Nationally renowned storyteller Ashley Bryan travels the world, captivating children and adults alike with his stories and poems. He lives on an island off the coast of Maine, where he paints, makes puppets from objects he finds as he walks along the beach, creates stained-glass windows out of beach glass, and writes and illustrates books.

Bryan will bring his creative talents to Lewiston’s Franco-American Heritage Center at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, as part of the daylong Humanities Fest put on by Maine’s Humanities Council.

Bryan grew up in Harlem and for many years taught art at Dartmouth College. His first books were illustrated ABC and counting books that he made in kindergarten. He was educated at The Cooper Union art school and at Columbia University. Even while serving in the army in France during World War II, he continued to sketch, keeping his drawing paper dry under his helmet.

After the war, he returned to Europe on a Fulbright scholarship to study art in France and in Germany. His travels in Africa inspired him to retell and illustrate the African folk tales for which he is well known, including “Beat the Story Drum,” “Pum-Pum” (which received a Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration) and “Lion and Ostrich Chicks” (a Coretta Scott King Honor Book).

His West Indian folk tale “The Cat’s Purr” and his collections of Black American spirituals, “Walk Together, Children” and “I’m Going To Sing,” were ALA Notable Children’s Books.

In 1990, Bryan received the Arbuthnot Prize, a prestigious international award given to recognize lifetime achievement in children’s literature.

His recent books include “Sing to the Sun” (Parents Choice Award, 1992), an illustrated collection of his own poetry, and “Ashley Bryan’s ABC of African-American Poetry” (1997).

Two video documentaries feature his life and work: a National Geographic production made in 1984 and American School Publishers’ “Meet Ashley Bryan: Storyteller, Artist, Writer” made in 1992.

‘Food for Minds and Hearts of All Ages’

Storytelling, poetry, Somali music and food – even a play about Maine taxes – will be offered as part of a daylong celebration of the arts, courtesy of the Maine Humanties Council.

LEWISTON – Food prepared in tradional Somali styles. Native American storytelling. Poems and stories for children. Lectures on art, history and culture for adults. These and other offerings will all be part of a daylong Humanities Fest Saturday, Oct. 21, at Bates College and at the Franco-American Heritage Center.

One of the highlights of the free, public event will be an appearance by nationally known children’s book author and illustrator Ashley Bryan, noted for his powerful storytelling and poetry presentations.

Billed as “Food for Minds and Hearts of All Ages,” the Humanities Fest celebrates the Maine Humanities Council’s 30-year commitment to promoting the understanding and enjoyment of literature, the arts and history – as well as its role in strengthening education and community.

Programs geared to adults will be held on the college campus. Family programs will be at the Franco center, 46 Cedar St.

“Our purpose is to highlight some of Maine’s most interesting, entertaining or provocative scholars,” said Victoria Bonebakker, associate director and director of the Maine Humanities Council ???>>>

She said the Humanities Fest includes highlights of the past 30 years during which the Maine Humanities Council brought performances, workshops, demonstrations and lectures from renowned Maine scholars, poets and musicians to locations throughout the state.

“We’re a statewide organization, and Lewiston seemed like a perfect place to hold this celebration. It’s more central to all of Maine than Portland,” she said, noting Bates College students will be on vacation that week and the event’s objectives fit well with the mission of the Franco center.

Presenters are all donating their time, Bonebakker said.

Sessions of interest to adults will be offered from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Pettingill Hall and the Benjamin Mays Center on the Bates campus. Topics include American literature, storytelling for adults, history and religion of the Arab world, Acadian music, New England culture through film and family programming.

David Greenham, a director, actor and playwright, and producing director of the Theater at Monmouth, and fellow TAM actor Dennis Price will perform “Taxing Maine.” This short play explores the meaning of taxes for Maine communities, state government and residents’ wallets through historical characters, humor, little known facts and stories. A discussion period will follow.

Poetry readings by Baron Wormser, former Maine poet laureate, and Candice Stover are scheduled, as well as a session on storytelling for adults.

Many programs run concurrently, so festivalgoeers will have to make choices. Organizers recommend registering on the Web site at www.mainehumanities.org.

Programs with a family orientation are scheduled from noon to 3:30 p.m. at the Franco center. Offerings include free Somali food for lunch, including some kid-friendly options, and a performance of traditional Somali music. There will also be a celebration of Somali language and literacy the first part of the afternoon. Free copies of “A Somali Alphabet,” a publication commissioned by the Maine Humanities Council, will be distributed.

In quiet corners, a volunteer will read aloud from “A Somali Alphabet” and other relevant books, and another person will lead hands-on activities.

Also performing will be Passamaquoddy storyteller Allen Sockabasin, author of the best-selling children’s book “Thanks to the Animals.” His routine includes songs and stories – some traditional, some new – in which he introduces his native language in a manner that entertains people of all ages.

Wrapping up the Humanities Fest celebration will be birthday cakes served at both Bates College and the Franco center.

Registration on the Web site at www.mainehumanities.org will help organizers get a head count for programs. For more information, visit the Web site, e-mail Tricia Hunt at [email protected], or call 773-5051 (toll free 1-866-637-3233).