Hikayat Wa Fan, Storytelling & Art

Join Al-Bustan for a fun-filled afternoon of storytelling and art-making for children & families at one of our favorite places to play, Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse!

Storytelling is one of the oldest art practices in history and is an especially important oral tradition within Arab culture. This spring event is fun for the whole family and will feature local Arabic storytellers, Eliane Sfeir-Markus, Nashid Ali, and Susan Fayad. Each brings their own distinctive storytelling style in English and Arabic. Children are given the opportunity to develop new language skills by learning Arabic words through interactive storytelling methods. 

With a full schedule, children can choose from participating in storytelling, enjoying the playground, or engaging in the various art activities that will be offered including: designing geometric patterns –a familiar Arab tradition of art-making, making a Masbaha (prayer beads), and writing their names in Arabic calligraphy.