Lorraine has a variety of story programs and workshops for all ages:

Get Creative at Your Library Programs     new

Lorraine’s eclectic mix of folktales, literary tales, myths and tall tales enables her to tell stories to all manner of audiences, both young and old, in libraries, churches, retirement homes, schools, conferences and festivals. She finds the experience of sharing stories through the spoken word to have a profound power to enlighten and educate. Lorraine particularly enjoys combining art and story in unique hands-on workshops for children and adults.

The Magic Paintbrush
Lorraine’s wondrous collection of tales celebrates artists and the many ways they bring beauty and healing into the everyday world.

The Sea Breeze Hotel
Using the story The Sea-Breeze Hotel by Marcia Vaughan and Patricia Mullins, Lorraine will help children construct a bag of boredom busters…simple toys from ordinary materials found around the house and home.

My Family and Me – A Parent and Child Art Project
Lorraine starts the program with a family story and then elicits favorite memories from listeners. Using markers, scissors, colored paper, magazine cutouts and family photos, parents and children will assemble a family memory collage. Participants are encouraged to bring family photos as well as an old magazine or two to share.

Why Should Kids Have All the Fun? – Story and Art for Adults Illuminaries
A personal story becomes the inspiration for this self-portrait collage. Using simple drawing materials, words, markers, fabric and personal memorabilia, participants will assemble an individualized collage expressing a quality they admire. Participants are encouraged to bring family photos, keepsakes, mementos, fabric scraps.

Workshops

Listening to the Echoes
The powerful images found in folktales resonate within the human heart and allow us to connect to our deepest longings. These images also provide an amazing source of inspiration for teen and adult writers and storytellers. By focusing on the imagery in folktales, we can stimulate our imagination and improve our access to personal creativity. Stories told by Lorraine Hartin-Gelardi provide the basis for a variety of exercises including guided imagery, journaling, and discussion. Participants will develop a list of story starters and learn techniques for continuing stories.

A Workshop for Librarians

StoryPlay: Story Hour as the Doorway to Literacy
This is a participatory workshop for children’s librarians and pre-school teachers focusing on storytelling and emergent literacy.