Syrendell at the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education Conference 2026: Celebrating “The Power of Story” with Creativity, Craft, and Heart

We are delighted to announce that Rick and Jennifer Tan of Syrendell will be presenting at the 26th Annual Alliance for Public Waldorf Education National Conference, themed “The Power of Story.” This inspiring gathering brings educators, artists, administrators, and creatives together to explore how story shapes learning, community, and the human experience.

Conference Link:
https://sites.google.com/allianceforpublicwaldorfeducation.org/26thepowerofstory/home

🌿 Syrendell Workshops at the Conference

“Watercolor Painting: A Story’s Moment and Mood”
with Rick Tan, MD, Artist & Waldorf Educator
Rick will guide participants through the expressive world of wet-on-wet watercolor painting. Drawing on his signature Five C’s--color, content, character, connection, and control—Rick demonstrates how a painting becomes a moment captured from a story’s soul.
In this one-hour workshop, he will paint two pieces inspired by story imagery, showing teachers how to use watercolor as a meaningful narrative tool in their classrooms.
Supplies:

• Watercolor paints (lemon yellow, prussian blue, red)
• Brush (one 3/4 inch filbert or flat)
• Paper (90 or 130 lb weight, 11 x 15)
• Paint pad, rag, water jars

“Weave a Yarn, Tell a Yarn”
with Jennifer Tan, Ph.D., Professional Fiber Artist, Musician, and Naturopath
Jennifer will lead a hands-on fiber arts session that blends simple weaving techniques with the magic of storytelling. Participants will craft a small woven pouch using a cardboard loom while exploring pedagogical applications for weaving as sensory integration, rhythm, and narrative expression.
Supplies:

• Sturdy cardboard (approx. 4 x 5 inches)
• Cotton string or yarn
• Colored yarns
• Scissors
• Optional: tapestry needle

This session highlights how storytelling lives in our hands, our materials, and the textures we create.

Why We Love This Gathering
Story is at the heart of Syrendell—woven through our art, music, nature-inspired living, and Waldorf-aligned teaching. The Alliance Conference embodies all we believe in:

• Creativity rooted in pedagogy
• Community centered around beauty and meaning
• Hands-on arts that nurture the whole child and whole educator

We are honored to share our craft with colleagues from across the country and to continue supporting teachers in bringing artistry, warmth, and imagination into their classrooms.