Culture
ARTS/West to Present Poets & Writers Read-Around Aug. 9
< < Back toARTS/West is pleased to partner with Athens Poet Laureate, Kari Gunter-Seymour, to host an evening of food, fellowship and spoken word, the Poets & Writers Read-Around Potluck. The event will be held on August 9, 2018, 5:30 – 8 p.m. in the performance space at ARTS/West, 132 West State Street, Athens, OH 45701.
“My vision for this gathering is that writers and writer/musicians from throughout Athens county and beyond, will take this opportunity to come together, share favorite foods and their work in an informal setting,” says Gunter-Seymour. “All are welcome–experienced, emerging and those who have never before shared their work. Also, anyone who might just like to come to listen and participate in the fellowship. Everyone should bring a friend!”
Those who plan to attend are asked to bring a story, song or poem and a covered dish. Sprits are permitted. Plates, cups, napkins and dinnerware will be provided. There is no requirement or expectation to perform work at this event, but simply to read or sing a piece if one chooses, listen, and enjoy the company of others who are like-minded.
“I always thought that many of us in the “writing-biz” already knew each other,” Gunter-Seymour remarks. “What has amazed me, now that I have been scheduling readings and opportunities, getting further out into the Athens county writing community, is how many writers and writer/musicians I have not yet met. I am excited for all of us to come together, to reacquaint or meet, and celebrate one another and our work. ARTS/West is the perfect venue for this kind of activity. It’s a large beautiful space with great acoustics and there is always exceptional fine art on display in the performance space to spark everyone’s creativity.”
Gunter-Seymour says she is strong in her to commitment to continue to host events, lift up local writers and provide opportunities to build awareness of the tremendous talent of Athens-based spoken word artists not only to the Athens county community but to communities and municipalities far beyond the county as well.
“If all goes well,” Gunter-Seymour says, “I’d like to put together another potluck/read-around sometime during the winter months. It would be great to make these gatherings a standing series. Building relationships is important for inspiration, networking opportunities and esteem building. And oh, my word, the food. Potlucks are the best. Most everyone knows I am Appalachian.
Appalachians who share their family recipes always have a story to go with it. I hope to hear some food, family, farm, garden tales during this event.”
Please direct your questions concerning this event to athenspoetlaureate@gmail.com or visit Athens Poet Laureate on Facebook for updates.