Reflections on the VASA Virtual Gathering 2021 by Beth Ohlsson The Virginia Storytelling Association (VASA) had its annual Gathering virtually this year, and even though I am truly “Zoomed-out”, I was blown away by the caliber of this year’s event. The event was organized and coordinated by Mylinda Butterworth, who graduated with me from East Tennessee State’s Master’s program in Storytelling. Organizing, coordinating, and marketing conferences is Mylinda’s strong suit. In fact, her Capstone Project was a how-to guide for … Continue reading →

Anette Stjarnhjarta What propelled you into oral storytelling? My little brother Hans. He would ask me to tell him about my dreams and that led him to ask for stories. I enjoyed telling stories and to see how happy that made him. What is one story you heard that stays with you after many years – and why? The story about Pippi Longstocking. Pippi is red-haired, freckled, unconventional, and superhumanly strong – able to lift her horse one-handed! She is playful … Continue reading →

By Clinton Atwater Editor’s Note: Another in our series of notes from VASA Board members. Clint also serves as our Association Treasurer, and as such has brought a steady, intelligent and pragmatic hand to VASA’s finances. When Gayle Turner asked me if I would consider being on the Board of Directors for VASA, I was both intrigued and honored. What I never considered is that my service would coincide with a pandemic. What a year it has been! Over the … Continue reading →