Guest Blog: The Art of Storytelling

“You’re a storyteller? What a cool job!”

Yes, mostly. But not always. In 13 years of professional storytelling, I’ve  performed in collapsing tents and shared stages with biting ants.

That’s why I love being a storyteller at Grace Arts Camp (GAC)!  Because:

1. Story is key at GAC

The story (and culture behind it) fuels the art camp participants create. GAC gives prime space to story’s power to represent a distinct culture - plus themes all -people share.

2. GAC picks great story

The GAC selection committee chooses vivid, fun, meaningful stories.. This year’s Peruvian tales features the power of the landscape and its delightful animal characters: Llamas, Pumas, Flamingos - and the Peruvian trickster: Cuy, the Guinea Pig.

3.  At GAC, full-out storytelling thrives

The GAC pattern of singing and movement opens children up. When I step in as storyteller the campers are ready to hear and participate  “Flap your arms like a condor!” “Stretch your neck like a llama!”  Their response lets me take the story to a new level.

4. GAC connects through story

Walking to my car after a recent closing gathering at GAC I saw a tiny blonde person (about 4, the youngest “pod” at GAC) still wearing her stunning self-crafted Incan headdress, crossing the street with her parents.

Our eyes met; she held out her arms and ran toward me. Her parents (who had just seen me introduced as “‘The Storyteller” in the closing GAC ceremony) let her run. I crouched down, and she launched herself into my arms.

That’s why I love being a storyteller at Grace Art Camp.

Find out more about Anne's storytelling at www.annerutherford.com!