2021: A literary year of loss, renewal, and re-emergence
Looking back at the authors we lost and the bookish events that cheered us this year.
Looking back at the authors we lost and the bookish events that cheered us this year.
The Portland poet sees his classroom role as more coach than teacher: “I am very good at pumping people up, listening, and helping them execute their vision…. I’m not hitting people with maxims to live by.”
Joan Didion, acclaimed writer revered for her captivating prose and era-specific essays, both outlined and shaped a nation. Amy Leona Havin says goodbye to a personal hero.
Portlanders reading around town recommend gift books ranging from Clive Barker to classics by James Baldwin and Toni Morrison.
Cygnet Productions’ radio satire of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights,” streaming through January, pokes feminist fun at the literary classic.
Call it meditation, performance, soundscape, transcendence, dance: Driscoll’s ‘Come On In’ solo exhibit pushes boundaries and challenges traditional definitions of dance performance.
Soria Ruiz brings architect Eileen Gray’s “animal ballet” sketches to life in a performative exhibition at Oregon Contemporary through Dec. 5.
December’s festive calendar includes author conversations, poet lectures, Passages Bookshop’s moving sale, and a pair of book fairs.
The veteran dancer and choreographer’s first in a series of three live performances at Performance Works Northwest challenges traditional perspectives on identity and time.
“How to Be Golden: Lessons We Can Learn From Betty White” chronicles the actor’s life and allure as she approaches her 100th birthday.
Festival authors, science fiction, and cookbooks: A look at what visitors to last week’s festival had tucked under their arms.
The festival, scaled back due to COVID, is deemed a success by both Literary Arts organizers and visitors with arms full of books.
The three writers, participating in a live virtual event from Annie Bloom’s Books, explore topics ranging from the pandemic, to immigration, to climate change.
Pulitzer Prize winner Louise Erdrich will headline the Nov. 13 in-person festival, put on by Literary Arts, preceded by virtual events featuring more than 100 writers.
Partners Pasquale and Foit present a two-part event featuring lighthearted movement and a lively four-piece jazz band, followed by a slice of pumpkin pie.
ArtsWatch’s Amy Leona Havin talks with poet, author, and Reed College professor Lisa Steinman about reading, writing, community, and the landscapes of her childhood.
The new month brings book festivals aplenty and other events offering virtual and in-person talks, workshops, and author readings, from Louise Erdrich to Eric Kimmel.
As the dance film genre gains momentum, Portland Dance Film Fest returns to the Clinton Street Theatre to feature filmmakers from across the globe and encourage innovation.
PICA’s TBA:21 Festival featured a diary-like, released-by-mail mini zine created by Eileen Isagon Skyers.
Cygnet Productions takes to the airwaves with “The Wild Party,” a risqué and salacious 1920s narrative poem.
October is ripe with virtual readings, workshops, and Lan Su Chinese Garden’s Autumn Poetry Series.
A cup of coffee, someplace to sit, a great book: A dive into the books that Portlanders are reading on the town.
It’s TBA time! Amy Leona Havin checks out the literary side of PICA’s festival and other book events.
Poet, teacher, memoirist and activist Judith Barrington talks about her career with ArtsWatch’s Amy Leona Havin.
August offers a virtual poetry open mic, a mystery-novel release, and a lecture on the metaphysics of deep gossip.
Oregon’s literary scene sails through the heat with open mics, workshops, and virtual author readings.
Cygnet presents “Xingu,” an Edith Wharton radio play adaptation full of literature, lies, and laughter.
Amy Leona Havin kicks off a new interview series with poet, teacher, illustrator, and long-time poetry activist Leanne Grabel.
June is still a Zoom month for readings and lectures, and there are lots of them. Tune in, turn on.
Book review: J.T. Bushnell’s debut novel delves into family loyalty, bad decisions & the grace of empathy.
The U.S. poet laureate talks about a new anthology of Native Nations poetry and the values it celebrates.
The Book Awards kick off a month of virtual events with Oprah, Whitney Otto, Stacey Abrams & Moby-Dick.
From a giant baby to dogs & birds, Amy Leona Havin dives into the sights & sounds of the Cadence Festival.
April marks National Poetry Month – along with eight of the most exciting ways for you to celebrate.
Beverly Cleary reminded America that adventurous children weren’t transgressive—they were fun! Especially on Klickitat Street.
The winner of the Soapstone Bread and Roses Award brings out a fresh look at the history of women’s suffrage.
From City Light Books, Lawrence Ferlinghetti illuminated the world of poetry, for the Beats to the present. Amy Leona Havin says good-bye to a hero.
Our movement may still be restricted, but books are still available, along with online events in and around books. Amy Leona Havin’s LitWatch has the details.
Poet David Abel and friends moved a poetry benefit for Linda Austin’s Performance Works NW to Zoom and the words poured forth.
February on the literary arts front is looking warm and cozy, surrounded by cups of hot chocolate and coffee, and seated in comfortable chairs.
In January, writers write and readers read and the twain often meet. LitWatch has some ideas about where and when.
It’s impossible to summarize the scope and content of Jennifer Robin’s work: It contains multitudes.
Readings, workshops, poetry slams—Oregon’s writing scene continues, online. Amy Leona Havin tells you where.
ArtsWatch’s new language arts column arrives just in time for a busy November. Amy Leona Havin reports.
The pandemic has accelerated the movement of dance toward film, where more people can see it.
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