An Arizona Tall Tale
A Story that's "Uniquely Arizona"
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"Some of her earliest sewing projects were mostly mending things, like patching up worn out elbows on her brothers shirts or making tea towels out of flour sacks."
-An Arizona Tall Tale
Welcome
Maria is a storyteller,artist,writer, and creator of An Arizona Tall Tale; a presentation she offers to elementary schools, senior centers, libraries and museums. Her interest in family history, creative writing, and public speaking have lead her to put this story together. She firmly believes that storytelling can inspire others imagination in a powerful way. She offers her “tall tale” presentation to libraries and other community venues in and around the Phoenix area.
She has shared her stories with audiences in California, Arizona and New Mexico. One of the highlights of her career was being invited to the Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage in Los Angeles to present at their Open House.
While living In New Mexico she joined a Toastmasters group, where her “Arizona Tall Tale” was born. It’s a story that brings a fun fictional twist to Arizona’s flag history.
With this Tall Tale Maria celebrates the memory of her grandmother, Clara Carrillo Valencia, born in Avondale Arizona, in 1907. It's an original story, weaving truth and fable together and set in Arizonas early statehood years.
The Tall Tale presentation will conclude with either a simple craft project (offered to children) or a family history hand-out for adults. The entire presentation is approximately 50 minutes long.
This is a fun fictional story that could be enjoyed by both young and old.
Arizona Tall Tale Launch 2017
Avondale, Arizona
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HP Rio Rancho Toastmasters Tall Tale Competition
This story was originally called "Nana's Dress"
Presentation Fee
Maria's full presentation and accompanying project is $200.00 and is approximately 45 minutes long. Please fill out Contact Form below with any questions or to schedule a presentation.
FAQ Page
How far in advance do we need to book you?
-One to two weeks is fine
How many people can participate in the presentation?
-An ideal group size for the presentation is 50 to 100.
How much does it cost?
-The presentation and art project/family history presentation is approximately 45 minutes with a fee of $200.00
What methods of payment do you accept?
-Check
Do you need any special equipment?
- This presentation includes an art project so it works best when students can access tables and chairs to complete the art project.
Do we need to bring colored pencils or crayons for the art project?
-Yes, please bring a few colored pencils or crayons, I will supply the card stock.
Who are the children in the picture on the front page of website?
-Clara (Nana) at approx 7 yrs. of age and her baby sister Cruzita.
How do we book you?
-Please fill out my Contact Form.
How did you get into this?
-I've always enjoyed family history, creative writing, public speaking, sewing and art. All of these interests came together in this presentation!
What venues have you presented at?
-Elementary schools, museums, historic houses, and libraries
Contact Form
contact me
A Story that's "Uniquely Arizona"
Testamonials
"This program would be great for a senior community...with your reference to tea towels made from flour sacs."
Librarian, Phoenix library, Cholla Branch
"This is like putting flesh & bones on history, it's great! "
Mimi H
SHAAR publication author
"You did a great job, you interact with the kids so well"
Galal K. History event organizer
Copyright 2017-2024 An Arizona Tall Tale
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