Sandbar Storytelling Festival announces a brand new opportunity for storytellers to sharpen their skills! Circle of Excellence recipient Elizabeth Ellis will be offering a two-day coaching intensive for intermediate and advanced storytellers in Winona, MN after the Festival. Join us October 12 and 13 for the opportunity of a lifetime – two days of instruction and coaching with world-renowned storyteller and coach Elizabeth Ellis! Space is limited to 12 people, so register early to ensure your spot.

Schedule

Oct 10-11
Sandbar Storytelling Festival

Sunday, Oct 12
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (with a one-hour lunch break and a two-hour dinner break)

Monday, Oct 13
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (with a one-hour lunch break and optional group dinner afterwards)

Included

• 1 all-access pass to the Sandbar Storytelling Festival
• Breakfast & Lunch on Oct 12 & 13 (Dinner is on your own)
• 15 hours of coaching, instruction, and dedicated work time
• Individual and group coaching with Elizabeth

Location

Alverna Conference Center
Saint Mary’s University
1175 West Wabasha Street
Winona, MN 55987

Cost

$375
Optional: Add $65/night for housing (see below)

You will not be asked to pay anything until your application is accepted.

Housing

Affordable housing is available at the Alverna Center for $65/night/person. This rate is per person per night, whether you are sharing a room or not. Rooms are available during both the festival and the intensive.

More about Alverna

The Alverna Conference Center, constructed in 1925, is a gracious conference center and guest house located on the beautiful Saint Teresa Campus of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona. Prior to the closing of the College of Saint Teresa in 1989, Alverna was home to the Sisters of Saint Francis, who sponsored the College. The building was completely renovated in 1993-94. The lower levels feature a lovely and stately Great Room, solarium, small meeting rooms and a dining room. Although it has been remodeled, the building retains its original charm and ambiance. The Alverna Center offers 23 comfortable guest rooms on the upper floors featuring: either 1 full size bed or 2 twin size beds, a private bathroom, air conditioning, phone, cable TV, and free WIFI. Guest rooms come with bedding and towels. 

Each year, as part of the festival weekend, storytellers in residency will be integrated into the Winona-area schools to immerse students in the art of storytelling. Education is a pillar of the Sandbar Storytelling Festival. We recognize the importance of fostering an environment where students are engaged, both creatively and intellectually. Storytelling is a bridge between community and culture, and as students hear the words and tales of the tellers, they learn to understand and empathize with others, one story at a time.

In 2023, we served upward of 2,800 students from 14 schools, including: Bluffview Montessori, Cotter Schools: K-6, 7-12; Lewiston-Altura HS, Riverway Learning Community, Wabasha-Kellogg Elem., Winona Area Public Schools: Goodview Elem., Jefferson Elem., Washington-Kosciusko Elem., Winona Middle School, Winona Senior HS, and the Winona Area Learning Center; and in higher education, Saint Mary’s University and Winona State University.