Each month, Literary Arts staff will round up news, events, and more happening in Portland, and beyond. Let us know in the form below the blog if you have any events or news to share.
EVENTS
Holiday Book Chat (Broadway Books)
Monday November 20, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. | In person at Broadway Books, 1714 NE Broadway, Portland, OR | Tickets
Our annual Holiday Book Chat is a wonderful way to start your holiday shopping. One of our most popular events of the year, Sally and Kim will share with you favorite new books (and other gifts) to inspire your holiday gift-giving (or planning for book club ideas), talking faster than you ever thought possible! We will provide light refreshments and door prizes and promise a fun evening! The cost to reserve a spot is $15, but you can apply it to whatever you purchase that evening. Secure your spot by calling or stopping in the store, or you can purchase your ticket online by adding the ticket to your cart.
Radical Meditation: A Practice of Interbeing in Times of Crisis with Janice Lee (Corporeal Writing)
Wednesday November 29, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Online | Tickets
Please join us for a monthly meditation and conversation on the practice of sitting or lying in meditation in a time of political, environmental, and personal crisis, especially drawing upon practices and teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and Plum Village. This series is facilitated by Touk Keo and Janice Lee. All experience levels, backgrounds, ages are welcome.
Black Nativity by Langston Hughes (PassinArt: A Theatre Company)
November 22 – December 10, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. | In person at Portland’5 Brunish Theatre, Antoinette Hatfeld Hall, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland, OR | Tickets
PassinArt: A Theatre Company presents Black Nativity by poet and playwright Langston Hughes. Based on the traditional Nativity story, the spirit-filled, inspiring gospel song play features traditional Christmas carols performed in a gospel style with a few new songs specifically for the show.
Transmit Culture: Diversity in Publishing (Ooligan Press)
Friday, December 1st from 1:30–3:30 p.m. | Online via Zoom | FREE
Join Ooligan Press for Transmit Culture: Diversity in Publishing. This panel discussion is a unique opportunity to learn from the experiences of publishing professionals about how their underrepresented identity has impacted their careers. This panel will foster discussion about how publishing professionals, new and veteran, can be better equipped to engage with diversity topics in the workplace. Panelists will draw from their diverse experiences to share the challenges and successes of their careers.
Link to join: https://pdx.zoom.us/j/86935749551
We Are The Revolution: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation (The Schnitzer Collection)
Through December 1, 2023, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 12:00–5:00 p.m. | In person at The Schnitzer Collection, 3033 NW Yeon Avenue Portland, OR | FREE
An anchor event for Converge 45’s citywide 2023 biennial, Social Forms: Art As Global Citizenship, the exhibition We Are the Revolution: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation plumbs the depth of commitment of Jordan Schnitzer to the art of his time, while tapping into a living history of social expression through art in diverse media—from monumental paintings to free-standing sculpture to works on paper. Designed in part to explore ways in which the art of the past meets and affects the art of the present, the exhibition gives voice to art as both social commentary and aesthetic experimentation from the 1960s to today. Driven by the conviction that history is constructed through both continuity and discontinuity, the exhibition strives to establish unexpected juxtapositions and revealing connections among historical and contemporary artists and artworks. We Are the Revolution features over 100 works by 32 artists and is co-curated by William Morrow, Director of Exhibitions, Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation, and Converge 45 Guest Curator Christian Viveros-Fauné.
Pie & Prose: A Fundraiser for Street Books (Up Up Books & Street Books)
Tuesday, December 5th, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. | In person at 1211 SE Stark Street, Portland, OR | FREE
Pie & Prose: Come enjoy pie, hot tea and wine while listening to writers Matthew Dickman, Cecily Wong, Emmett Wheatfall, Genevieve Hudson and Jay Ponteri. A benefit for Street Books, Portland’s bicycle-powered mobile library serving people who live outside and at the margins. There will be an auction with fine items and more information on how to support Street Books.
Renée Ahdieh in Conversation with Laini Taylor (Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing)
Thursday December 7, 7:00 p.m. | In person at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Beaverton, OR | FREE
The Sylvan Vale and the Sylvan Wyld are at war. Now that the unsteady truce between them has been broken, lines must be drawn. In an effort to protect the weakened Winter Court, Bastien rallies powerful allies and friends in New Orleans to come to their aid. Meanwhile, under protection alongside her injured mother in the Summer Court, Celine is uncertain of whom to trust. But when Celine’s rivals realize Bastien has rallied his allies in the mortal world, they decide to take the fight to him. The Ruined (G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers) is the stunning conclusion to Renée Ahdieh’s bestselling quartet that began with The Beautiful. Ahdieh will be joined in conversation by Laini Taylor, author of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy.
RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS AND WRITERS
For High School Students: Poetry Out Loud
Deadline to register: January 12
Participate in Poetry Out Loud! Poetry Out Loud is a contest open to all Oregon high school students. It is a free program encouraging young performers to learn about great poems through memorization and competitive performance. It is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation in cooperation with the Oregon Arts Commission and other state arts agencies.
To participate, schools or non-profit organizations host competitions where students perform poetry from the Poetry Out Loud catalog. The top two performers at each school or organization can then compete in the statewide semi-finals and the top students move on to the state finals on March 9th, 2024. One Oregon student will go on to compete in DC at the National Poetry Out Loud competition.
To learn more and sign up, email Poetry Out Loud Coordinator, Aimee Craig, at aimee@seechangenw.org.
The 2024 Cave Canem Fellowship
Since 1996, Cave Canem has awarded fellowships to more than 500 Black poets whose practices range from spoken word, to formalism, to multimedia performance. Cave Canem Fellows are unparalleled in their distinguished literary honors, in addition to their tremendous service to their communities across the globe. Recipients of a Cave Canem Fellowship are invited to attend our week-long Retreat held annually at the University of Pittsburgh Greensburg. Fellows receive an unparalleled opportunity to study with world-class faculty and join a community of peers. In order to ensure an equity of voices in our gathering, poets are chosen across aesthetics—solely based on the quality of their work. Apply by November 10, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. (ET). The Retreat will be held from June 9 to June 16, 2024. There is no submission fee for the Fellowship application. The Cave Canem Retreat is free to all Fellows once accepted.
Volunteer Writers Needed: Pets for Patriots
Pets for Patriots is seeking volunteer writers for their website and blog. Interested writers can connect with them via phone at 1-877-473-8223 or via email at volunteer@petsforpatriots.org.
Creative (Writing) Drop-In Sessions (with Haldane King, MFA)
Every Wednesday, from 5:00–6:00 p.m.
In person at the Vintage Conference Room. Vida Coworking Space, 401 NE 19th Avenue Suite #200, Portland, OR and online via Google Meet
Email HaldaneKing@gmail.com to sign up
Haldane King is an author and facilitator currently working with the Why There Are Words Literary Organization. He has an MFA in Writing & Consciousness from the California Institute of Integral Studies. The Creative (Writing) Drop-in is open to everyone and all forms of creative expression, with an emphasis on the written form.
WNDB IS SEEKING 2024 MENTORS
Are you a traditionally published author or illustrator? WNDB mentors are paid a stipend of $1,000 and work one-on-one with an unpublished writer or illustrator for the entire year (January-December 2024). Mentors must be traditionally published with three or more forthcoming/published books in their category, either: Illustration, Picture Book, Middle Grade, or Young Adult. If you are interested in serving as a mentor, please email mentor@diversebooks.org with the subject line ‘2024 WNDB Mentor,’ with your name, your publication history, and the genre you are seeking to mentor.
FOR KIDS/ TEENS
Kids’ Storytime: Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman
Saturday, November 25, 2023, 10:30 a.m. | In person at Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside, Portland, OR | FREE
Presidential inaugural poet and #1 New York Times bestselling author Amanda Gorman and Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor winner Christian Robinson have created a timeless message of hope. Sometimes the world feels broken. And problems seem too big to fix. But somehow, we all have the power to make a difference. With a little faith, and maybe the help of a friend, together we can find beauty and create change. With intimate and inspiring text and powerfully stunning illustrations, Something, Someday reveals how even the smallest gesture can have a lasting impact.
Renée Ahdieh in Conversation with Laini Taylor (Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing)
Thursday December 7, 7:00 p.m. | In person at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Beaverton, OR | FREE
The Sylvan Vale and the Sylvan Wyld are at war. Now that the unsteady truce between them has been broken, lines must be drawn. In an effort to protect the weakened Winter Court, Bastien rallies powerful allies and friends in New Orleans to come to their aid. Meanwhile, under protection alongside her injured mother in the Summer Court, Celine is uncertain of whom to trust. But when Celine’s rivals realize Bastien has rallied his allies in the mortal world, they decide to take the fight to him. The Ruined (G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers) is the stunning conclusion to Renée Ahdieh’s bestselling quartet that began with The Beautiful. Ahdieh will be joined in conversation by Laini Taylor, author of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy.
BIPOC Children’s Book Fair (The Carl Brandon Society)
Saturday, December 23, 2023, 12:00–4:00 p.m. | In person at the Norse Hall Grand Ballroom, 111 NE 11th Avenue | Tickets: $5 for ages 3+ | Masks required
The Carl Brandon Society is proud to launch an inaugural BIPOC Children’s Book Fair in Portland, Oregon! The BIPOC Book Fair is open to all children and families and will include books for kids ages 3 to 17 from genres including adventure, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, contemporary, non-fiction, and more. All of the books on offer are written by BIPOC authors with BIPOC characters. Book sales will be handled by Sistah Scifi, the first Black owned bookstore focused on science fiction and fantasy in the United States. In addition to books available for sale, children and teens attending the book fair will select a book of their choice to take home free, meet award-winning BIPOC authors, and can get autographs from attending authors.
Kids’ Storytime: How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?
Saturday, December 23, 2023, 10:30 a.m. | In person at Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside, Portland, OR | FREE
When Santa arrives at a child’s house on Christmas Eve, does he go down the chimney feetfirst or headfirst? What if he gets stuck? What if there’s no chimney? Maybe he slides under the door, as thin as a piece of paper? Or is it possible he pours himself through the faucet? What happens once he’s inside? Whether it’s shape-shifting or impromptu laundry use, Mac Barnett’s iconic talent for earnest deadpan humor and Jon Klassen’s irresistibly funny art honor the timeless question with answers both ridiculous and plausible, mounting in hilarity as the night continues. Channeling a child’s fanciful explanations (and begging for further speculation), this latest collaboration by a New York Times best-selling team will find a secure spot among family holiday traditions.
Kids’ Story & Art Class at Awake Coffee & Art!
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. | In person at Awake Coffee & Art, 7325 SE Milwalkie Ave, Portland, OR | Costs $8
Bring your little ones Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for a storybook reading and art session!
We’ll have a hands-on art project after the reading. It could be water-color painting, making and playing with play dough, or another creative project to engage the young artists’ talents! All materials included!
Bubbles + Books Story Time at Hammer + Jacks
Fridays at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. | In person at the Rec room at Hammer + Jacks, 406 SE Foster Road, Portland, OR | Recommended donation $5+ per child
Join us every Friday morning for weekly story time! Movement, music, reading, and BUBBLES! Storytime runs about 25-30 minutes and includes an opening song + dance followed by alternating stories, sing-alongs, and movement breaks! There are also bubbles! The event closes with a goodbye song and final dance for those wanting a little extra movement before departure! This is a great mid-morning activity for parents and children that squeezes in a lot of fun and reading! This event’s best for babies and preschoolers, but older siblings are welcome too. 😊 Shakers are provided; you’re welcome to bring your own items for music and movement! Recommended donation is $5+ per child. No family will be turned away for lack of donation.
IN THE NEWS
Oregon Poet Laureate Anis Mojgani Is Rewriting the Role (Portland Monthly)
Take a moment to read Portland Monthly’s incredible profile on Anis Mojgani, Oregon poet laureate. We’re so grateful and honored to work with him on our Board of Directors and as the host of our youth poetry slam championship, Verselandia!
2022 PBF author Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe won the Washington Book Award (Seattle Times)
2022 Portland Book Festival author Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe of Tacoma won the 2023 Washington Book Award for her autobiography Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk (Counterpoint Press).
2023 National Book Award for Fiction Longlist (National Book Foundation)
The National Book Foundation today announced the Longlist for the 2023 National Book Award for Fiction. The Finalists in all five categories will be revealed on Tuesday, October 3.
The Divine Comedy of Roman Emperors’ Last Words (The New Yorker)
2023/24 Portland Arts & Lectures author Mary Beard writs on how “In the end, godlike aspirations often met with all too human final moments.” Get tickets for the 23/24 season of Portland Arts & Lectures now!
On Killing Charles Dickens (The New Yorker)
2023/24 Portland Arts & Lectures author Zadie Smith did everything she “could to avoid writing my historical novel. When I finally started The Fraud, one principle was clear: no Dickens.” Get tickets for the 23/24 season of Portland Arts & Lectures now!
RECOMMENDED READING
5 Books to Decolonize Your Mind This Thanksgiving (Indiginews)
New Releases for Native American Heritage Month 2023 (Powell’s)
10 New Books From Around the World (Powell’s)
Community News Submissions
Let us know if you have any events, news to share, or opportunities for writers for the In the Community blog and we will consider adding it to the next blog post!
