Sunday is May 1, and you know what that means – tomorrow is the last day to get great early bird rates on our 49 Writers Tutka Bay Writers Retreat with bestselling author Dani Shapiro . If you want to join us for a relaxing weekend of learning and writing in one of Alaska’s most intriguing places, you’ll save $100. Only three spots remain!
Along with the crocus and daffodils popping up around town, watch for our bright green rack cards advertising our Raven Words Summer Youth Writing Workshops that are finding their way to young writers ages 10-14. If you know any young writers, please help us get out the word that early bird rates end May 15 on the three great workshops that will be offered July 18-22 and July 25-29 at Winterberry Charter School.
Our thanks to fab 49 Writers volunteer Mariah Oxford and the good folks at Alaska Tab and Bind for design and printing of not only the youth program cards, but also cards promoting our summer courses – soon to make their appearance at local coffee shops and other writerly venues with the help of our also-fabulous volunteer blitz team.
Speaking of volunteers, we’re hosting a 49 Writers Volunteer MGD (Meet, Greet, Decide) gathering at the 49 Alaska Writing Center, 645 W. 3rd Ave. from 7 – 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10. If you’ve filled out one of our volunteer forms or have been meaning to volunteer, this is your chance to meet us and find out about all the fun ways you can help. As a young organization, we depend on you!
Thanks, too, to Ken Waldman, our April featured author, and welcome to Gerri Brightman of Fairbanks, our featured author for May. Speaking of Ken, Jeff Fair of Palmer writes to tell us what fun he had at the Juneau Folk Festival recently, swapping stories with Ken and Kim Heacox. While in transit, he met a Canadian writer who recommended the Pandora’s Collective website.
On Saturday, April 30th, from 10am-3pm, the Canvas and its neighbors in Juneau will be holding a street party! A FREE community celebration of words, rhymes and lines. Food, games and activities for all ages, including an Open Mic hosted by the Woosh Kinaadeiyi Poetry Slam at 2pm. Seward St, between 2nd and 3rd.
On Saturday, April 30th, at 2pm, the Fairbanks Arts Association and the Chatanika Dredge Company present the 14th Annual Poetry at the Dredge. Chatanika Dredge, mile 29 Steese Highway. This year’s event is dedicated to John Haines. People are invited to read from Haines’ work, bring their favorite poems to share, or read their own work. Bring poetry, sack lunch, water, a blanket, a cushion or rug and warm clothes! More information: Carey 907 456 6485 ext 226.
The Art Writers 2011 Grant Program Application is now open online.
The Creative Capital/Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant Program supports individuals whose work addresses contemporary visual art through grants ranging from $3,000 to 50,000.
Writers meeting the eligibility requirements (US Citizens, Permanent Residents and O-1 visa-holders only) are invited to apply in the categories of: Articles, Blogs, Books, New and Alternative Media, Short-Form Writing. Full guidelines and more information.
In partnership with the International Association of Art Critics/USA Section, the Art Writers Grant Program offers applicants consultations with leading art critics. For more information.
Next month’s Poetry Parley (on May 18th) will celebrate the works of Rainer Maria Rilke and feature local poet Jason Eisert. Readers are needed! Contact Jonathan Minton if you’re interested in reading one or two poems, and let him know which ones if you have preferences.
49 Writers member Lucian Childs read his story, “Training Wheels,” on KSKA last October. It was also published in Quiddity.
He also reports that Dani Shapiro has been honored by One Story with their 2011 mentorship award–check out their interview with her.