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Finders, Keepers: Reclaiming Agency through Erasure and Collage
$210
The hybrid genre of erasure and collage often exists between and because of two different mediums: text and image. Through obscuring a pre-existing text using various methods, an original work is created. Like erasure and collage, we as writers and community members exist between and because of various factors and people. What we amplify in our lives and how we amplify it matters—as does what we choose to overlook. In this four-week course, writers will leave with an in-depth introduction to the genre, complete works of erasure/collage, and the confidence to integrate a new habit into their writing practice. Each class will be dedicated to a different consideration within the genre and paired with a creative exercise and discussion.
In her visual poetry collection Hotel Almighty, Sarah J. Sloat describes her artistic erasure as a “process of discovery and reinvention” where “there is no right answer. But there might be a good answer.” It is that brief shock of discovery—the decentering nature of arrival—that I am after in my work and teaching.
No previous artistic/visual experience necessary.
Cost of supplies included in enrollment fee ($15/student).
Course Schedule (subject to change)
Week 1: Introduction/Ethics/Base Text
Week 2: Collecting Mediums/Image
Week 3: Perspective/Collaboration/Decisions
Week 4: Re-Entering/Series/Final Tips & Tricks
In-Class Readings (excerpted)*
Hotel Almighty by Sarah Sloat
Nets by Jen Bervin
If the Tabloids Are True, What Are You? by Matthea Harvey
*Other online readings and examples as assigned
Access Program
We want our writing classes and Delves to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and Delve tuitions at a reduced rate. Most writing classes have at least one access spot available.
Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at susan@literary-arts.org if you have questions.
Liaison position
Every in-person class and seminar at Literary Arts has one liaison position. Liaisons perform specific duties for each class meeting. If you are a liaison for a class or seminar, the full amount of your tuition is covered by Literary Arts.
Apply here for the liaison position.
Paige Thomas
Pronouns: she/her
Paige Thomas is an arts educator, writer, and visual artist who believes that a healthy community needs access to the arts. Her writing and visual work has received support from Regional Arts & Culture Council, 21ten Theatre, Spring Creek Project, and elsewhere. Paige holds an MFA from Oregon State University, and you can find her teaching, reading, and writing around Portland. Her first book is forthcoming from Finishing Line Press in 2026.
