"SAC" of REGIONAL GEMS
In 2014, The Storytelling Association of California, at the suggestion of Karin Werner, created the Regional Gem program to provide annual recognition and a performance venue to valued California tellers.
Our aim is to honor storytellers from all areas of California. In even years, a storyteller from Northern California will be honored, in odd years the Regional Gem will be a teller from Southern California. Any SAC member may suggest a Regional Gem Honoree to the Regional Gem Committee. The Committee considers the suggestions, and nominates an individual to the SAC Board of Directors, who approves the nomination. The Regional Gem Performance is often in March, but the schedule is flexible for both the teller and the organizers.
SAC will provide a solo concert venue for the teller, plus transportation and lodging as needed. A framed award will be presented along with a lifetime membership in SAC. The name of the Regional Gem honoree will be added to the list below.
Regional Gem Committee
Marilyn McPhie, Chair
All Past RG Honorees
Honoree Requirements
1. A storyteller who is familiar with SAC's activities and annual events.
2. A seasoned teller who can hold the stage for a performance
3. A teller who is locally involved in promoting and supporting storytelling in their community. Please describe examples of the nominee's community activities.
Nominations for the 2025 Regional Gem Honoree, from Southern California, must be sent to the SAC Regional Gem Committee by August 31, 2024 to Marilyn McPhie.
The March 2022, 2023, and 2024 Awards Videos are available to view on the SAC YouTube Channel.
Here's a photo from the 2023 event in Malibu, courtesy of SAC Board Member Tina Tomiyama. Ann Buxie, Michael McCarty, SAC Chair Sara Armstrong, Marilyn McPhie, and Barbara Clark.
Our aim is to honor storytellers from all areas of California. In even years, a storyteller from Northern California will be honored, in odd years the Regional Gem will be a teller from Southern California. Any SAC member may suggest a Regional Gem Honoree to the Regional Gem Committee. The Committee considers the suggestions, and nominates an individual to the SAC Board of Directors, who approves the nomination. The Regional Gem Performance is often in March, but the schedule is flexible for both the teller and the organizers.
SAC will provide a solo concert venue for the teller, plus transportation and lodging as needed. A framed award will be presented along with a lifetime membership in SAC. The name of the Regional Gem honoree will be added to the list below.
Regional Gem Committee
Marilyn McPhie, Chair
All Past RG Honorees
Honoree Requirements
1. A storyteller who is familiar with SAC's activities and annual events.
2. A seasoned teller who can hold the stage for a performance
3. A teller who is locally involved in promoting and supporting storytelling in their community. Please describe examples of the nominee's community activities.
Nominations for the 2025 Regional Gem Honoree, from Southern California, must be sent to the SAC Regional Gem Committee by August 31, 2024 to Marilyn McPhie.
The March 2022, 2023, and 2024 Awards Videos are available to view on the SAC YouTube Channel.
Here's a photo from the 2023 event in Malibu, courtesy of SAC Board Member Tina Tomiyama. Ann Buxie, Michael McCarty, SAC Chair Sara Armstrong, Marilyn McPhie, and Barbara Clark.
2025 John St. Clair - inlandstorytellers.org/JohnStClair.html
2024 Jean Ellisen - [email protected]
2023 Ann Buxie - [email protected]
2022 Joy Swift
2021 Michael D. McCarty http://havemouthwillrunit.com
2020 Linda Yemoto
2018 BZ Smith hive-arts.org
BZ Smith
2018
2017 MarilynMcPhie www.marilynmcphie.com/
2016 Tim Ereneta - http://www.timereneta.info/
2015 Kirk Waller - http://www.kirkwallerstories.com
2014 Cathryn Fairlee (Of Blessed Memory)
The Storytelling Association of California
P.O. Box 553 * El Cerrito, CA 94530
P.O. Box 553 * El Cerrito, CA 94530
