True to its name, STIR: A Festival of Words promises to mix poetry, music, visual arts and film. UNM creative writing graduate student Lisa Gill is organizing the event, which is sponsored by the Harwood Art Center. Gill said she started the festival out of gratitude.
“I was at a point in my own career where it was time to look back and assess the influences who have been pivotal in my life,” she said. “Creating a festival of words was one way to honor and celebrate the people who have influenced me, the people who continue to inspire and challenge with their poetry. I also wanted young writers, or writers new to Albuquerque, to have the same opportunities I’ve had.”
STIR’s mixed media milieu and eclectic variety of poetic styles sets it apart from other poetry festivals. “We’re pushing the limits of poetry and initiating a lot of interdisciplinary dialogue,” Gill said.
On Friday, Sept. 12, the festival features a day of events at UNM, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., including workshops, Lobo Slam, a Blue Mesa Review reading, a Women’s Showcase and poetry videos in the mini-dome at ARTS Lab.
Saturday, Sept. 13, features a poetry picnic, book fair and workshops at the Harwood Art Center. UNM Professor Joy Harjo and her band Arrow Dynamics headline the festival at 7:30 p.m. at the South Broadway Cultural Center.
Events on Sunday, Sept. 14, include readings at various locations in Albuquerque and Placitas.
UNM faculty, staff, student and alumni participants include Maisha Baton, Amy Beeder, Joy Harjo, Bryan Konefsky, Carmelo de los Santos, David Felberg, Bob Reeves, Patricia Clark Smith, Diane Thiel, Dale Harris, Sari Krosinsky, Hakim Bellamy, Kyle Churney, Gary Jackson, Jessica Lopez, Erika Sanchez, Rudolfo Serna, Richard Vargas, Chris Wrenn, Christina Yovovich, Tani Arness, Kenn Rodriguez, Hue Walker, Lee Francis, Carlos Contreras, Jessica Lopez, Tony Mares, Margaret Randall, Emily Morelli, Melanie Unruh and Samantha Tetangco.
For a complete list of events and other information, visit stirwordfest.
Media Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-1593; e-mail: michal@unm.edu
Posted by scarr at September 2, 2008 01:11 PM