The Landscape of Storytelling: Creating Worlds Through Art and Writing

In this 8-week program, youth will begin by exploring some famous fictional maps from stories such as The Hobbit, Treasure Island, Harry Potter, The Wizard of Oz, and Snow White to draw inspiration for their own map creations. The group will then work collaboratively on fantasy concepts to stretch their imaginations in a brainstorming session. As they begin the process of bringing their own ideas to life they will not only be building the setting and characters, but also creating unique creatures, mixing colors to design a one-of-a-kind palette for their world, and making prints to inspire the backdrop. For week 3, we will be joined by author Annie Westphal, where she will share her experience as a fairytale writer, giving youth a glimpse into the process of bringing the fictional world to life. Youth will then have the opportunity to create their own epic multi-media, collage maps using many of the colors, prints, creatures and magical words they’ve designed and written. Merging the worlds of artistry and storytelling, young people will craft a narrative to accompany their new world. From paper/pencil sketches to detailed etches on the Glowforge, beginnings-of-ideas to fleshed-out storylines, youth will tap into their creativity, expand their knowledge, and immerse themselves in an unforgettable fictional journey.