Stories and Art

Join us for a fun, family-friendly series featuring children's stories and hands-on art inspired by the natural elements of Kubota Garden. At this program, local storyteller Tobey Ishii-Anderson will share Japanese folktales.

About Tobey Ishii-Anderson: “Be careful of what you say. That one has big ears!” Her aunties would say. Tobey Ishii-Anderson is an avid listener to stories. Her grandmother would start the stories with “Mukashi mukashi... Once upon a time” and Tobey has been held captive with the world of stories ever since. She loves the folktales from Japan retold at family gatherings. From listener to being the teller of stories, she has carried on this family tradition. As a Peace Corps volunteer and then an international school teacher she has lived in various countries in Asia and Europe, Tobey has had the good fortune to gather stories from many diverse cultures. She is a member of the Asian American Storytellers in Action and the South Sound Story Guild. Experiencing various genres of story has widened Tobey’s view as she fosters  multicultural awareness and sensitivity during these interesting times.

Location: The program will take place at Kubota Garden's Terrace Overlook. Once you arrive at the Garden, follow the signs to the event.

Parking: Parking at the Garden is available but limited. There is additional street parking on 55th Ave S and Renton Ave S. As with all public parks, we encourage you to leave valuables at home. If you must bring them, store them out of sight before you reach the Garden.

Check in: There is no required advanced registration for this event. Just drop in! Adults will check in their family/ group with volunteers at the Terrace check in table. The program will begin promptly at 10am. Please arrive early to allow for parking and check-in.

What to expect: The program will start with stories by Tobey and be followed up with a related art project that kids and families can make. The program will be outdoors and will move under the Terrace shelter if it rains. Please make sure your child(ren) are dressed appropriately for the weather (layers, sunscreen, hat, etc.). Chairs and seating pads are available. You may also bring your own lawn chair or picnic blanket. We will have some snacks and water available for the kids. Please bring additional water or allergy-sensitive snacks, if needed. 

Supervision: Adults must be in attendance with child(ren). 

Cost: This event is free thanks to funding from 4Culture and KGF donors. If you'd like to support keeping this event accessible to all Donate Here.

Questions? Email sophia@kubotagarden.org