Dianho Dayton Edmonds
Dayton says “As a storyteller, I strive to give a voice to the voiceless. As an artist, I seek to give a perspective from a different part of life’s circle. The stories I tell and the artwork I create are to gently challenge people to grow.”
About Dayton
Dayton Edmonds, a full-blooded Native American of the Caddo Indian Nation of Oklahoma is a gifted storyteller, artist and musician. He draws his expertise from an intrinsic understanding of ancient values, as well as from cultural consciousness, and past and present experience. His work immerses him in community life and affairs, and his unique stories serve as a medium for fusing this country’s important cultures and views.
A United Methodist church and community builder, Dayton works ecumenically nationwide with church congregations, educational institutions, camps, community groups, libraries and others, using storytelling, puppetry, clowning, positive imaging and life skills to teach sensitivity and awareness.
Storyteller
“Storytelling is a living art, but it lives only in the telling. The storyteller and the listener together give life to the story.”
Dayton descends from a long line of tribal storytellers and prefers working with live audiences in the round. Through a combination of puppetry, music, magic tricks and expressive narrative gestures, he weaves his magic of story. Read more…
Musician
“The heartbeat is the rhythm of all creation”
From before birth, music was an integral part of Dayton’s daily life. This early exposure to song, native instruments and dance ignited his passion for music. As Dayton embodied this rich musical legacy, he became an accomplished musician and composer. His storytelling is enriched with the enhancement of vocals, guitar and flute.
Artist
Dayton’s art education began with his forebears, long before he was aware. Though Dayton has studied drawing, painting, sculpting and printmaking in formal educational settings, his expertise comes in larger part from a grasp of the collective memory of his people. Dayton’s art tells creation stories though wildlife, landscape and portraiture. His art helps dispel stereotyped images of Native American people, illustrating authentic Indian traditions and way of life.
Consultant
Dayton has decades of experience working with churches, schools, universities, community, non-profit and governmental organizations. Using native wisdom, spirituality, and the power of storytelling he addresses a wide range of issues including diversity, cultural sensitivity, women’s issues, disaster response, veteran’s issues, and grief, loss and recovery.
Central to much of his work is fostering a fundamental understanding of the interrelatedness of all species and the sacredness of the circle of life to which we all belong. Read more…
Items from the Moonglow Studio Store
The art and performances of Dayton Edmonds
