by timpfest | Jul 16, 2020
Lynette (Lyn) Ford shares the gifts and heritage of the spoken word from her Affrilachian family. Lyn’s national and international festival programs and workshops encourage folks to speak personal truths and hopeful possibilities through folktales and original stories. Lyn’s work has taken her to Ireland, Australia, and around the Zoomiverse.
An award-winning writer and anthologist and a Thurber House mentor to young authors, Lyn’s latest book (with friend and fellow teller Sherry Norfolk) is Supporting Diversity and Inclusion with Story. Lyn’s poetry is included in the upcoming publications: I Thought I Heard a Cardinal Sing: Ohio’s Appalachian Voices, published in March 2022, and the journal Tomorrow and Tomorrow, the spring 2022 “Birth” issue.
Lyn is a recipient of two National Storytelling Network’s Oracle Awards, and a member of the National Association of Black Storytellers Circle of Elders and the National Writing Project’s Writers Council. She’s a mama, grandma, great-grandma, and joyful partner-in-laughter with her husband, Bruce. Yes, Lyn is a certified laughter teacher, too.
Lyn believes in the power of storytelling to break down barriers, build bridges and inspire community.
by timpfest | Jul 16, 2020
With a theater and improv background, Katie Knutson is known for her dynamic characters and quick dialogue. This “articulate, fun, and inviting” workshop leader has delivered residencies, performances, and workshops to over 40,000 adults and children on four continents. She loves to share her expertise in making learning fun while developing literacy and critical thinking skills. She shows teachers how they can integrate the arts into their classrooms. She brings energy to her workshops!
by timpfest | Jul 16, 2020
Sue Roseberry is recognized for her artistic ability to weave music into stories. Those fortunate enough to hear this multi-talented Texas teller will come away with a joyful heart feeling they’ve been present for something beyond entertainment–it’s an experience. Sue has been playing for and directing choirs since the age of ten and earned a B.F.A. degree in Performing Arts from the College of Santa Fe. She enjoys helping with the Midland (Texas) Storytelling Festival and mentoring young tellers in her community.
by timpfest | Jul 16, 2020
Toni Simmons is a nationally acclaimed storyteller and author. She has performed at the National Storytelling Festival (Exchange Place) and in South Africa, Germany, and Mexico. She graduated from Fisk University in Speech & Drama, then earned a Master’s degree in Library Science. Toni has worked in public libraries across the United States and was designated as an American Masterpiece by the National Endowment for the Arts.
by timpfest | Jun 4, 2020
Donna Washington is an award-winning internationally known master storyteller, artist-educator, and published author who has been performing for audiences of all ages for over thirty-four years. She is renowned for her storytelling for both children & adults from poignant & funny fables about the human condition to racy relationships stories to spine-tingling tales of terror. She has been featured at numerous festivals, schools & libraries theaters and other venues around the world including Canada, Peru, Argentina & Hong Kong. During the pandemic, she has presented over two hundred shows & workshops virtually online. In 2020, she co-founded the non-profit organization Artists Standing Strong Together with Master Storyteller Sheila Arnold.
Donna’s eleven storytelling CDs have garnered thirty national awards. She has authored numerous articles about storytelling and education including her very popular blog Language, Literacy & Storytelling. She is also the author of four children’s books: Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa, A Pride of African Tales, The Story of Kwanzaa, A Big Spooky House, and Boo Stew. Peachtree Press is scheduled to publish her next picture book, Prak Fills The House, in September 2023. She travels all over the world performing and giving workshops. She lives with her husband and two cats in Durham, NC.
