The Oregon Poetic Voices Project (OPV) will host two free writing workshops, open to the public, at Deschutes Public Library on Friday, August 13, and Saturday, August 14. There will also be a recording studio set up for members of the community to record original poetry [up to 5 poems each]. These recordings will eventually be included in a digital archive of Oregon poets on the OPV website: http://oregonpoeticvoices.org/

 

On Friday, August 13, from 4 pm to 6 pm, Ellen Santasiero will facilitate "Speak, Memory: A Memoir Writing Workshop for Beginners." After a brief introduction to the memoir, participants will do fun, interactive exercises to begin writing about the most meaningful memories of their life. No experience necessary. Ages 16 and older. Limited to 20 participants. Ms. Santasiero has published numerous short memoir pieces, holds a Masters in Fine Arts from Bennington College, and teaches literature and writing at Oregon State University-Cascades in Bend.

 

On Saturday, August 14, from 10:30am to 12:30pm, Melissa Dalton will facilitate "The Poetry of Picture Books: A Children's Writing Workshop for Beginners." After an introduction to the children's picture book form, participants will engage in creative brainstorming exercises to mine their childhood for inspiration, and begin developing a character and problem for potential stories. No experience necessary. Ages 16 and up. Limited to 20 participants. Melissa Dalton has taught writing at Portland State University, where she will receive her Master's in English in the Fall 2010.

 

Oregon Poetic Voices will also have a recording studio set up on the premises. All members of the public are welcome to stop by and have their original poetry recorded. No registration necessary. These recordings will be included in a digital archive of Oregon poets on the OPV website.

 

The objective of the Oregon Poetic Voices Project (OPV) is to create a comprehensive digital archive of poetry readings that will complement existing print collections of poetry across the state, to provide a sound archive available to Oregonians of all ages and geographic locations, made available to them online at libraries, in schools, at home, or by visiting the State Library Poetry Room.

 

To sign up for for either class, call Liz at 541/312-1032 or click either the Friday or Saturday link above. The workshops are sponsored by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (through the Library Services and Technology Act administered by the Oregon State Library) and Lewis & Clark College.