come together for one unforgettable night.

We’re bringing a featured artist into the spotlight as both our Artist of the Month and Featured Storyteller, creating a one-of-a-kind experience rooted in creativity, expression, and community. From the walls to the mic, the night will reflect the many ways stories can be told.

Join us for an evening of connection, craft cocktails, and powerful live storytelling. Come for the cocktails, stay for the stories—and experience the spirit of Art Month in full form.

A portion of your ticket will be donated to the Cultural Arts Alliance in support of the local arts community.

📅 Thursday, May 7

📍 Distillery 98

⏰ Doors at 5 PM | Stories at 6 PM

May Story Theme: Unsung Heroes

Not all heroes make headlines. Some move quietly through the world — showing up, holding things together, changing lives in ways that don’t always get recognized.

This month, we’re telling stories about the ones who don’t always get the spotlight but leave a lasting mark all the same.

The teacher who saw something in you.

The friend who stayed.

The stranger who showed up at the exact right moment.

The version of yourself that kept going when no one was watching.

In the spirit of Art Month and in partnership with the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, Unsung Heroes is about honoring those people — and giving their stories the space they deserve.

Want to Tell Your Story?

Our open mics are simple: sign up when you grab your ticket or find us night of and we’ll put your name in the bag. Whether it’s planned or spontaneous, your voice is welcome here. Writers, poets, songwriters, and storytellers of every kind are invited to step up to the mic. Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, tall tales, truth-telling, and everything in between—if you’ve got something to share, we’d love to hear it.

Featured Storyteller: Panhandle Slim

Panhandle Slim is a Southern-based artist whose work lives at the intersection of storytelling, identity, and place. Known for his striking text-based pieces and portraiture, his paintings often reflect the layered culture of the American South—capturing both personal and collective narratives.

His work has found its way into the hands of collectors including Jimmy Carter, Ethan Hawke and Maya Hawke, Ava DuVernay, and Spike Lee, along with public figures such as Raphael Warnock and Brandon Johnson. Rooted in local identity yet resonating far beyond it, his work invites viewers to slow down, reflect, and connect—much like a good story does.