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I am standing in front of a cement statue of a tortoise with four books and a hare on it's back. One of the books as the word Aesop on the spine.

Who I am​​

• I've been a central Illinois storyteller and educator since 1991.

• I was the Assistant Director of Education at the Spurlock Museum of World

  Cultures for over 25 years.

• I perform storytelling programs featuring oral traditions from around the world.

• I lead historical programs that are interactive and artifact-based.

 

My enthusiasm is both unmistakable and contagious; let me share the joy and power of history and the tale with you.

How It All Started (my origin story)

One very warm May morning in the early 1990s, I was giving a Museum tour to a group of sixth graders. It was a typical late May school tour: the teachers, the kids, and the guide were worn out and burned out. After 25 minutes of shuffling feet and non-existent participation, I sat everyone down in front of the Museum's replica of the Laocoön statue and told its tale: the myth of the murder of this famous priest and his sons—the priest who warned against bringing the Greek wooden horse through the impenetrable gates of Troy. By the time the story was over, both listeners and guide were enraptured and energized and ready for the rest of the galleries...and a storyteller was born.

This is a picture of the Laocoon statue. The father is in the center, fighting off a large serpent. He is flanked by his sons, who are also fighting off a serpent. All are nude, except for a fig leaf.

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I have performed and taught at storytelling festivals, school classrooms and assemblies, professional conferences, city-wide celebrations, city libraries, the Illinois State Fair, scout gatherings, summer camps, personal parties, club meetings, and other gatherings of all kinds.Here are some selected public performance venues/events:

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  • National Storytelling Conference

  • Illinois Young Authors Conference*

  • Illinois State Fair Kid's Korner*

  • Taste of Champaign-Urbana*

  • University of Illinois Allerton Park*

  • University of Illinois Spurlock Museum*

  • Parkland College Staerkel Planetarium*

  • Anita Purves Nature Center*

  • Museum of the Grand Prairie*

 

*designates multi-year appearances

Some Performance Reviews

 

"Again, you blew me away. Your wonderful voice and delivery style lets the story be the star, not the person telling it. In my opinion that makes the best kind of storyteller. I hope to hear your stories again very soon!"

 

"I thought your story and delivery were compelling. What a powerful story."

 

“Kim is a terrific storyteller, and she held the audience captive for the entire presentation.”

 

“Excellent! Wouldn’t change anything!”

A picture of Kim with her hands over her heart.
A picture of Kim holding and pointing to a tin cup while sitting at a recreated pioneer table.
In My Hand_edited.jpg
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