Umpqua Valley Arts Association
Arts in Education
Overview | Artist Bios | Apply as an Artist | AIE Check-off
Esther M. Stutzman
(Storytelling, Local History and Culture)
About the Artist
Esther Stutzman is a native Oregonian and traditional American Indian storyteller of Kalapuya/Coos Indian heritage.
Esther works with Title VII Indian Education programs and Arts in Education Programs throughout the state of Oregon as a cultural resource specialist with children as well as with teacher in-service programs. She is the primary storyteller for the American Indian theatre group, Mother Earth’s Children, that has performed for school assemblies and a variety of events and conferences for the past 34 years. She has been a long-time presenter for the Oregon Chautauqua History Series and a recipient of Oregon Historical Society Folk Life awards. She also teaches workshops and American Indian music seminars for many regional and national music teachers’ associations. She is a frequent lecturer at universities and colleges in the Pacific Northwest.
Esther has over 30 years experience as a curriculum developer, writer and historical researcher and uses this experience to promote culturally-correct teachings in schools.
Overall Goals
It is important for students to learn the correct American Indian history of our land. Indian stereotypes abound and one way to dispel the myths promoted by books and movies is to hear traditional stories that have been passed down for generations. As students learn the stories, they learn history and also become aware of why stories were told and how they are interpreted to teach lessons. A major outcome of listening to stories is learning respect and patience in this time-honored art.
A focal point of learning about traditional stories is the chance for students to use imagination in writing and illustrating their own stories. This enhances the learning of analytical thinking, interpretation, creative writing and meets many standards for language arts.
RESIDENCIES
Storytelling/Writing your own Stories (1-2 weeks)
Students will listen to traditional stories and discuss origins and meanings. The class will then write their own stories, based on typical storytelling form. Illustrations are encouraged and a class “book” is then produced containing all the stories written by the class.
American Indian Music (1 week)
Examples of American Indian instruments are shown and demonstrated. Each class member will have the opportunity to play the large drum and the rhythm sticks and learn songs. In addition, dances will be demonstrated and the class will have the opportunity to dance to the drum. Esther brings examples of regalia that is worn for gatherings and pow wows.
This residency can be in conjunction with regular music classes if desired.
Staff Development
Esther has a background in offering teacher in-service and staff development as well as diversity/cultural sensitivity trainings. She will work with teachers to develop a correct multi-cultural curriculum that emphasizes American Indian history and culture to conform to state standards.
Facility/Supplies
Storytelling and writing sessions are best carried out in a classroom setting. Music sessions will need the use of a cafeteria or gymnasium or other room that will not disturb other classes.
Local History and Culture
SUSAN APPLEGATE AND ESTHER STUTZMAN
Both Susan and Esther are artists who have worked with Umpqua Valley Arts and Education programs for many years. In the course of their work, they have created a unique residency program that encompasses the history and culture of both the pioneers and Indians of the local area.
Susan is a descendant of the pioneer Applegate family that came to Oregon and settled primarily in the northern Douglas County area. The family history lives on in the historic Applegate House in Yoncalla, the oldest pioneer home in Oregon still owned by the same family. Drawing from her roots, Susan fashions art experiences for children that reflect her family history and bring those experiences to the present in the form of drawings, paintings, nature journaling and other hands-on art projects.
Esther Stutzman is a descendant of the Komemma/Kalapuya tribe that welcomed the Applegate family into the valleys of the Umpqua over one hundred-fifty years ago. As a traditional storyteller, Esther works with children to learn an appreciation of oral literature and in the process, shares the local Native history with them. In her presentations, she infuses music to bring about an authentic experience.
Typical residency content includes Esther’s presentation in the classroom, with students learning of the first inhabitants of Oregon. Susan, in a follow-up residency, works with children to capture the images of Esther’s stories in drawings, paintings and mask-making.
In tandem, Susan and Esther use their collective knowledge to present a fun and balanced view of both pioneers and Indians of this area of Oregon. At the same time, both artists address the need for teachers to fulfill statewide educational standards content.
Both Susan and Esther offer collaborative pre-planning with the teachers and follow-up classroom resource suggestions as needed.
Grade Levels
K - 12
Overview | Artist Bios | Apply as an Artist | AIE Check-off
Site designed and hosted by Creative Images