847-841-7749
QuiltedTales@aol.com
Marcia Gutierrez

“I felt as though I was
home in Mexico again….”

Audience Participant at DesPlaines Library

 

“I loved your stories, especially the one about the two silly cats!”

Audience Participant at Sandoval School.
Marcia Gutierrez

 “You were marvelous!...Your style is so warm, inviting and friendly—the kids just adored you!...Your skillful use of suspense, laughter and words that painted pictures in their imagination, kept all your stories lively, fun and entertaining.”

Diane A. Ladley, Director, “Ghost Stories in the Park in the Dark”, Naperville, IL
Marcia Gutierrez

“The Storytellers’ performance was wonderful. The audience loved your stories… (your) participation helped make this year’s festival a great success.”

Dundee Jaycees, Dickens in Dundee, IL

 

“Marcia Gutiérrez enthralled us with La Cegua…I can still hear her voice calling out those words in my head. Eeerily enchanting.”

Karen Chace, attendee at the Northlands Storytelling Conference’s Ghost Story Concert, 2003

And so the folktales and stories of Costa Rica begin... Marcia has come a long way from being a native of California and she has realized that a person’s culture is the sum of your family; where you were born; and where you choose to live. She loves to travel and experience life and all it has to offer. As a storyteller she has brought those experiences to her stories both in the personal as well as the folktale.

 

While telling a story, Marcia goes right to the soul of the tale quilting together the images, colors, textures and emotions that bring the story alive in the world of imagination.

 

Storytelling Program Themes

 

The Gift of Giving

Sometimes it is the simple things in life that can give the greatest gifts. (Great for Holiday events)


World Folktales

Folktales from the Americas and Around the World in English or Bilingual (English/Spanish). 


Wisdom Tales

Tales to spark the wisdom hidden in all of us.


Ghost Stories

Tales to chill and thrill you. (Not recommended for the little ones).


(Most programs can be developed for specific themes.)

 

 

Workshops

 

Intercultural Awareness Workshop:

Through stories, anecdotes, and dynamic exercises; students will gain a better understanding of the diversity found around them and in their own culture. (Grades 4 to 12)


Youth Storytelling Workshop

With simple techniques and stories; students can learn how to create their own voice through oral storytelling. Storytelling helps develop creativity; build vocabulary, reading and writing skills; promotes knowledge in social, historical, ethical and cultural awareness; and best of all it supports the State Educational Standards. (Grades 4 to 12) 


The Cultural Magic of Story

Cultural diversity and common traits can be found in folktales throughout the world. Through stories from diverse areas of the world we will discover both our commonality and our unique differences. (Grades 4 to 12)


Bilingual Storytelling

Can you speak more than one language; are you learning a second language? Being bilingual is a gift to be shared and through oral storytelling one can enrich their story and audience’s experience. This workshop explores ways to incorporate two languages into a story. (Note: It is not necessary to be bilingual to take this workshop.) (Grades 7 to adult)


(Workshops can be developed for specific themes and ages as requested.)

 

 

Marcia has performed at:

Professional Affiliations

Educational Background

 

Marcia has a B.A. degree in Film Production from San Diego State University and a M.Ed. from Framingham State College with a thesis on Character Development.  She lived and worked in Costa Rica for 13 years as a professional photographer; taught classes in photography with the National Park Services of Costa Rica; taught meditation in a drug rehab program; and worked with Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Children helping them to develop a more positive and stronger character through stories, games and art.

 

Since moving back to the U.S., Marcia has homeschooled her dyslexic daughter and received training in several phonics based reading programs.  She teaches reading and ESL to adult learners and offers workshops for reading and ESL tutors.  She is also a textile artist and finds miniature quilting helps a lot when developing new stories.