may/june 2011 what really matters: becoming a writer · 03.05.2009 · may/june 2011 what really...
TRANSCRIPT
May/June 2011Vol. 13 No. 6What Really Matters: Becoming a Writer
By CarolAnn RussellWhy would anyone want to become apoet? When I was in high school, poets were usually male and mostlydead. Still, I fell in with them whenmy literature teacher in Australia began reciting from memory-- Chaucer, Shakespeare and Wordsworth, as if they were ordinary as air. I was done for—I wanted to beone! I memorized my favorite linesfrom King Lear and, also, the beautiful poem, “Frost at Midnight,” which Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrotewhile gazing at his newborn son, sound asleep in the middle of winter. My freshman year of college, I enrolled in a class with the simple title of “Poetry.” Here I learned to appreciate the intricate and subtle forms of poems by living American poets. I attended my first poetry readings. Anne Waldman, a native New Yorker fresh from Japan and Naropa, held her ground while the monk-turned-poet, William Everson chanted in buckskin with flowing grey hair! Their readings made Robert Bly look, and sound, like a Lutheran minister.
After graduation, I returned to my home state, to study with Richard Hugo in the M.F.A. Program at theUniversity of Montana in Missoula. Dr. Lois Welch, Professor of Comparative Literature, and her writer husband, Jim, had wonderful parties. Whenever a visiting poet came to read, we M.F.A. students were invited to Wiley Street and gotto drink wine with poets whose workwe admired--Carolyn Kizer, Wendell Berry, Tess Gallagher, Galway Kinnell. My parents and other concerned adults questioned my devotion to such an art. For me,
writing poetry was necessary as breathing. They thought it was a cult.They said I should become a high school English teacher or go to law school so I wouldn’t starve. They thought I was crazy to write poetry. I didn’t care. When I read my poems aloud in the graduate poetry workshop, I felt alive. We all did. We fell in love—with our teacher, with each other, with poetry.
After my first teaching job, I decided to get a Ph.D. My poet friends worried that it would kill me as a writer. My Aussie Dad said because I was woman I needed to do it, that it was my “union card.” Lucky for me, some fine poets were writing in Nebraska and there was a lively reading scene at a café in Omaha.
There is so much pressure to get a job teaching and to get published. But that should never get in the way of writing. When I write poetry, I feel a calling. What I mean is, writing poetry is not purely academic. There is a soulfulness to the process. I enter a creative space where time disappears. I was hired to teach at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven. I was a nervous assistant professor, tenure-track, tapeon my glasses, in a navy blue suit. That year, I attended the AWP meeting in Chicago to hear Studs Terkel. Afterward, a bunch of us went to the lounge. The conversation came around to teaching creative writing,and that’s when I began to listen, carefully. Etheridge Knight distinguished between teaching
See Writer page 2
Region 2 Arts Council Seeking Board Members:Hubbard, Lake of the Woods and
Mahnomen Counties
R2AC is currently seeking board members from Hubbard, Lake of the Woods and Mahnomen counties to fill a two-year term vacancy beginning July 1, 2011.
Those who feel that the visual, per-forming and literary arts are an impor-tant contribution to the quality of life in north central Minnesota are encour-aged to consider serving on the board of Region 2 Arts Council.
The board is responsible for planning,setting policy and reviewing and awarding grants. It meets in Bemidjiseven times per year on the third Monday of the month. Members are reimbursed for travel.
Region 2 Arts Council is one of eleven arts councils in the state of Minnesota and awards over $230,000 annually for art activities in the five counties of Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods and Mahnomen. The council operates with funds from the Minnesota State Legislature, the Arts and Cultural Heritage Legacy Funds and the McKnight Foundation.
To receive an application, please email: [email protected] or write to: Nominating Committee, Region 2 Arts Council, 426 Bemidji Ave, Bemidji, MN 56601; or call 218-751-5447 or 800-275-5447.
Completed applications must be received by May 16, 2011.
Page 2 May/June 2011 R2AC Northern Arts News
NORTHERN ARTS NEWS is a free publication of the Region 2 Arts Council, published 6 times per year, with a distribution of over 1,300.
Funded by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the McKnight Foundation, Northern Arts Newsprovides news and information to artists in Beltra-mi, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods and Mahnomen counties of north central Minnesota.We welcome: • story topic ideas; • guest commentary topic ideas; • names to add to our mailing list; • collaboration and registration notifications.
To submit information and/or to be added to our mailing list, contact the R2AC office:
Call: 218-751-5447 or 1-800-275-5447FAX: 218-751-2777
E-mail: [email protected]: http://r2arts.org
Northern Arts NewsRegion 2 Arts Council426 Bemidji AvenueBemidji, MN 56601
Fiscal Year 2011Board of Directors
Karen Edevold, Chair Clearwater 694-6201Deane Johnson, Vice Chair Hubbard 732-8130Sue Hopkins, Secretary Lake of the Woods 634-3343Germaine Riegert, Treasurer Mahnomen 473-2566Patt Rall Beltrami 755-8942Diana McLain Lake of the Woods 783-3135 Kathy Gustafson Beltrami 586-2973Malotte Backer Clearwater 694-2388Sandra Fynboh Hubbard 652-3212Lois Schaedler Mahnomen 935-2843
Executive Director: Terri WidmanProgram Coordinator: Laura Dehler-SeterExecutive Assistant: Holly AlcottNewsletter Editor: Amy Zimmermann
Permission to reprint Northern Arts News is granted (excluding Guest Commentary) so long as Northern Arts News is credited as the source.
GUEST COMMENTARY inquiries are invited. Sub-mit your topic idea to Terri Widman by telephone, FAX, or e-mail. Selected works must be previously unpublished and fit within the space allotment.
Due to the advanced print deadlines of this publication, we suggest that you call to confirm dates, times, and other pertinent information about events and opportunities listed here.
Showcase Artist
Pat Grimes
~ See Page 4 for more from Pat ~
Treasures of Portland 11 x 18 photograph
Writer Continued. from page 1 poetry and professing poetry. Philip Levine said every job is a job: “I spent years on the line making cars in Detroit. Only one thing matters-- that you keep writing.” When I am writing, I savor life. A good poem is a spiritual experience. We become one heart, one body, one voice. My writing classes are a place where students know their lives matter.
CarolAnn Russell is the author of 4 books, 2 chapbooks, 2 letterpress editions in Italian & English. Resident poet at American Academy in Rome; Villa Vergiliana in Cumae; Melbourne University. Professor of English at BSU & Archetypal Pattern Analyst, Assisi Institute.
R2AC Seeks Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Council Members
R2AC is currently seeking AAI Council members to fill vacancies. Members must live in the Region 2 service area, which includes Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods and Mahnomen counties and the nearby counties of Becker, Cass, Itasca and Ro-seau.
The AAI Council is responsible for reviewing and awarding grants. The council meets twice a year in Bemidji in November and April. Members are reimbursed for travel and paid a stipend for attend-ing meetings.
To receive an application form, please email [email protected] or write to: Nominating Committee, R2AC, 426 Bemidji Avenue, Bemidji, MN 56601. Please call the R2AC Executive Director, Terri Widman at 218-751-5447 or 1-800-275-5447.
R2AC Northern Arts News May/June 2011 Page 3
The Blank Canvas Gallery and Education Center
Events and Workshops
Stained Glass Jon and Lucy Normann, presenters
April 30 & May 7
Intro to Oil Painting Judy Wegenast
May 5 & 12
Introduction to Pastels Terri YoungMay 16 & 23
Watercolor – Painting Luminous, Larger than Life, Still Life, and Florals
June YoungJune 7, 8, & 9
Exploring Silk Painting Techniques Jo Hill
June 15 & 16
The BCG and the Jackpine Writers Bloc will present the 2011 “20x20” exhibit the second half of June and first half of July. 20 pieces of creative writings will be displayed next to 20 pieces of artwork that inspired the writing at the gallery for the exhibit. A book release commemorating the exhibit will be held in July.
The Blank Canvas Gallery and Education Center is located at 311 Main Ave S., Park Rapids. Call for more information, call 218-237-2770.
Page 4 May/June 2011 R2AC Northern Arts News
Showcase ArtistPat GrimesArtist’s Statement:
Whether it be in a formal garden or the forlorn daisy in the wayside ditch, flowers just speak to me. Working with digital cameras has given me the avenue to preserve these wonderful floral subjects and to share those images with others.
Conservatory Beauty 8 x 10 photograph
OppOrtunitiesR2AC FREE WORKSHOP
Community Collaboration: Connecting over Creative Ideas that Build Community
Facilitated by Springboard for the Arts’ Artist Commu-nity Organizer, Jun-Li Wang, Community Collaboration will get you talking to other business, non-profit, and arts community members. Do you want to begin creating connections that will make a difference for you and for your community? Come to this workshop!
May 6 4 - 8 p.m.Northern Pines Camp, 20033 County Road 1, Park RapidsRSVP required by Monday, May 2nd
May 20 4 - 8 p.m.Holiday Inn Express, 2422 Ridgeway Ave NW, BemidjiRSVP required by Monday, May 16th
3:30 - 4:00 / Registration4:00 – 8:00 / Workshop, with light dinner and snacks8:00 onwards / Optional informal socializing
Please RSVP to the Region 2 Arts Council Office by emailing [email protected] or by calling (218) 751-5447 or (800) 275-5447.
R2AC Northern Arts News May/June 2011 Page 5
Northern Arts NewsSubmission deadline
June 7for the
July/Aug. issuePlease send to:
Bagley Art in the ParkSaturday, July 9, 2011
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.A fun-filled day at the Bagley City Park overlooking Lake Lomond. Original art will be for sale along with music and children’s activities. We will also have play performances from CLIMB productions throughout the day.
Bemidji Legacy Destination Weekend, April 28-May 1 Arts Highlights
Through a statewide collaboration between the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Conservation Minnesota and Explore Minnesota Tourism, Bemidji is honored to have been selected as one of 12 Legacy Destination Communities for 2011.
Thursday, April 28 12 - 1 p.m. Lecture by Music Conductor Murry Sidlan of ‘Defiant Requiem’ Symphony Performance on May 1, Bemidji Public Library Free 218-751-3963
5:30 p.m. ‘Stars in the Street’ Gala Paul Bunyan Playhouse $20 advance purchase 218-751-7270
7:30 p.m. ‘I Am Anne Frank’ Music-Theater Main Theater, BSU $10 adults, $5 students at Lueken’s Village Foods North and the door.
Friday, April 297:30 p.m. ‘I Am Anne Frank’ Music-Theater Main Theater,BSU $10 adults, $5 students at Lueken’s Village Foods North and the door.
7:30 p.m. Tim Sparks, Award –winning Fingerstyle Guitarist Historic Chief Theater 218-751-7270 $12 at Headwaters School of Music & Arts and Chief Theater $15 at door
7:30 p.m. ‘I Never Saw Another Butterfly’ Theater Production Wild Rose Theater Tickets: $5 at box office 1 hour prior to performance
Saturday, April 30 1 - 4 p.m. Spoken Word Workshop Bemidji Community Art Center 218-444-7570 $35 per person $20 students, Advance Registration Required
3:30 p.m. ‘I Am Anne Frank’ Music-Theater Main Theater, BSU & $10 adults, $5 students at Lueken’s Village Foods North and 7:30 p.m. the door.
4 - 5 p.m. Spoken Word Reading Bemidji Community Art Center http://bcac.wordpress.com Free 218-444-7570
7:30 p.m. ‘I Never Saw Another Butterfly’ Theater Production Wild Rose Theater $5 at box office 1 hour prior
Sunday, May 1 2 p.m. ‘I Never Saw Another Butterfly’ Theater Production Wild Rose Theater $5 at box office 1 hour prior
3 p.m. ‘Defiant Requiem’ Concert Bemidji Symphony Orchestra & Collaboration of Artists Bemidji High School Auditorium $20 adults, $15 seniors, under 18 free, MPR members $2 discount
For complete schedule of events, please visit http://www.visitbemidji.com/events/legacy-dest-2011.html.
Do you sing? Act? Dance? Write? Draw? Paint? Sculpt? Photograph? Weave? Play an instrument? Compose? No matter how well or publicly you share your talents, be proud and be counted! Go to: www.MNArtsCount.com to take the MN Arts Count census before May 31, 2011.
Brigid’s Cross Irish Pubpresents
Open Stage for WritersCalling All Dreamers, Writers, & Poets to participate in the open stage on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. with host Patty Byers. Next open stage is May 19.
Thursday Nights Open StageOpen Stage for acoustic musicians, poets, actors and writers. Performers should signup in advance and are allotted 15 minutes which includes set-up time. Show starts at8 p.m. Eric Carlson will host the event.
For information: www.brigidsirishpub.com
Page 6 May/June 2011 R2AC Northern Arts News
Calendar Of events
MAY
Through MayWild Hare Bistro and Coffeehouse presents “One More Barn,” a continuation of D.L. Houseman’s “Barns are Noble” series. These illustrative images look at the historyand role of barns in the rural American landscape. Houseman specializes in woodcut printing andbarn paintings. Join us for the opening reception on First Friday May 6, 3-5 p.m. After the Art Walk, experience Wild Hare’s own culinary artists at the First Friday Wine Bar, 5-9 p.m, featuring a new menu everymonth with wine and beer list to match. 523 Minnesota Ave., Bemidji. 218-444-JAVA or wildharebistro.com.
May 2 Wild Hare Bistro and Coffeehouse presents Bemidji Live Performance Series. A unique performance experience with an in-concert, on-stage discussion exploring the emotional and physical forces behind the creative process. Wine, fine desserts and gourmet coffee available. 7-9 p.m. Tickets: $8 and available at the Wild Hare Bistro (523 Minnesota Ave., Bemidji.), Harmony Co-op (117 3rd St. NW,) Bemidji or by calling Drew at 218-760-9278.
May 6 Timeless Traditions “Going on Tour” will perform at theClearwater Life Center in Gonvick at 7 p.m. This is funded, in part, by
R2AC through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund passed by Minnesota voters on Nov. 4, 2008.
May 6 Rail River Folk School presents the First Friday Coffeehouse which offers an opportunity for musicians and writers of all experience levels to share stories, songs, music and poetry. Performers come early to sign up. The show starts at 7:30.
May 7 Bemidji Public Library presents Beads on One String family concert with Americana/folk singer and songwriter Dennis Warner and his band the D’s. The concert is for families and adults at 4 p.m.
May 7 Timeless Traditions “Going on Tour” to the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Clearbrook. Performance at 10 a.m. This is funded in part by R2AC through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund passed by Minnesota voters on Nov. 4, 2008.
May 20 Bemidji Public Library presents Kevin Kling, playwright and storyteller. He will
perform in a Library sponsored event at the Paul Bunyan Playhouse, at 7 p.m. Free advance tickets can be picked up at the Library in May.
May 20 The Tin Pan gALLErY welcomes Blackduck art students for the annual Visual Arts Exhibit. The reception will be from 4-6:30 p.m. Make it an evening of student appreciation, view the student-built house at the school’s Building Trades Show and the school band performance at 7 p.m. Art students are under the direction of Kory Greiner and Jim Nissen. The art will be on display for approximately two weeks. The gallery is part of the Blackduck Area History and Art Center at Main and Margaret in downtown Blackduck. Hours: 1-4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10-4 p.m. Saturday. 218-835-4478.
May 20-21 Headwaters School of Music and the Arts presents its Annual Spring Student Recitals featuring all students with a wide variety of instruments. The recitals are free and open to the public. Recitals Friday at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the Recital Hall. 218-444-5606.
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
May 6June 3
Downtown BemidjiMore information at
http://bcac.wordpress.com/calendar-2011/about-first-friday/first-fridays-art-walk-2/
B emid ji Area C hurch Musicians 2011 Summer Reci tal Ser iesWednesdays, Noon - 12 : 30 p.m.
June 1 Bells of Bethel Bethel Lutheran Church
June 8 2010 Scholarship Recipients Trinity Lutheran Church Faith Lundin, Isaac Heath, Jennifer Paqette
June 15 Sarah Carlson, organ First Lutheran Church Eric Haugen, cello Karissa Korbel, voice
June 22 Sonja Connell, cello Evangelical Free Church and Friends
June 29 Abe Hunter, piano First Lutheran Church
Free Will Offering supports music scholarships. Lunch will be available following each recital. Costs to be announced.
R2AC Northern Arts News May/June 2011 Page 7
May 21 The Headwaters Basketmakers Guild has its monthly meeting at 9 a.m. This month, members will weave market baskets on D-handles. For information about the group or the class, contact Eve at [email protected] or 218-586-3533.
JUNE
Through JuneWild Hare Bistro and Coffeehouse presents local photographer John LaTourelle. Utilizing a variety of tech-niques and lenses, John will show a mix of urban lifestyle and natural sub-jects, using texture and color to show the beauty of the urban decay and the different seasons of Northern Minne-sota. Join us for the opening reception on First Friday, June 3rd from 3-5 p.m. After the Art Walk, experience Wild Hare’s own culinary artists at the First Friday Wine Bar, 5-9 p.m., featuring a new menu every month, and wine and beer list to match. 523 Minnesota Ave., downtown Bemidji. 444-JAVA or wildharebistro.com.
June 17 Bemidji Public Library presents Roxana Saberi to talk about her book “Between Two Worlds: My Life and Captivity in Iran” She will be the keynote speaker at the Library’s Book Festival at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Bemidji High School.
June 24-25 Park Rapids Summer Splash Crafts, Treasures and Beyond Craft Fair. Century School, Park Rap-ids. Admission: $2. 218-252-7884 or 218-255-3032.
Indian Month Poetry Reading SeriesFeaturing nationally recognized poet, playwright and musician Jamison C. Mahto
Jamison will read from and sign copies of his recently published third edition of Blues for Franklin Avenue. These readings will also feature some of the best local poets that the Bemidji area has to offer and an open mic opportunity. These Bemidji events are free and open to the public. May 7 Wild Hare Bistro and Coffeehouse 5 p.m.May 14 Book World 4 p.m.May 20 Cabin Coffeehouse and Cafe 6:30 p.m.May 27 Cantabria Coffee Co. 6 p.m.
Theater Performances
Paul Bunyan Playhouse Forever Plaid
June 8 - 18
A Midsummer Night’s DreamJune 22 - July 2
Downtown Bemidji in the historic Chief Theatre. Evening Performances start at 8 p.m. Sunday matinee performances start at 2 p.m. For tickets: 218-751-7270 or www.paulbunyanplayhouse.com.
Long Lake TheaterArsenic and Old Lace
June 8 - July 2
Performances are Wednesdays at 3 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. For tickets: visit www.longlaketheater.com, call (218) 732-0099 for details or stop by Sister Wolf Books (Dorset) and Beagle Books (Park Rapids). Long Lake Theater is located in Hubbard, MN (8 miles SE of Park Rapids).
Summer State Park Concer t Ser ies
Sit back, relax and enjoy music in the midst of natural beauty at our state park this summer. Local and state-wide musicians will be providing weekend enter-tainment in the amphitheater at Lake Bemidji State Park. The concerts are free to everyone.
June 5 Shylan Rose and Friends 1:30 p.m.June 12 Trillium 1:30 p.m.June 18 Dancing Light 7:30 p.m.June 19 Tony and Doyle Turner 1:30 p.m.June 25 Blue Turtle Grass Band 7:30 p.m.
This activity is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Region 2 Arts Coun-cil through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature.
Fore more information on any of these events, call HSMA at 218-444-5606.
Headwaters School of Music and the Arts offers Summer Private Lessons
The instructors will teach throughout the summer: June 6-September 2, 2011.
Call 218-444-5606 to sign up for lessons specializing in your instrument of choice.
Page 8 May/June 2011 R2AC Northern Arts News
Highlights:Seeking R2AC Board Members p. 1ACH Awards p. 3Collaboration Workshop p. 4Bemidij Legacy Destination Weekend p. 5Indian Month Poetry Reading Series p. 7
NORTHERN ARTS NEWS is a free publication of the Region 2 Arts Council, funded by a grant from the McKnight Foundation.Mission: “The Region 2 Arts Council strengthens the presence of the arts by supporting opportunities for arts creation, promotion, education and funding for the people of Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods and Mahnomen Counties.”
R2AC/McKnight Awards $12,000 through the Career Development Fellowships.
Alice Blessing, Bemidji painter, was awarded $6,000 to attend the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Winter Conference in Manhattan.
Dr. Beverly Everett, music director of the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, received $6,000 to study with mentor JoAnn Falletta, music director for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Buffalo Philharmonic.
Cultural TripBemidji Symphony conductor Beverly Everett will lead a cultural tour to Salzburg, Vienna and Prague. The trip titled "Mozart's Musical Cities" will enjoy concerts, fine dining, history and fun.
August 15 - 25
To reserve your spot, call Satrom Travel at 701-492-5000.
Legends & Logging Days
The Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is expanding Legends & Logging Days at a new location in 2011. Artists who commit to dem-onstrating their skills are invited to participate at no charge.
Deadline: June 15, 2011
Legends & Logging Days: August 12-13, 2011
For information and an application form, contact Jane at 218-732-4111 or [email protected].
NoteworthyTerry Honstead donated a large touchable mixed media fish painting to the Headwaters Science Center in Bemidji. She also is a finalist in the Richeson 75 Still Life Contest 2011 for her painting titled “Wine Closet.”Three Bemidji area artists competed in the Hawley Art Show and Sale. Kathy Gustafson won a merit award for “You Lookin at Me” acrylic mixed media painting and also received the blue ribbon for her painting judged by the el-ementary students. Terry Honstead won a merit award for her “Italian Waters,” a water color painting. Douglas Zuehlsdorff received a merit award for his pen-cil sketch, “The Crop is Ready.” The show was judged by Heidi A. Goldberg, associate professor of art at Concordia College, Moorhead.
Kathy Jo McKeown’s slide show of nature and wildlife photographs is on display at the Lake Bemidji State Park Visitor’s Center and will run weekend afternoons and for school field trip groups through the end of May. This project was funded, in part, by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.