Can We Really Talk About That?

Barbara H. Clark

BARBARA H. CLARK is a professional storyteller who performs original personal stories written for adults. They include events from life in a small east coast town and in Los Angeles, stories of her family heritage, profiles of memorable relatives, and accounts of spooky events. She has performed in storytelling concerts and festivals all over southern California. Her polished stage presence reflects the 30 years she spent as an administrator with Los Angeles Public Library. Her love of books is seen in her 14 years as secretary to a Literacy Council which provided books and storytellers to 26 preschools. Barbara is a five-time recipient of L.A. City Cultural Affairs grants to perform her stories at Senior Citizen Centers, and a four-time recipient of foundation grants to teach personal storytelling to high school students. She served nine years as Artist-In- Residence at Vineyard Recreation Center teaching storytelling to seniors. She was recognized as an “Unsung Hero of the Year” in 2005 by KCET- TV for her work with seniors, and her storytelling workshop TELL ME A STORY was highlighted on television for the full month of February. Now in its 21st year, that workshop is currently sponsored by the Institute of Musical Arts where Barbara also serves as Artistic Director for the Ray G. Clark Theater. She is a recipient of the “Storytelling Spirit Award” presented by the Los Angeles Storytelling Festival, and the “Unsung Shero Award” presented by Women In NAACP. Barbara has a B.A. degree from Howard University and a M.L.S. degree from the University of Southern California.