Mary Perry signs new book at Anchor Poit Library
Anchor Point writer Mary Perry signs her new book, “Mystery on Cheechako Island,” from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at the Anchor Point Library.
With a cover and illustrations by Homer artist Dan Coe, “Mystery on Cheechako Island” tells the story of 11-year-old Sunny who doesn’t let Down Syndrome stop her from participating fully in life. At her family’s summer fish camp on a remote island, Sunny finds a menacing stranger living in the cabin of old Pete, who died mysteriously the year before. Published by Wizard Works in trade paperback, this book is $10.95.
Storyknife retreat seeks applicants for first writers residency
Storyknife, the writers residency for women founded by Homer writer Dana Stabenow, seeks applicants for its first residency to be offered in September. Starting on April 15, women writers over 21 years of age can apply for a September residency in the Storyknife cabin in Homer. This residency can be from two to four weeks, and for each week she is in residency, the inaugural fellow will receive a $250 stipend to cover food and transportation costs. Applications will be accepted starting on April 15 until May 15.
Eventually, the facility will include six private cabins, a main house, and a garden. Currently, one fully-equipped writer’s cabin has been built with a view overlooking Cook Inlet, Mount Iliamna, Mount Douglas and Augustine Volcano. Interested writers can apply online starting April 15 at storyknife.org.
Storyknife also has hired Homer poet Erin Coughlin Hollowell as its executive director. Hollowell is the author of “Pause, Traveler,” published by Boreal Books, and has attended writers residencies at the Vermont Studio Center and the Willapa Bay, Wash., Artists in Residency.
“I understand completely how important a writers residency is for fostering creative work and faith in your writing. I can’t wait to make the same magic happen for other writers,” Hollowell said.
Duet performs next Friday at HCOA
Tamara McCoy, a 2015 Rasmuson Individual Artist Award winner, and partner Valerie Hartzell, perform at 7:30 p.m. April 8 at the Homer Council on the Arts. McCoy is an accomplished pianist and vocalist working in a broad spectrum of styles including folk, blues, rock, heavy metal and classical. This performance will be part of a tour through Alaska and England with her duet partner, guitarist Valerie Hartzell. Valerie is an international prizewinner in eight international competitions. They will perform works for piano and guitar, voice and guitar, and solo works for their respective instruments for an entertaining and enlightening evening of music. Admission is by donation.
Erd, Kaufmann teach ‘Confusing the Censor’ writing workshop
49 Writers and Bunnell Street Arts Center presents “Confusing the Censor: Nurturing Receptive Mind,” taught by Wendy Erd and Peter Kaufmann on April 16 and 17. “How do you become porous enough to sense the world and become its scribe? In each moment we are surrounded by dormant possibilities,” they write. “This fun and engaging workshop will move between activities and writing practice. Join us to bridge inner and outer awareness, explore the leaping mind and write from presence.” The workshop is 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 16 and 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. April 17 at Bunnell with a fee of $120 for 49 Writers and Bunnell members and $140 for nonmembers. To register, email 49writers@gmail.com or visit 49writingcenter.org.
Zeller offers improv workshop
Martin Zeller offers an Improvisation Workshop for beginning and intermediate students from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 16 at the Art Barn, 1060 East End Road. The four-hour class introduces and expands the skills of improvised theater. Through exercises and games participants will learn to play with and experience the basic elements of theater improv including: spontaneity, listening, scene development, finding the game and story building. In addition to general life applications and just plain fun, students also focus on performance improvisation for those interested in continuing. The fee is $45. To register, call Zeller at 235-6589 or 509-294-0451 or email martinzeller10@gmail.com.
