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About

Meet Won-Ldy Paye

Award Winning Children’s Book Author, Renowned Artist and Performer

Won-Ldy Paye is a multi-talented artist with vast knowledge of Liberian (West African) Art, Music, Dance, Literature and History. Growing up in the rice field of tropical West Africa – Liberia, Won-Ldy learned the traditional arts and knowledge that nourish and entertain every Liberian. Additionally, he received a Western style education in schools and colleges in Liberia and United States.

A master at his craft, Won-Ldy’s work create a comfortable environment in which the exploration of foreign concepts becomes fascinating and not threatening. He brings authentic Liberian culture into classrooms and on stages.

 

Market, Tappita, Liberia

Won-Ldy remembers market days as vibrant and magical. He had the privilege and opportunity to meet and work with his cultural icons such as Bai T Moore, and the legendary Scholar of the Dan people George W.W.Tahmehn. All these many experiences provided the foundation for Won-Ldy’s artistic vision and drive.

Won-Ldy Paye, Bai T. Moore, others, Monrovia
“A life span of a thousand years could come to life in one single market day. On this day a town would become a big orchestra and seemed to hug the sky. In my mind the arena was endless as the day met the night.” Won-Ldy observes

Won-Ldy Paye Award Winning Children’s Book Author, Renowned Artist and Performer, Unofficial Ambassador of Liberian Culture

His stimulating 60 minute One Man Show-The Liberian Storyteller includes:

  • Traditional West African musical instruments
  • Stories from the rice farming region of West Africa
  • Dances featuring authentic masks and costumes
  • Themes of Respect and Community
  • Overflowing wit and charm!

Won-Ldy Paye captivates audiences of all ages. He has performed recently in KALETA: A West African Children’s Festival, as part of the Seattle and Philadelphia International Children’s Festivals, and at The Kennedy Center – Imagination Celebration, Washington DC. Won-Ldy’s presentation has been featured in the American Library Association 2007 Annual Conference and is a regular highlight of the Seattle

Won-Ldy Paye’s
Professional Accomplishments

  • Teaching Artist, The Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. Specializes in: Traditional Liberian music, dance, storytelling, and art. 2003-present. http://www.cultureandtourism.org/cct
  • Founder, Director, & Performer, Village Drum & Masquerade (Traditional Liberian Mask Dancers), 1985-present
  • Performing Artist, The Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. Specializes in: Liberian Storytelling, the use of traditional Liberian musical instruments, singing, and audience participation. 2003 – present. http://www.cultureandtourism.org/cct

Won-Ldy Paye’s Literary works: 

“Why Leapard Has Spots”
  • The Talking Vegetable, © 2006
    By Won-Ldy Paye, Margaret H. Lippert, Julie Paschkis (Illustrator)
    Henry Holt and Company, 2006, ISBN 0-8050-7742-1 www.henryholt.com
  • Mrs. Chicken and the Hungry Crocodile: A Story from Liberia
    By Won-Ldy Paye, Margaret H. Lippert, Julie Paschkis (Illustrator)
    Henry Holt and Company, 2003, ISBN:0-8050-7047-8 www.henryholt.com
  • Head, Body, Legs: A Story from Liberia
    By Won-Ldy Paye, Margaret H. Lippert, Julie Paschkis (Illustrator)
    Henry Holt and Company, 2002 ISBN: 0-8050-6570-9 www.henryholt.com
  • Why Leopard Has Spots: Dan Stories From Liberia
    By Won-Ldy Paye, Margaret H. Lippert, Ashley Bryan (Illustrator)
    Fulcrum Publishing, 1998, ISBN: 1-55591-991-X www.fulcrumbooks.com

Won-Ldy’s Literary works have appeared in the following publications:

  • Reading Mastery Signature Edition Program
    SRA/McGraw-Hill, 2008 (upcoming text book)
  • Ten Traditional Tellers
    By Margaret Read MacDonald
    University of Illinois Press, 2006
  • Reading Mastery Plus
    SRA/McGraw-Hill, 2002
  • Earth Care: World Folktales to Talk About
    By Margaret Read MacDonald
    Linnet Books, 1999
  • Teacher’s Read Aloud Anthology (Volume I)
    Margaret H. Lippert, Anthologist
    MacMillan/McGraw-Hill, 1993
  • Teacher’s Read Aloud Anthology (Volume IV)
    Margaret H. Lippert, Anthologist
    MacMillan/McGraw-Hill, 1993
  • Artist in Residence, Washington State ArtsCommission, Seattle Arts Commission, Anchorage School District, and Montana Art Council. 1988-2001
  • Director of “Why Leopard Has Spots” Performed by Book-It All Over. Produced by Book-It Repertory Theatre, Seattle Washington. 2002 & 2003
  • Artist, Advisor, & Restorer for the Art from Africa: Long Steps Never Broke a Back Exhibition at Seattle Art Museum. www.seattleartmuseum.org 2002
  • Liberian (African) Dance Instructor, University of Washington Experimental College, www.experimental.asuw.org 1986-2002
  • Collector and Restorer of Liberian cultural artifacts.
  • Creator and Leader of Smell No Taste and Zigele, African Ethno-Pop dance bands. Also performed with JeKaJo and the legendary Seattle African Roots Band. 1987 – 2003
  • Host, “The Best Ambiance” African Music & Issues radio show at the University of Washington, Seattle, 1994-1999
  • Executive Board Member of the National Cultural Union, Bureau of Culture and Tourism Liberia. 1982-1985
  • Writer & Director of health education radio plays for UNICEF & CARE in Liberia, 1981-1985
  • Founder & Director, Trow Trow Artist Workshop (Liberian Cultural Troupe) 1980-1985