The National Storytelling Network (NSN www.storynet.org) recently announced that Michael Cotter of Albert Lea is a recipient of the Circle of Excellence Award. This award is presented to artists recognized by their peers as master storytellers who set the standard of excellence and a commitment to storytelling over a significant period of time.

Cotter is an esteemed elder in recounting and interpreting the Midwestern and American agriculture way of life. Born in 1931, he and his family still farm the the land near Austin that his great-grandfather homesteaded. His stories of the land, family, and place symbolize the toil and weather-beaten resolve required to be a farmer. In response to a bitter local strike at the Hormel plant, a town banker asked Cotter to start a storytelling festival to help “heal the town.” The festival ran for 22 years with Cotter serving as the artistic director. Also, his work with terminally ill patients was highlighted in a documentary film.

In addition to appearing at national festivals, for 15 years Cotter hosted a 60-minute storytelling radio show, and for nearly four years he hosted “The Michael Cotter Show” on channel WHO in Des Moines. He is also the co-author of three books: “Growing Up on a Minnesota Farm,” “The Storyteller is a Soybean” and “Memories: A Collection of Personal Stories.”

Cotter will receive his award on Oct. 1 at the National Storytelling Awards Ceremony on National Story Night, preceding the 37th annual National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tenn.

For more information on storytelling in Minnesota, visit northstarstorytelling.org.