Shepherdstown Welcomes Deaf Storyteller Justin Perez in Unique Performance
Deaf storyteller shares Visual Vernacular art form with Eastern Panhandle audiences
The Shepherdstown Chronicle | Thursday, September 18, 2025
By Staff
On September 9, at the Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church, Visual Vernacular artist Justin Perez captivated local audiences with his unique storytelling, blending silence and sign language into captivating performances. As part of the Speak Story Series, Perez engaged the community in interactive charades and showcased his talent by narrating tales like the growth of an apple seed and scenes from beloved movies. The event, supported by a Mid Atlantic Arts grant, reflects the rich cultural offerings in Shepherdstown and the surrounding areas, catering to both the hearing and deaf communities. Audience members were encouraged to join in the art form, highlighting the inclusive atmosphere of the evening, while the performance underscored the importance of accessibility in the arts, helping to foster connections across diverse backgrounds.
