Celebrating the Good - A Spotlight on Literary Arts
Friends and Artists,
For this week's blog, we would like to give a shoutout about all of the activity we're seeing in the literary arts community in Southwest Washington and beyond!
A HUGE thank you to all of the organizations and individuals who have stepped up to create, support, share, and appreciate the efforts happening in the literary arts world. Although we are in the midst of a pandemic while readjusting to a new year, we recognize and applaud the diligent work of those who continue to make the literary arts accessible to our community. Thank you for spreading joy and inspiration through this incredible art form!
Together we can set the stage for a future where the arts are always growing and thriving. This journey is only made possible with support from readers like you! For more information about our mission, visit our website, or contact us at [hidden email]. Have a cozy week!
Sincerely,
The SWCA Team
And Now For This Week’s Top Picks…
Fund Matching Program
To elevate the literary arts in Clark County, Artstra will be matching up to $1,500 to fund an honorarium for the Clark County Poet Laureate 2021-2023. If you appreciate the unique voice and commitment to awareness of poetry as an art form that a poet laureate nurtures, please consider donating to Artstra for the Clark County Poet Laureate Program.
Call for Poet Laureate
Are you Clark County's next Poet Laureate? Every two years the Clark County Arts Commission selects a Poet Laureate to engage our county in the literary arts. Duties include promoting poetry as an art form, expanding access to the literary arts, and encouraging poetry as a regional voice that contributes to a sense of place. Application deadline is Friday, January 22.
Virtual Open Mic Night
Ghost Town Poetry invites you to come and enjoy a virtual Open Mic Night featuring Christopher Gonzalez. Tune in via Zoom on Thursday, January 14th at 7pm to experience live poetry from home! Guests are invited to read one poem for three minutes or less. Be sure to RSVP by no later than 3pm to get in the lineup and access the invitation link. $5 suggested donation.
Joy Harjo Conversation
Join Joy Harjo, a member of Mvskoke/Creek Nation and current U.S. Poet Laureate, in a virtual conversation, as she reads works from her latest book An American Sunrise: Poems and hosts a moderated Q&A discussion. In 2019, Harjo was appointed 23rd United States Poet Laureate, the first Native American to hold the position. Harjo is an internationally known and award - winning poet, writer, and performer.
Pobrecitos Book Launch
Pobrecitos: virtual event for lovers of words and images! Join this first-ever Zoom event and book launch on Friday, February 4th at 4:30 to enjoy a collaborative work written by Eileen Davis Elliott, illustrated by Lily Engblom-Stryker and Ava Town. In this read, students and established creators share views of "poor ones," marginalized people of the world. For more information, please contact pobrecitos2021 to register.
Free Writing Courses
Got the writing spark but not sure where to begin? Here is a list of 90 free online courses to help improve your writing skills! Whether you're looking to write more fiction, preparing for university studies, drafting cover letters, or trying to preserve your own memories, communication through writing is a critical skill. This variety of free courses can help guide you in your writing journey.
Poetry Teaching Resources
Are you an educator looking to learn more about where to find poetry resources? Look no further! The Poetry Foundation has offerings for children, teens, adults, and educators of all writing backgrounds. Access articles, teaching material, and other resources for teachers of all levels. From poetry teaching guides, to articles for teachers, to essays on poetic theory, you can supplement your core learning today.