NEA Big Read Poetry Workshop

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:

The NEA Big Read brings communities together by reading the same book. The goals are to support equitable access to engagement with literature and to the meaningful conversations and discoveries the literary arts inspire. Our book selection, YOU ARE HERE, an anthology of nature poems edited by Ada Limón, speaks to new and experienced poetry readers, introduces readers to writers who are innovating the “nature” poem, and invites readers to think with complexity about their relationship to the natural world.

This workshop takes place over two sessions. Please do not register unless you can commit to both dates: March 3 and March 10. The first week, participants will read and discuss selected poems from the anthology and write to some generative poetry prompts; the second week, they will continue to read and discuss poems from the anthology, but also have the opportunity to share their own work and put it in conversation with Limón's selections.

This workshop is open to all adults (18+), regardless of their writing experience. Beginners are welcome!

Registrants will receive a free copy of YOU ARE HERE, either at the workshop or available to pick up in advance. You will receive more details upon registration.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:

Alison Lubar (they/them) is a Nikkei poet and educator who teaches literature to teenagers, writing to adults, and yoga to all ages. They’re the author of The Other Tree, winner of Harbor Editions’ 2023 Laureate Prize, METAMOURPHOSIS (fifth wheel press, 2024), four chapbooks, and a forthcoming microchap, American Kintsugi (Bull City Press, 2026). Alison writes about biracial identity, queer love, transgenerational healing, and common moths; they are also a board member for Philadelphia’s Blue Stoop. Find out more at http://www.alisonlubar.com/.

ABOUT THE VENUE:

The Stedman Gallery is in the Fine Arts Building (314 Linden Street) and shares a lobby with the Gordon Theater. Use metered parking on North Third Street between Cooper and Pearl Street, or park in the lot across from the Athletic Center. The Fine Arts Building is across a campus walkway from the Athletic Center.