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An eight-week series devoted to sparking conversation, curiosity, and creative writing related to Iowa’s iconic artist Grant Wood and the beautiful land he painted.
This online series is for anyone interested in learning and responding, conversationally or through creative writing (short fiction, poetry, lyrics/songs, creative non-fiction, short essay), to the enduring legacy of Grant Wood, his artworks, his many artistic friendships/associations, as well as the land, history and culture of Iowa across time.
The series includes enlightening presentations, conversations and tools/resources for writers and observers. Also, built into the series, is ongoing opportunities to share creative writing and submit poetry, short fiction and essays.
Attendance at all sessions is not required. However, participation is necessary to be considered for publication in the 2023 Grant Wood Country Chronicle publication.
This dynamic initiative is a continuation and expansion of the series first presented by Grant Wood Writers Forum and the Anamosa Library & Learning Center in ’20-’21. Collaborating partners now include: The Grant Wood Country Writers Forum, Anamosa Library & Learning Center, Cedar Rapids Public Library, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and Iowa Poetry Association.
Register for one event to be signed-up for the entire series.
You can register for the series any time after January 9th as well.
Please note that there is NO session scheduled for January 16th.
Sessions will be recorded and posted on the Cedar Rapids Public Library's YouTube Channel in the case that you miss a session.
The Zoom link will be sent each Monday morning for the evening's event.
The schedule is as follows:
Monday, January 9, 2023: Series Introduction: For Arts/Culture/History/Writing Enthusiasts, observers and participants
Tips & Tricks to Unlock Creative Writing Impulses, with Dawn Terpstra (president of the Iowa Poetry Association)
The Perfect Woman, Idle Wives & Nan: Women and Others in Cultural Context during the Grant Wood Era (1890-1940), with Elaine Mattingly
Monday, January 16, 2023: No session (library closed for MLK Day)
Monday, January 23, 2023: The American Gothic House: The Making of an Iconic Image with Global Impact, with site director Cari Nicely
Monday, January 30, 2023: Rural Life in Context during the Grant Wood Era (1890-1940), with Steve Hanken
Monday, February 6, 2023: City Life in Context during the Grant Wood Era (1890-1940), with Joe Coffey
Monday, February 13, 2023: “Women’s Work” in the Grant Wood Era (1890-1940), with Sylvia Popelka and Barbara Feller
Monday, February 20, 2023: Featured Grant Wood Artwork Exploration: Daughters of Revolution, with Barbara Feller, and Sylvia Popelka
Monday, February 27, 2023: Featured Grant Wood Artwork Exploration: The Appraisal, with Paul Juhl and Dorothy Bunting Montgomery
Monday, March 6, 2023: Readings & Conversation
Each session includes built-in opportunities for conversation, tips/inspirations for creative writers, and a short reading period for those inspired to write each week.
AGE GROUP: | Adult |
EVENT TYPE: | Read | Make | Listen | Learn | Connect |
TAGS: | Virtual program | Listen | Discussion | Community | Art appreciation | Art | Adult Program |
The Downtown Library is located at 450 5th Avenue SE, in the heart of Downtown Cedar Rapids. It is a 94,000 square foot building with a variety of civic spaces and a vibrant collection of library materials. Special features of this location are the Whipple Auditorium, a 200 seat auditorium overlooking Greene Square; and the LivingLearning Roof, a green roof with public seating and space to hold special events. Roasters Café is located in the Downtown Library, providing a full service coffee shop for visitors, as well as catering for meetings and special events.
