Author Brian Leung visits UW to speak about his novel based on 1885 "Chinese Massacre" in Rock Springs

From a UW press release:

Acclaimed author Brian Leung will visit the University of Wyoming Wednesday, Oct. 24, and Thursday, Oct. 25, for a reading of his work and campus visits.

His campus visit is sponsored by the UW MFA Program in Creative Writing, University Libraries, American Heritage Center and Multicultural Affairs.

Leung will give a free public reading at 7 p.m. Oct. 25, in William Robertson Coe Library, Room 506. A book sale and signing of his latest novel “Take Me Home” follows his presentation. A reception also is planned.

The book presents a fictionalized version of the “Chinese Massacre”-- the riot and killings of Chinese miners -- that occurred in Rock Springs in 1885. Leung conducted much of the research for his novel at the UW American Heritage Center and Coe Library.

Interested students and staff can meet with Leung Oct. 24, in the Wyoming Union’s Rainbow Resource Center (RRC) and the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC). The RRC will host an hour-long reception at 10:30 a.m. From noon- 1 p.m., the MRC will have a question-and-answer luncheon with Leung about his latest novel.

He also will visit with writing students in the MFA Program in Creative Writing at noon Oct. 25.

Leung was born and raised in California’s San Diego County -- a somewhat unlikely location, given that his mother was born in Battleground, Wash., and his father escaped from China in 1949. By coincidence, as a teenager in 1980, Leung took a train trip to visit relatives in Rock Springs -- the very town at the core of his “Take Me Home” novel, which won the Willa Award for Historical Fiction.

Leung’s other works of fiction, nonfiction and poetry have appeared in multiple magazines and reviews. His “World Famous Love Acts” won the Asian American Literary Award in 2005 and the Mary McCarthy Award for Short Fiction in 2002. He also has published another novel, “Lost Men.”

Leung’s short fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction have appeared in Indiana Review, Runes, Crazyhorse, The Connecticut Review, Gulf Stream, Mid-American Review and numerous other publications. Leung recently was the recipient of the Lambda Literary Foundation Mid-Career Novelist Award.

Since 2000, he has taught in Cincinnati and Los Angeles, and currently is a University of Louisville associate professor. Leung earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California State University, and an M.F.A from Indiana University.

More information about Leung can be found at http://www.readbrianleung.com/.

For more information about his campus visit, call the MFA Program in Creative Writing at (307) 766-6453.

Photo: Brian Leung

"A Visit from the Goon Squad" author Jennifer Egan visits Jackson Nov. 30-Dec. 1

The Teton County Public Library's next Page to the Podium presentation will feature Jennifer Egan, 2011 Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “A Visit from the Goon Squad,“ for an evening talk at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 30, 2012 at Four Seasons Resort. Free tickets will be available beginning Thursday, November 15 at 5 p.m. at Teton County Library & Alta Branch with the presentation of a library card or library card number.

Teton County Library Foundation will also present an Breakfast Author Chat at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 1, with Jennifer Egan in the Four Seasons Lobby Lounge. A continental breakfast will include an interview of Egan by local architect and music lover, Nona Yehia, who will also facilitate an audience Q & A with the author. Book signing to follow.

Tickets are $50 (with a portion supporting the Library Foundation) available by calling 307-732-5000, starting November 1. For a special overnight rate at Four Seasons Resort 11/30 and/or 12/1 call reservations: 732-5000.

Author Bill Betenson will be at WWCC Oct. 12 for book signing and slide show

The Western Wyoming Community College English Department and the Arlene and Louise Wesswick Foundation present Bill Betenson, author of Butch Cassidy, My Uncle, for a slide show and book-signing event this Friday, October 12, at 7:30 p.m. in Room 1302 at WWCC.

Jackson Community Book Discussion features Tracy Kidder's "Mountains Beyond Mountains"

Teton County Library begins year with two new discussion series (and cool new logo)

From the Teton County Public Library in Jackson:

Kick start the new year with one of Teton County Library’s two discussion series, ranging from the historical to the contemporary. Both are free and open to the community with support from the Teton County Library Foundation.

Let's Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War
Sign up now for this new, five-part series commemorating the 150th anniversaries of the Civil War and Emancipation. The library's Max Ludington leads the conversations, from 6-7:30 p.m., Mondays, Feb. 13 & 27, March 12 & 26 and April 9 at St. John's Episcopal Church, 170 N. Glenwood St. Ludington holds a bachelor’s degree in history, with a Civil War focus, and studied under Edward L. Ayers. Ayers is the national project scholar, who edited the anthology of historical fiction, speeches, diaries, memories, biography and short stories that serves as a cornerstone for this program. To sign up, contact Adult Humanities Coordinator, Oona Doherty, 733-2164 ext. 135, odoherty@tclib.org.

Teton County Library is one of more than 150 sites nationwide to host this series, developed by the American Library Association and National Endowment for the Humanities, with support from the Wyoming Humanities Council. Participants will meet a large cast of characters, explore a range of perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of America's Civil War. Readings will include March by Geraldine Brooks; Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam by James McPherson; and America’s War: Talking About the Civil War and Emancipation on Their 150th Anniversaries, a new anthology edited by Ayers. Materials will be provided.
 
Teton County Library Foreign Policy Series

Join millions of Americans, who are gathering in communities, classrooms and workplaces across the country, to discover, discuss and decide their opinions on foreign policy issues from the Middle East's Arab Spring to Mexico's relations with its neighbors. Presented by the Foreign Policy Association, Great Decisions is one of the longest-running, largest national grassroots world affairs educational programs of its kind. 

Beginning January 18, this group will meet every Wednesday through March 7, from 6-7:30 p.m., at the Teton County Commissioners Chambers, 200 S. Willow St.Participants will watch a short video on the week's topic and then join a conversation led by co-facilitators John Hebberger Jr. and David Wendt. No preparation or sign-up is required. Attend as many discussions as you like. For a list of upcoming topics, visit www.tclib.org. Snacks will be provided.

Teton County Library programs are free and open to the community thanks to support from donations, large and small, to the Teton County Library Foundation. For more information on library programs for adults, visit www.tclib.org and check out “Featured Events” or contact Adult Humanities Coordinator, Oona Doherty, 733-2164 ext. 135, odoherty@tclib.org.

Michael Cunningham reads in Jackson Oct. 20

Go ahead and read this fine JH Weekly interview with Michael Cunningham ("The Hours") in advance of his Oct. 20 reading and book signing at the Center for the Arts in Jackson.

WY Humanities Council's "Civility Matters" series features Naomi Shihab Nye

Award-winning Palestinian-American poet, writer, and educator Naomi Shihab Nye will tour Wyoming with "Civility Matters! Potlucks and Poetry," a series of community picnics and readings across the state that will feature the topics of civility, tolerance, and bridging cultures. Families and adults are invited to bring picnic dinners and gather outdoors in Jackson, Riverton, and Casper for an enjoyable fall evening with Nye, who describes herself as a "wandering poet." Nye, the daughter of a Palestinian father and American mother, has appeared on NPR's A Prairie Home Companion and several times with Bill Moyers on PBS poetry specials. While in Wyoming, she will also present programs at selected schools. Additional sponsors include the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, the Teton County Library Foundation, Central Wyoming College, Natrona County Schools, the McMurry Foundation, and Casper College Literary Conference.

Events:

Tuesday, September 20, 5:30 p.m.--Outdoor Tent, Center for the Arts, Jackson

Wednesday, September 21, 5:30 p.m.--Outdoor Social Powwow Circle, Intertribal Education and Community Center, Central Wyoming College, Riverton

Thursday, September 22, 5:30 p.m.--Outdoor Plaza, Summit Elementary School, Casper

Photo Credit: Ha Lam

"Arctic Lace" author at Ewe Count in Cheyenne Aug. 27

Ewe Count, 819 Randall in Cheyenne, will be featuring knitting teacher and writer Donna Druchunas on Saturday, August 27, 1 p.m., for a Q & A discussion and book signing about "Arctic Lace" knitting and musk-ox down in Alaska. FMI: 307-638-1148. 

JH Weekly interviews Robert Pinsky in lead-up to May 14 Teton County Library event

Robert Pinsky photo by Scott Davidson

Great interview with former U.S. Poet Laureate and "civic poet" Robert Pinsky in the 4/20 JH Weekly. On May 14, the Teton County Library Foundation will present a "Page to the Podium" reading and lecture with Pinsky. Tickets are free and available today at the library. Pinsky now is a professor at Boston University and the poetry editor for the online magazine Slate. He also is founder of the Favorite Poem Project. To read the entire interview, go to Planet News Article -- American music, American voices

In Memoriam: Catherine E. Mealey of Laramie

Catherine E. Mealey was a person who cared deeply about her community of Laramie and the community of writers and books. Her Second Story Books hosted many literary readings, often accompanied by goodies from her kitchen.

From her obituary:

Her love of find food and books led her to many places. She was influential in the redevelopment of the 100 block of Ivinson Avenue in the early 1970s and some of her many inspirations were the Tuesday Tearoom, The Scoop, Gallery 121, The Deli on the Tracks, The Rose Door, the First Story Café, The First Street Gallery and Cooking School, to name a few. Planning for retirement, she opened the Second Story Bookstore in 1988

Catherine E. Mealey obit in the Laramie Boomerang

Wyoming State Museum looking for readers with "True Grit"

Registration is underway for the Wyoming State Museum book discussion series, “Exploring the Western Novel.”

Beginning on February 16, members of the discussion group will meet to discuss a series of four western novels. The series is free and open to the public; however the group size is limited to 20 participants.

The four western novels are “Lonesome Land” by B.M. Bower, “The Big Sky” by A.B. Guthrie, “True Grit” by Charles Portis and “Leaving Cheyenne” by Larry McMurtry. Participants are responsible for providing their own books; however, each of the books can be purchased in the State Museum Store at a reduced cost.

The discussion group will meet on Feb. 16, March 23, April 20 and May 18 at 6:30 p.m., at the Wyoming State Museum.

FMI: Sarah Ligocki at 777-7021.

Author Paul Shankman discusses "The Trashing of Margaret Mead"

Author Paul Shankman will discuss his new book, "The Trashing of Margaret Mead: Anatomy of a Controversy," Friday, Oct. 8, at 4 p.m. in Room 150 of the University of Wyoming Anthropology Building in Laramie.

A University of Colorado professor of anthropology, Shankman has spent years studying the work of Derek Freeman, who has been harshly critical of Mead's work, including her most famous book, 1928's "Coming of Age in Samoa." Mead portrayed an idyllic, non-Western society, free of much sexual restraint and lacking much violence, guilt and anger.

Freeman, an anthropologist, said Mead was wrong and launched a heated public controversy. Shankman first did field work in Samoa in 1966 and has returned periodically since then. He has uncovered new evidence that Freeman's fierce criticism of Mead contained fundamental flaws.

Copies of the book can be purchased at the UW Bookstore, or, following the lecture, in Room 150 of the Anthropology Building.

Obmascik talks about "The Big Year" at Laramie Co. Library Foundation's "Booklovers' Bash"

The sixth annual Booklovers’ Bash sponsored by the Laramie County Library Foundation will be held at Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne on Friday, Oct. 29. No host cocktails will be available from 6 p.m. Dinner served at 7 p.m.

Mark Obmascik, Pulitzer Prize-winning Denver journalist-turned-author and humorist, is the featured speaker. His first book, “The Big Year,” is an assiduously researched and warmly amusing depiction of a year of competitive birding. A movie of “ The Big Year” is currently being filmed with Jack Black, Steve Martin and Owen Wilson (among others) and will be released in 2011.

Obmascik’s most recent book, “Halfway to Heaven,” is an entertaining account of his rigorous obsession to climb all 54 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks in one year despite being “fat, forty-four... mortgage ... half gone, but so was my hair...”

Individual tickets are $50. Preferential seating and public acknowledgement is available for those who sponsor a $1000 table for eight. Call the Foundation office, 307 773-7221, for reservations or visit foundation@LCLSonline.org.  VISA and MasterCard are accepted. Make checks payable to LCL Foundation and mail to the LCLFoundation, 2200 Pioneer Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001. The deadline for reservations is Friday, Oct. 22.

Fremont County Reads picks "Lifting the Sky" by Mackie D'Arge

"American Wildlife Art" author David Wagner to talk about his book Sept. 14 at the BBHC

From a BBHC press release:

Many may be familiar with the skillfully precise wildlife artwork of James John Audubon, but the story of American wildlife art is a much broader one, influenced by-and influencing in turn-cultural events and aesthetic and ideological trends. In his book American Wildlife Art, author, scholar, and curator David J. Wagner tells the in-depth story through accounts of the artists, events, and developments at the heart of this uniquely American art form.

Wagner shares his insights in a presentation and book signing at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center Tuesday, September 14. The lecture, included in regular admission to the Center and free to members, takes place at noon in the Coe Auditorium. The Center's Museum Store hosts a book signing following the presentation.

"American Wildlife Art," published by Marquand Books, contains more than three hundred photographs, and examines American wildlife art over the past four centuries. Wagner explains how the aesthetic idioms and imagery of American wildlife art have evolved, how its ecological ideologies have changed with changing circumstances and ideas about animals and their habitats, and how artists and entrepreneurs developed and influenced the market for wildlife art.

Wagner opens with artists who first documented the flora and fauna of the New World, presenting Europeans with a view of the economic potential and the natural wonders of the then sparsely populated continent. He moves through the history of Audubon and Alexander Wilson, as well as Arthur Tait's collaboration with Currier & Ives that helped bring wildlife art to the masses. Wagner relates the art to conservation and wilderness preservation efforts, and concludes with portraits of contemporary wildlife artists.

Wagner is curator and tour director for the Society of Animal Artists and presents programs on wildlife art including painting, sculpture, and conservation at museums, nature centers, and parks. His tours have taken him as far as Banff National Park in Canada and the Beijing Natural History Museum in China. He has curated and toured exhibits such as Art and the Animal, The Horse in Fine Art, and Arts for the Park. In addition to the book American Wildlife Art, Wagner co-authored Natural Habitat, Contemporary Wildlife Artists of North America. He has also served as curator for the Society of Animal Artists Culpture Courtyard at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C.

Wagner's presentation and book signing are sponsored by the Historical Center's Draper Museum of Natural History. For more information and this and other events and programs at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, explore http://www.bbhc.org/.

Committed to connecting people with the Spirit of the American West, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center weaves the varied threads of the western experience-history and myth, art and Native culture, firearms technology and the nature of Yellowstone-into the rich panorama that is the American West. The Center, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is operating its summer schedule, open daily 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., through September 15, when hours change to 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr. For general information, visit the new http://www.bbhc.org/ or call 307.587.4771.

Photo credit: Author David J. Wagner discusses his book, American Wildlife Art at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center September 14. Photo courtesy Marquand Books.

Sudanese novelist Valentino Achak Deng at Teton County Library Sept. 16

From the Teton County Public Library in Jackson:

An evening with Sudanese author and refugee Valentino Achak Deng on Thursday, Sept. 16, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Valentino Achak Deng is a Sudanese refugee whose amazing life story is told in the best-selling novel, "What Is the What: The Autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng," by acclaimed author Dave Eggers. Tickets to this FREE talk are available beginning Aug. 16 at all local bookstores, including Valley Bookstore, Jackson Hole Book Traders and Main Event. Presented by InterConnections 21, Wyoming Humanities Council, Tatiana Maxwell & Refugees International, Teton County Library Foundation and Valentino Achak Deng Foundation. Cost: Free. Location: High School Auditorium.

Contact: InterConnections 21, 307-699-2787 or jenna@ic21.org.

WCH announces two new "Reading Wyoming" book discussion series

This comes from the latest edition of the Wyoming Humanities Council e-letter:

The Wyoming Humanities Council is pleased to announce two new Reading Wyoming book discussion series.

The first series, "Figureheads," consists of novels dealing with politics. Books include All the King's Men, by Robert Penn Warren; The Gay Place, by Billy Lee Brammer; Roscoe, by William Kennedy; and Primary Colors, by Anonymous.

The second series, "Icons," includes biographies and non-fiction accounts of iconic Americans. Books include Cash, by Johnny Cash; Jane Fonda's War, by Mary Hershberger; Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times, by Thomas Houser; Eleanor Roosevelt, Vol. 1: 1884-1933, by Blanche Wiesen Cook; and A Moveable Feast, by Ernest Hemingway.

Reading Wyoming, the Wyoming Humanities Council's book discussion program, is available to any non-profit organization or public agency in Wyoming. The program brings together community members and a humanities discussion leader to read and talk about good books. The sponsoring organization selects the Reading Wyoming series and chooses four titles to read. Discussion meetings take place during either the fall or spring with a group of 8 to 20 participants.The Wyoming Humanities Council provides publicity, multiple copies of the books and expenses for the discussion leader.

Contact Jenny Ingram, (307) 721-9247, for assistance in choosing series and discussion leaders.


Read More

Support Wyoming's libraries (and librarians)

For links to Wyoming's libraries, go to www.wyominglibraries.org

Apply now for WESTAF TourWest grants

WESTAF's TourWest grant program is now open and accepting applications at http://westaf.cgweb.org/. The application deadline is April 1, 2010.

TourWest is a competitive grant program that provides subsidies to arts and community organizations for the presentation of out-of-state touring performers and literary artists. Funds are available to organizations that sponsor performances within the 13-state WESTAF region.

Projects must take place between September 01, 2010 and August 31, 2011. All projects must have one public performance and one outreach activity.

FMI: Seyan Lucero, Senior Project Manager, WESTAF, 303.629.1166

Kemmerer book group reads about "the stuff that dreams are made of"

From the Lincoln County Public Library in Kemmerer: