The Peabody Essex Museum, a museum of world art and culture in Salem, is looking for individuals to participate in a free six-session workshop designed to bring out the storyteller in each of us! As part of a large-scale collaboration with the Silk Road Project (founded by artistic director Yo-Yo Ma), this workshop series will bring together people with diverse cultural backgrounds from the greater Boston area to share and explore history and culture through the art of storytelling. Centering on the museum’s art collections, this community-based storytelling workshop hopes to create a community of people with an interest in sharing their own culture and learning about the traditions and experiences of others. As the home of the only U.S. museum gallery devoted to contemporary art of India and a large collection of 19th century Indian art, the museum is especially interested in making this opportunity known in the South Asian community.

The Silk Road Project explores the connections between cultures linked to historic trade paths that connected Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe by land and sea. These connections range from the very ancient migration of art, religion, music, and philosophy to contemporary interactions in our increasingly interdependent world. The workshop will culminate in public performance opportunities at the Peabody Essex Museum from January 19 – 31, 2004 during Creative Exchanges: Sights and Sounds of the Silk Road, a museum residency collaboration between the Silk Road Project and the Peabody Essex Museum that will bring together musicians, performers, and storytellers from all over the world.

Led by renowned professional storyteller Louise Omoto Kessel, the workshop will focus on developing performance skills, and involves each student choosing and developing a story to tell in his or her own style. These stories can range from traditional folk tales and sacred stories to anecdotes of contemporary life in South Asia or as an Asian American. No previous experience is necessary! Immigrants and those new to speaking English are encouraged to participate. Each meeting will include time for individuals to share stories with the group and receive the group’s insights and encouragement. This should be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about art and culture while getting to know your neighbors!

To participate in this FREE workshop, please indicate your interest by 12 noon, November 12, 2003.
You must be able to attend all SIX sessions, to be held at PEM:
1. Thursday, November 13, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
2. Saturday, November 15, 11:00 AM – 2:15 PM
3. Thursday, December 4, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
4. Saturday, December 6, 11:00 AM – 2:15 PM
5. Thursday, January 8, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
6. Saturday, January 10, 11:00 AM – 2:15 PM
Thursday evening sessions will include light refreshments. Lunch provided for Saturday sessions. The Peabody Essex Museum is accessible from Boston by commuter rail from North Station.

If you have questions please call 978-745-9500 x 3131 or email Karin_Oen@pem.org

|