A one-day arts integration conference for K-6 classroom teachers, arts educators,
pre-service teachers, school administrators, teaching artists, and partnering arts organizations.

Utah State University Arts Are Core presents a one-day conference featuring keynote speakers Sherry and Bobby Norfolk, along with hands-on arts integrated workshops in visual art, dance, music, drama, and storytelling. Participants will experience teacher-created workshops and engaging presentations as guest presenters facilitate hands-on arts experiences integrated with content curriculum designed to stimulate arts rich learning at the elementary level. Each participant will walk away with engaging arts ideas, lesson plans, and resources to start the new school year with creativity and energy!

Sherry Norfolk

Sherry Norfolk is an award-winning storyteller, author and teaching artist, performing and leading residencies and professional development workshops nationally and internationally. A dynamic storyteller, Sherry has appeared in the Manitoba International Storytelling Festival, Taiwan International Storytelling Carnival, International Art of Storytelling Festival (Miami, FL), International Storytelling Center (Jonesborough, TN), Singapore International Storytelling Festival, Manila International Storytelling Festival, and many more festivals, schools, libraries, museums and universities nationwide. In addition to a BS in Elementary Education and an MLS in Library Science (with a focus on children’s work), she has completed the Young Audiences National RAISE (Responsive Arts in Education) training, has received a PPE Certificate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in “Learning to Talk by Talking; has completed the Supercharged Storytimes online Train-the-Trainer course with OCLC and the Institute of Museum & Library Services and is co-editor and/or co-author of five books that explore rigorous, standards-based storytelling strategies for learning across the curriculum. Sherry is a recognized leader in integrating learning through storytelling. 

Bobby Norfolk

Bobby Norfolk is an internationally known story performer and teaching artist. He is a three-time Emmy Award winner, multiple Parents' Choice Gold and Silver Award winner, and a National Storytelling Network Oracle Award recipient. Using dynamic movement and vocal effects, Bobby creates vibrant characters who come to life through imaginative, creative story.  His stories promote character education traits (such as respect and responsibility), cultural diversity, and literacy. Bobby began his career as a stand-up comedian in 1975 at local St. Louis comedy clubs and as an actor with The St. Louis Black Repertory Co. In television, Bobby won three Emmy awards as the host of the CBS TV show “Gator Tales” and also hosted the Emmy nominated series “Children’s Theater at Bobby’s House.” Bobby was given the national Circle of Excellence Oracle Award, an honor presented by the National Storytelling Network, which recognizes the very best storytellers in the nation. He has co-authored eight children’s books, and won first prize from Foreword Magazine in the Spoken Word category with his Dunbar Outloud CD. Bobby travels both nationally and internationally presenting performances, keynotes, and workshops. A past member of the Board of Directors for the National Storytelling Network, he currently serves on the St. Louis Storytelling Festival Advisory Council and is a featured artist in festivals world-wide.