by Jennifer Nelson | Aug 20, 2020
Liz Weir is a storyteller and writer from Northern Ireland. She was the first winner of the International Story Bridge Award from the National Storytelling Network, USA, which cited her “exemplary work promoting the art of storytelling.” The story of Liz’s journey begins back in the 1970s. As Children’s Librarian for the City of Belfast, she learned about the healing power of storytelling. Liz has told stories to people of all ages on five continents. She has performed in pubs, prisons, and hospital rooms. She’s worked on stages in the mighty Vanderbilt Hall of New York’s Grand Central Station and in the Royal Albert Hall.
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.
