Stories on Asheville’s Front Porch

Listen to Donna Marie Todd, the singing storyteller, on June 25 during Stories on Asheville’s Front Porch.

by Sarah Larson

Building Community — Stories on Asheville’s Front Porch will bring a variety of storytellers to the Rhino Courtyard of Pack Place, a lovely intimate rock garden that is restful and quiet.

Located next to the Diana Wortham Theatre and across from the Colburn Science Museum you can find it by entering Pack Place from Biltmore Avenue at the Marble Slab Creamery. There is an indoor space for the festival should there be rain and there are restrooms located adjacent to the space.

The opening-day gathering on June 25 will acknowledge the 15-year
directorship of Pamela Myers, Director of the Asheville Art Museum.

Pack Place, the presenting sponsor, Leadership Asheville Seniors 23, and
members of the Asheville Storytelling Circle are eager to share these
outstanding tellers with the public all summer. The free, public
festival takes place on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Returning this year are Donna Marie Todd, the singing storyteller, Doug
Elliott, and Michael Reno Harrell. New additions to the festival are
Becky Stone, and Lona Bartlett and Friends, a storyteller with puppets.

Ann Vasilik, well known Asheville artist, has contributed her art work, “Land of Sky,” for the festival’s poster.

Individuals, businesses, and organizations representing those who best
build community are sponsoring the festival this year. Among them are:
Charlotte Street Computers, Downtown Asheville Residential Neighbors,
Julia Monet Fashions, Ingles of Merriman Avenue, Marble Slab Creamery,
and Posana Café.

Chairs will be provided, but attendees are invited to bring folding lawn
chairs as well. Pets are prohibited from the area. When shared, stories
build community, and the public is encouraged to participate in
community by celebrating these “front-porch” stories.