In The Magic Story Table: 49 Stories project, viewers discovered, explored, and immersed themselves in stories throughout the 49-square-mile geography of San Francisco as well as all over the world by interacting with a large interactive “story table” that fused maps, text, images, sound, interactivity, and even the storytellers’ own voices. Using the table, set in the middle of the Pirate Store at the 826 Valencia Writing Center, one could tilt it and virtually fly all over the world to discover stories on the treasure map of the world. Turning the tabletop then zoomed into the specific story locations and treated viewers to a visual and sound experience – they could witness where the story took place as they listened to the high-schooler who wrote it tell that story in their own voice [though the use of a state-of-the-art sound technology].

The artists JD Beltran, Scott Minneman, and Dale McDonald and the writing team of author Stephen Elliott and 826 Valencia tutors asked high school students from John O’Connell Public High School, “What are the most memorable moments in your lives – and where did they happen?” The tales ranged from bliss on the top of a roller coaster to near-death experiences. Author Stephen Elliott and 826 Valencia assisted in the story-editing process, and JD Beltran set these stories and visual imagery to their locales upon the Magic Story Table.  The project debuted at 826 Valencia in February 2009.

This project was commissioned by The San Francisco Arts Commission, and was also made possible by a generous technology donation from Onomy Labs.  The Cleveland IngenuityFest later commissioned a Magic Story Table with stories from the Greater Cleveland Area, which debuted in July 2009.