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.
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 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:
- 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