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Storyteller spins tales at museum

 

"Rumpelstilzchen" - the fairy-tale "manikin" who spins straw into gold - comes to life on Wednesday, July 20, as storyteller Cathryn Fairlee appears as part of the Sundown Stories series at Sonoma Valley Museum of Art.

The series, which coincides with the museum's current exhibition of David Hockney etchings based on six Brothers' Grimm fairy tales, is a chance for children and adults to engage with the exhibition in a new way. 

Fairlee will also tell the tale of "Fundevogel," in which a nasty old cook has a most unappetizing plan for a pot of boiling water. She is an active member of the storytelling community, serving currently as the pacific regional director of the National Storytelling Network. She produced the program "Story Swap" on public radio for three years and has written and received grants for her local story guild to bring storytelling into the classroom. A world-traveler and former middle-school librarian, Fairlee began performing in 1982. She has been performing traditional folk tales, epics and mythology from around the world as a full-time occupation since 1999.

"This is the second of three incredible nights," said Margie Maynard, the museum's director of education and public programs, "Captivated children and grown-ups filled the museum's La Haye Gallery for the first performance in June and we're expecting another magical evening with Cathryn."

The series concludes Wednesday, Aug. 10, with storyteller Elaine Stanley.

Sundown Stories begins at 8 p.m. at the museum, and concludes about 9 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the Museum Café will have hot chocolate, juice and cookies available, along with coffee and tea. Attendees are encouraged to bring a pillow and blanket to sit upon, with pajamas optional.

This program is free to children and $5 for adults, and is supported by the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance. Public programs at the museum are part of the Calvin R. Vander Woude Lively Arts Series. Advance registration is encouraged. This program is recommended for children ages 7 and up.

The museum is located at 551 Broadway.

For additional information and registration, call 939-7862 or visit www.svma.org.