Mountain State Storytelling Institute Set for April 3-4

An upcoming event at Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College's main campus will provide participants with tools for preserving the stories of our families, our organizations and our culture. The public will also be able to attend a free evening of tales from nationally recognized storytellers.

Fairmont State University, FSU's Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center and the West Virginia Storytelling Guild present the Mountain State Storytelling Institute on April 3 and 4 at the Falcon Center. "Creating the Tapestry of Culture: Weaving Stories for a Lifetime" is this year's theme.

 

Kevin Cordi

Keynote Scholar Kevin Cordi has told stories in over 40 states, England and Japan for more than 20 years. His story work has been commissioned by the National Youth Storytelling Hall of Fame, Newsweek and The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. As a story teacher, he is considered one of the nation's primary advocates for youth storytelling. Cordi shares stories with a highly energetic, animated and interactive style and is considered by many storytelling professionals as one of the most influential and dynamic storytellers and teachers today. With each story he tells, the audience connects with him-his passion shines through. His work is a must-see for adults and kids alike.

 

Connie Regan-Blake

Keynote Speaker Connie Regan-Blake is one of America's most celebrated storytellers. Her storytelling presentation, scheduled for 7:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, April 3, will be free and open to the public. Both as a solo artist and a member of the acclaimed Folktellers duo, she has been featured on seven award-winning recordings-five audio and two videos produced by PBS. New Age Magazine, School Library Journal and Southern Living have praised her work. She has been a guest on NPR's "All Things Considered," ABC's "Good Morning America" and CNN. Regan-Blake has performed at the nation's top folk music and storytelling festivals in Chicago, Philadelphia and San Francisco, as well as the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C.

The Institute is a two-day conference featuring scholars and storytelling professionals. The intent is to provide academic, professional and personal development of those interested in storytelling as scholarship, art, a teaching tool and a profession. Workshops will feature members of the West Virginia Storytelling Guild, Fairmont State University and West Virginia University faculty and FSU students.

Potential session topics include the following: oral history collection, incorporation of sound effects into story, "The Story Box Project," the use of technology in storytelling and story collection, preserving family stories, the use of folk literature in storytelling, storytelling in the classroom, the creation of historical storytelling, storytelling techniques, storytelling in writing and multicultural stories.

Registration for adults is $50. Those who register by March 1 will receive a $5 discount. Registration for students is $35. Participation is limited to 100. For more information or to register, contact Susan Bailey at (304) 367-4203 or sbailey@fairmontstate.edu.

This project is being presented with financial assistance from The West Virginia Humanities Council, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this brochure do not necessarily represent those of the NEH.