As we move into the New Year, I hear more people than I have ever heard before say "Happy New Year! Happy Holidays!" And yet there is that quiver of apprehension in the voices. Yes, daily we are reminded of the war, the poor economy, unemployment, and the threats of terrorism. And daily, on a brighter note, I am reminded of the power of storytelling. Storytelling has the power to heal, to build bridges of cultural understanding, to stir the imagination, to enrich our lives and work, inspire learning and enhance reading skills. Fortunately, I am not alone in my beliefs.
"Storytelling is the best thing that ever happens." Those are the words of Ray Hicks, a storytelling and storyteller's treasure from Beech Mountain in western North Carolina. A few days ago I received a letter from Jimmy Neil Smith, the Founder and President of the International Storytelling Center - Building a better world through the power of storytelling. Jimmy Neil, the man who is credited with starting the resurgence of storytelling in this country, had just visited Ray. He writes in his letter, "I first met Ray in 1973 - the year I founded the National Storytelling Festival. During the first festival, on that sunny October afternoon, I sat at the edge of an old farm wagon listening in amazement to Ray tell The Heifer Hide. There were less than 60 people in the audience, but that magical moment launched us all on the pursuit of a dream - a dream of a new and growing appreciation for storytelling that would touch people of all ages and cultures in communities, large and small, throughout the world."
Make a resolution to attend this year's National Storytelling Festival. This will be the 30th Festival to be held in Jonesborough, Tennessee on the weekend of October 4, 5, and 6, 2002. What Jimmy Neil didn't mention is that the original number of 60 people has grown to an attendance of 10,000. I am not going to rave about it here, because I have described the Festival in two other articles, but as your friend, I advise registering soon and making room reservations pronto (call the Center at 800-952-8392 or visit their web site at http://www.storytellingcenter.net for registration information). When registering, you will receive a pamphlet listing places to stay in the area.
This May, 2002, the new International Storytelling Center building will be completed and open to the public. The Center complex is now an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, one of only 70 around the country. Visitors from around the world will be welcomed and introduced to the tradition, practice, and creative applications of storytelling. There will be an exhibit honoring the storytellers who have told stories at the Festival giving life to the world's storytelling revival. There will be storytellers-in-residence to introduce guests to the wonderful world of story.
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