Biography

A native of eastern Kentucky, Octavia grew up in a rich tradition of storytelling hearing stories handed down from her English, Irish, and Cherokee ancestors. Her natural dialect transports the listener into the Appalachian Mountains - where haints (ghosts) chill your blood, Jack tickles your funny bone, and the hills and hollers’ are full of surprises. Octavia also shares personal experience stories and humorous anecdotes based on her life. She attended a one room grade school in Eastern Kentucky; lived many years without television or the convenience of indoor plumbing and had many experiences that range from the hilarious to the poignant. 

Artist Statement

"With flesh and bone, heart and soul, a single thread - I weave my cultural beliefs and wisdom into the fabric of the human experience."

“I have watched Octavia mesmerize an audience with just her voice, gestures, and of course a good story.” Loyal Jones (Appalachian Humorist, Folklorist, Author) Berea, KY

“The female characters in most American Jack tales portray ancillary roles and seldom display strong character or initiative. But Appalachian storyteller Octavia Sexton develops strong women characters in all of her Jack tales.”  Elizabeth C. Fine, Director of the Humanities Programs, Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, Virginia Tech, Virginia 

“I liked it (storytelling) because Ms Octavia is a good storyteller and better than recess.” James, 4th grade student