Since 2003, Sheila Arnold has been a full-time storyteller, traveling through the United States and sharing a variety of stories – “whatever fits in her mouth” – as well as doing Historic Character Presentations and Christian Monologues. At her core, Ms. Sheila, as she is commonly called, is a Professional Imaginator with a passion, vision and ministry of healing hearts, unifying communities and reminding people to share their stories. Ms. Sheila is one of the featured storytellers in the inaugural Women’s Storytelling Festival, March 13 and 14, in the City of Fairfax, VA.
When I asked her to describe her storytelling style, she said, “I engage audiences often through conversation, questions, my way of storytelling, including things that are in the venue as well as in life around us, and through song. I love every kind of story, and I tell what I like, although I feel called to especially tell stories of faith and stories of justice.”
Ms. Sheila began her storytelling career on a slightly smaller scale. “I got into storytelling through my son, who is now 33 years old, and by doing storytelling at his day cares and schools.” Explaining how she got hooked, she continued, “I get to talk in front of people, who want to hear me and they applaud. LOL. I also love it when my stories connect to others and make them have to stop me and say, “That reminds me of a story…”, or it brings enlightenment, education or encouragement.”
When I asked her why she wanted to be involved in the inaugural Women’s Storytelling Festival, she replied, “Because Jessica Robinson (That’s Me!) asked me if I would support her in doing a Women’s Storytelling Festival and should she do it. I said yes, and she asked me, “really?” and I said yes! I believe that women’s voices in the world of storytelling need to be heard and acknowledged, just as “women.” Nice to be in the majority for once.”
In talking about the power of storytelling, Ms. Sheila said, “I told the story about me learning about African Americans having patents on inventions while I was in high school and how that made me so angry, and how a teacher took that anger and helped me and my classmates learn about Black History. After that telling, at two different venues, I have had (a) a man walk up to me and say, “I remember you as a student, but your name was _____”, and he told me how he had worked with this young lady through her anger in high school as well, (b) a woman who had not known that African-Americans had invented so many things and now was convicted that there was more to learn, and (c) two women that completely had to think how little they knew about what it was like to study history and not see yourself – good conversations. All because of one story. That’s the kind of thing I love.”
Watch a video of Ms. Sheila’s storytelling here.
Ms. Sheila added, “I am so glad to be hanging out with some of my friends on the stage – people whom I love and respect. I love that Jessica has encouraged so many to come and showcase, including one of the persons who have taken my storytelling class – Jay Johnson. This type of storytelling festival is going to lead the way for how future storytelling festivals will be. Waiting for year 2 already.” (No pressure!)
Ms. Sheila will be sharing the stage with 17 other female storytellers at the Women’s Storytelling Festival in the City of Fairfax, March 13 and 14, 2020. Details here.
