Welcome 2012

After a restful holiday spent in Maryland, Boston and Arizona, I’m ready to get back to writing. I had a nice article waiting for me on my return to Seattle. In the January edition of City Arts Magazine, I’ve been included in the Future List, 20 Northwest Arts Innovators.

You can find me under “The Author,” which is highly flattering considering the number of talented, innovating authors in Seattle. In the magazine, I’m on the same page as my good friend Randy Engstrom, and a few pages behind another friend, Diana Falchuk. Also watch the magazine for a great poem by Seattle poet Arne Phil. Click on the photo below to read the article. And, thanks City Arts!

In case you’re wondering, I thought way too much about my outfit and brought two extras to the shoot just in case. My skirt was made out of a box of left-over tee-shirts from the National Poetry Slam 2001 and was a gift from Linden Ontjes and the Seattle Poetry Festival. My close friend Heather Andres gave me that amazing haircut.

Karen reads this Saturday night at SOIL Gallery

My poem, “What Lot’s Wife Would Have Said (If She Wasn’t a Pillar of Salt),” is featured in the current SOIL Gallery show, with interpretation by artist Daniel Smith. Check out the Stranger Suggests!

Jen Graves from The Stranger did a nice write up about the show, included below. Come hear the visual artist’s speak and the poet read this SATURDAY NIGHT. FREE! SOIL GALLERY. 7pm. Or, just check out the gallery show during SOIL’s open hours.

 

SOIL’s Loose Leaf: Artists and Writers Make Books Together features three groupings of image makers and word assemblers: Julia Freeman with Stacey Levine, Daniel R. Smith with Karen Finneyfrock, and Ellen Ziegler with Patti Smith and Frances McCue. Freeman gives three-dimensional and darkly cartoonish ballast to Levine’s words, heightening their grand strangeness (feat!). Daniel R. Smith adapts Finneyfrock’s withering poem What Lot’s Wife Would Have Said (If She Wasn’t a Pillar of Salt)—she’d have said, fuck you, Lot, and fuck you, bigoted God—into shrewd photographs. And Ziegler invites you to stand under an upturned, disintegrating umbrella, where poems and light rain down all around. (SOIL Art Gallery, 112 Third Ave S, 264-8061, noon–5 pm, free) by Jen Graves

 

Julia Freeman joins me to draw Starbird Murphy for November event

I’m thrilled to announce an exciting addition to my November 22 reading of Starbird Murphy and the World Outside. Joining me at the reading will be Seattle-based visual artist Julia Freeman, whose work currently appears at SOIL Gallery.

Julia and I met while working on the SOIL Gallery show, Loose Leaf: Artists and Writers Make Books Together. She mentioned that she loves to draw during readings and an idea was born! On November 22, from 7-8 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, I will read the first four chapters of my new work, Starbird Murphy and the World Outside, and JULIA WILL DRAW IT! It will be an on-the-spot illustration experiment and YOU ARE INVITED!

Julia Freeman holds an MFA from the University of Washington and a BFA from Kansas City Art Institute. Her most recent solo exhibition, Very Little Room for Mishaps, was featured at King County’s 4Culture Gallery in 2011 and reviewed in the New American Paintings blog.

Short Run, Seattle’s Small Press Fest

On Saturday, November 12 at The Vera Project, come check out SHORT RUN, Seattle’s Small Press Fest. The event will showcase regional artists and will include handmade art books, literary journals, comics, zines, and all things book. It’s FREE, all ages and sounds amazing. Find the press release at the bottom of this blog post and check out the table for local hand-made, literary magazine, Filter, at the event.

Saturday, November 12, 10:30-4:30
The Vera Project in Seattle Center
Short Run Art Show
Opening: Saturday, November 12, 6:00-9:00
Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery
1201 S. Vale St in Georgetown
Show continues through Dec 6, Mon-Sat 11:30-8:00, Sun 11:30-5:00
short.run.info@gmail.com
http://www.shortrun.org
http://www.facebook.com/shortrunseattle

Short Run, Seattle’s Small Press Fest

A Showcase Of Regional Small Press Publications And Individual Makers Of Art Books, Zines, Comics, Literary Works, And Animation

Despite a thriving small press community, Seattle hasn’t had its own small press event — until now! Short Run is free to the public and welcomes local creators who will display their books for your viewing pleasure. First-time exhibitors will sit alongside legends of the underground in this co-mingling of literary journals, limited edition artists’ books, handmade comics, zines, and more.

Animation will be screened throughout the day featuring work by SEAT (Seattle Experimental Animation Team), and David Nixon, Julie Alpert, and Andy Arkley. A portrait challenge will be open to all who want to create something of their own at the event. Tasty treats have been generously donated to our bake sale by Macrina Bakery, Bang Bang Café and an array of Seattle bakers.

In the evening join us at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery in Georgetown for our after-party and art show featuring work from exhibitors at Short Run such as Max Clotfelter, Jesse Reklaw, Sean Christensen, Tim Root, Chris Cilla, Erin Tanner, Tory Franklin, Jason T. Miles, and Andrice Arp.

We hope to see you there!

Karen reads from new YA novel at Youngstown on November 22

Thanks to a generous grant from 4 Culture, I spent nine weeks this fall writing the first four chapters of my second book of young adult fiction with the working title, “Starbird Murphy and the World Outside.” BE THE FIRST TO HEAR THE START OF THIS NEW WORK!

The novel is set in Seattle and rural Washington State and tells the story of Starbird Murphy, a girl who grows up on a commune until age sixteen when she receives a potentially divine calling to attend public school.

The event starts at 7pm and will feature a short reading (just four chapters!) followed by informal discussion. Youth and adults are welcome. Please join me!

Youngstown Cultural Arts Center

4408 Delridge Way SW

7pm-8pm, FREE!

This project was supported, in part, by an award from 4Culture.

Loose Leaf at SOIL Gallery

On THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, Pioneer Square Art Walk, come to SOIL Gallery for Loose Leaf: Artists and wordsmiths team up for a fun back and forth—collaborating to make visual pieces based on writers’ work in order to stretch the definition of what a “book” can be.

Artist Daniel Smith has made pieces responding to my poem, “What Lot’s Wife Would Have Said (If She Wasn’t a Pillar of Salt).” Other artist teams include:

Julia Freeman, with writer Stacey Levine

Daniel R. Smith, with performance poet Karen Finneyfrock

Ellen Ziegler, with poets Frances McCue and Patti Smith   

 

Open Mic Venues in the Puget Sound Area ~2011

Last year, my friend and poetic colleague David Horowitz of Rose Alley Press put together a list of open mic poetry venues in the Seattle area. Many people wrote to say thank you for the information or to update listings for their venues. It seemed so popular and necessary, that David updated the list for 2011, and…here it is!

David spent many hours calling venues and organizing the information in a usable format, but he knows THIS MAY NO BE 100% ACCURATE! If you plan to go to a venue, you might want to call and double check before attending. Also, as always, we welcome comments updating venue info.

Open Mic Venues in the Puget Sound Area

IN SEATTLE

SEATTLE POETRY SLAM

every Tuesday, 8 p.m. sign-up, 8:30 show

open mike, featured reader, poetry slam: 3 minutes each

21+ w/ID, $5 admission

ReBar, 1114 Howell Street, Seattle

Tel: 206-233-9873

http://www.seattlepoetryslam.org

HUGO WORKS IN PROGRESS

first Monday monthly, 7- 9 p.m.

6:30-7 p.m., add your name to lottery. Read when your name called. 5-min. max. All genres welcome.

Admission is free.

Richard Hugo House, 1634 Eleventh Avenue, Seattle, in “The Cabaret”

Brian McGuigan, brianmcguigan@hugohouse.org

Tel: 206-322-7030

VERBAL GRAFFITI

every Friday, 7 p.m.

Sign-up, 6:30-7 p.m. All ages. Poets, MCs, musicians, comedians all welcome. Amp, mic, turntables.

Admission is free.

Rainier Valley Community  Center, 4600 38^th Avenue South, Seattle

“Shan,” verbalgraffitipoetry@gmail.com

Tel: 206-386-1919

POETSWEST @ GREEN LAKE BRANCH, SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

1^st & 2^nd Saturdays monthly, 4-5:30 p.m.

Three featured readers w/open mic. Usually five minutes per open mic performer.

Admission is free.

Green Lake Branch, Seattle Public Library, 7364 East Greenlake Drive North, Seattle

J. Glenn & Barbara Evans, JGE@poetswest.com

Tel: 206-682-1268

www.poetswest.com (check out the “Live Poetry Venues” link on this site)

CUP OF FLOW

last Monday monthly, 8 p.m.

The Faire Gallery & Café, 1351 East Olive Way, Seattle

Host: ceDRIC

Tel: 206-652-0781

RADIOBEDLAM           

every Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Bedlam Café, 2231 Second Avenue, Seattle

Contacts: “Luke & Jonny”

Tel: 206-910-2300

OPEN MIC at The Teacup

2^nd and 4^th Tuesday monthly, 6:45-8:15 p.m.

No featured reader. Each open mic performer reads twice for about 8 to 10 minutes total.

Admission is free.

The Teacup, 2128 Queen Anne Avenue North, Seattle

MCs: Margaret Roncone and Lainne Dexter, margaretroncone@yahoo.com

Tel: 206-283-5931

“OPEN MIKE” at Skybox Sports Lounge

every Tuesday, 6 p.m.

Skybox Sports Lounge, 315 First Avenue North, Seattle

Contact: storm cloud (the native sun)

Tel: 206-588-2070

POETRYBRIDGE

4^th Wednesday monthly, 7 p.m.

Featured reader w/open mic for poets and storytellers.

C & P Coffee, 5612 California Avenue SW, Seattle

http://www.poetrybridge.net

Tel: 206-933-3125

www.candpcoffee.com

IT’S ABOUT TIME READING SERIES

2^nd Thursday monthly, 6-7:30 p.m.

Three featured readers; one speaker on writing craft; open mic (read once up to three minutes). Note: book sales not allowed at this venue.

Admission is free.

Ballard Branch, Seattle Public Library, 5614 22^nd Avenue NW, Seattle

MC: Esther Helfgott, eahelfgott2@comcast.net

Tel: 206-684-4089

www.spl.lib.wa.us/

“OPEN MIKE” at Stepping Stone

every Tuesday, 9 p.m.

Music, poetry.

Stepping Stone, 5903 24^th Avenue NW, Seattle

Contact: Colin

Tel: 206-420-3723

“THAT THING”

last Wednesday monthly, 8-10 p.m.

Music, comedy, poetry.  Seven minutes or less. 21 +

Admission is $3

Coppergate, 6301 24^th Avenue NW, Seattle

Hosts: Roo Forrest, “Jaedia,” “Jena”

Tel: 206-706-3292

GREEN TORTOISE “OPEN MIKE”

every Wednesday, 8 p.m.

1525 2^nd Avenue, Seattle

Tel: 206-915-2757

TAKE A POEM FROM YOUR HEART

3^rd Friday monthly, 7-8:45 p.m.

Three featured readers w/open mic. Open mic performers typically read one poem/2-3 minutes twice.

Admission is free.

Bookworm Exchange, 4860 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle (Columbia City)

MC: Christopher Jarmick, emeraldchris@yahoo.com

Tel: 206-722-6633

www.bookwormexchange.com

YOUTH SPEAKS SEATTLE OPEN MIC

3^rd Sunday monthly. Sign-up at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.

Featured poet and musician. Youth-focused, but performers of all ages and genres welcome. Has been called “mini-BNV” by out-of-towners; aka “hella dope.” Longest running youth poetry event in the city!

Admission is free.

Café Allegro, 1408 NE 42^nd Street, Seattle (in alley between University Way and 15^th Avenue NE)

Contact: info@youthspeaks.org

Tel: 206-633-3030

NORTH END FORUM

1^st and 3^rd Monday monthly, 8-11 p.m. (varies a bit, from evening to evening)

Music, poetry. Open mic (usually about five minutes). Some expectation of food purchase to help venue.

Admission is free.

Bai Pai Restaurant, 2361 NE 65^th Street, Seattle

Jed Myers, medjyers@hotmail.com

Tel: 206-527-4800 (Bai Pai)

“OPEN MIKE” at Woodland Park Presbyterian  Church

2^nd Friday monthly, 7 p.m.

Music, comedy, poetry. Secular, though at church. All are welcome. No profanity. Onsite piano, organ, light snacks and coffee. Reportedly has exceptionally good acoustics.

Woodland Park Presbyterian  Church, 225 North 70^th Street, Seattle

Tel: 206-612-3787

“LIVING ROOM” AT SPLAB

every Tuesday (with a few exceptions; check schedule), 7 p.m.

Poetry performance, critique group, workshop, sharing. Try to bring 8 copies of work you plan to read to share with those present.

$5 donation requested.

SPLAB (Spoken Word Lab), 3651 South Edmunds, Seattle (in the “Columbia Cultural Corner”)

Contact: Paul Nelson

Tel: 206-422-5002

http://www.splab.org

SMOKIN’ SPOKEN WURD

3^rd Thursday monthly, 6 p.m.

Open mic.

Admission: $5

Northwest African American Museum, 2300 South Massachusetts, Seattle

Hosts: Miz Floes (mizfloestpt@yahoo.com) and The Carmel Latte Duo

Tel: 206-518-5237; 206-518-6000 (Museum)

SEATTLE SPIT: QUEER SPOKEN WORD

2^nd Thursday monthly, 8 p.m.

Features open mic.

1021 East Pike Street, Seattle

Tel: 206-324-9210

www.thewildrosebar.com

OPEN MIC at Inner Chapters

3^rd Thursday monthly, 6 p.m.

Music, comedy, poetry.

419 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle

Tel: 206-262-9297

OUTSIDE OF SEATTLE

POETSWEST @ THE CREEKSIDE

3^rd Wednesday monthly, 7-8:30 p.m.

Typically, one featured reader w/open mic.

Admission is free.

The Creekside: A Merrill Gardens Community (assisted living and retirement home)

18200 Woodinville-Snohomish Road NE, Woodinville

MC: Terry Busch

Clark Crouch and  Virginia Cook, thecreekside@crouchnet.com

Tel: 425-354-3784

www.poetswest.com

TAKE A POEM FROM YOUR HEART

2^nd Wednesday monthly, 7-8:30 p.m.

Two or three featured readers w/open mic. Open mic performers read once for 3to 4 minutes each.

Admission is free.

Parkplace Books, 348 Parkplace Center, Kirkland

MC: Christopher Jarmick, emeraldchris@yahoo.com

Tel: 425-828-6546

www.parkplacebookskirkland.com

RASP (Redmond Association of Spoken Word) READING SERIES

last Friday monthly, 7-9 p.m.

One featured reader; open mic, w/each performer reading for about 3 minutes

Admission is free.

Auditorium of Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 NE 80^th Street, Redmond

Contact: Michael Heavener and RASP committee, including Michael Dylan Welch, WelchM@aol.com

www.rasp.cc; site includes hyperlinks for sending e-mail

THIRD THURSDAY at SoulFood Books

3^rd Thursday monthly, 7-9 p.m.

Two featured readers (one primary picks the second) w/open mic (3 to 5 minutes each)

Admission is free.

SoulFood Books, 15748 Redmond Way, Redmond

Hosts: Lana Ayers, lana.ayers@yahoo.com; Michael Dylan Welch, WelchM@aol.com

Tel: 425-881-5309

www.soulfoodbooks.com

“OPEN MIKE” at SoulFood Books

1^st Saturday monthly, 3 p.m.

Admission is free. Live Web stream, http://ustream.tv/channel/hope-hum-stomp-strum!

SoulFood Books, 15748 Redmond Way, Redmond

Contact: Clint McCune

Tel: 425-881-5309

www.soulfoodbooks.com

ARMCHAIR POETRY READING SERIES

1^st Saturday monthly, 7-9:30 p.m.

Three featured readers w/open mic.

Admission is free.

Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse, 19003 Front Street, Poulsbo

Marianna Mears, emmj@centurytel.net

Tel: 360-779-9199

http://poulsbohemian.com

OPEN MIC at Zippy’s

every Thursday, 7-9 p.m.

Featured reader w/open mic.

Admission is free. Hat is passed for donations (paid to featured reader).

Zippy’s Java Lounge, 1804 Hewitt Avenue, Everett

Garrett Rutledge, garrettrutledge@gmail.com

Tel: 425-258-4940

www.zippysjava.com

POETRY AT FOG DOG GALLERY

2^nd and 4^th Thursday monthly, 7-9 p.m.

Featured reader w/open mic. Music, poetry. Open mic slots are for about five minutes each. Set in a café/gallery in downtown Arlington.

Admission is free.

fog dog gallery, 318 North Olympic Avenue, Arlington

Claire Cundiff, Claire@fogdoggallery.com; Sharmagne, ALittleHawk@aol.com

www.fogdoggallery.com

“OPEN MIKE” W/HARMONICA DAVE

every Sunday, 5-8 p.m.

Music, comedy, poetry.

Manchester Pub, 2350 Colchester Drive East, Manchester

Tel: 360-871-2205

www.manchesterpub.biz

“OPEN MIKE” in Maple Valley

2^nd and 4^th Saturday, 7 p.m.

Music, comedy, poetry.

Maple Valley Creative Arts Center, 23220 Maple Valley Highway, Suite 15, Maple Valley

Contact: Jim Hanna

OPEN JAM at the Hi-Tide Tavern

every Sunday, 7 p.m.

Music, poetry.

Hi-Tide Tavern, 1371 Bay Street, Port Orchard

Host: The Wheels (www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wheels/137922609568425)

Tel: 360-286-7618

“OPEN MIKE” at Coffee Oasis

1^st Thursday monthly, 7-9 p.m.

Music, comedy, poetry. Several coffeehouses owned by same company; supports Christian outreach to homeless and at-risk youth, recovering addicts.

Coffee Oasis, 1140 Bethel Avenue, Port Orchard

Contact: info@thecoffeeoasis.com

Tel: 360-876-6311

www.thecoffeeoasis.com

OPEN MIC at The Liberty Café

every Wednesday, 7 p.m.

The Liberty Café, 926 South 3^rd Street, Renton

Contact: KT and Hoops

Tel: 425-235-1400

www.thelibertycafe.com

“OPEN MIKE” at The Golden Steer

2^nd Sunday monthly, 5 p.m.

Music, comedy, poetry. “Professional-quality sound system.”

Golden Steer Steak and Rib House, 23826 104^th Avenue SE, Kent

Contact: Steve Beck

Tel: 253-852-1144

www.thegoldensteerrestaurant.com

“THE LIVING ROOM”: THE STRIPED WATER POETS

every Tuesday, 7-9 p.m.

Critique group. Great place to recite and share new work.

2^nd Floor, Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street, Auburn

Tel: Gerald McBreen, 253-735-1751

Contact: Gerald McBreen, mcbreenpost@aol.com

DISTINGUISHED WRITER SERIES

2^nd Friday monthly, 7 p.m.

Featured reader w/open mic.

King’s Books, 218 Saint Helens Avenue, Tacoma

Contact: Connie Walle, cwalle@comcast.net

Tel: 253-272-8801

www.kingsbookstore.com

OPEN JAM at Stonegate

every Tuesday, 9 p.m.

Music, comedy, poetry.

Stonegate, 5419 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma

Contact: Rafael Tranquilino, www.reverbnation.com/rafaeltranquilino

Tel: 253-473-2255

“OPEN MIKE” at The Hub

every Thursday, 8 p.m.

Music, comedy,  poetry.

The Hub, 203 Tacoma Avenue, Tacoma

Contact: Rafael Tranquilino

Tel: 253-683-4606

“OPEN MIKE” at Malarkey’s Pool and Brew

every Wednesday, 9 p.m.

Music, comedy, poetry.

Malarkey’s Pool and Brew, 445 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma

Contact: Nate Boyt

Tel: 253-383-3301

SINGER/SONGWRITER OPEN MIC

every Wednesday, 9 p.m.

Music, comedy, poetry.

Tacoma Comedy Club, 933 Market  Street, Tacoma

Tel: 253-282-7203

FREE YA MIND

last Friday monthly, 7-9 p.m.

Poetry open mic.

Tully’s Coffee, 9^th & Broadway, Tacoma (downtown)

Host: Stella Haioulani

Tel: 253-921-1160

www.freeyamindinc.com; www.speakyoursoul.org (with online form for e-mail)

POETRYNIGHT

every Monday, 8:30 p.m.

Poetry open mic, with occasional featured reader. Sign-up, 8 p.m.

The Amadeus Project, 1209 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham

Contact: TheAmadeusProject@yahoo.com

Tel: 360-815-1825

www.poetrynight.org; www.theamadeusproject.org

OPEN MIC NIGHT at Café Caffe

2^nd Wednesday monthly, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

“Musicians, poets, or other free style performers.”

3908 Meridian, Bellingham

Contact: Stephanie Guy Cell, Stephanie.marie.guy@gmail.com; 206-992-5919

Tel: 360-647-0686 (café)

www.infodrop.info/caffe/

BOOK FARE CAFÉ

4^th Monday monthly, 7 p.m.

Open mic on the second floor of a great, iconic bookstore.

Village Books, 1200 Eleventh Avenue, Bellingham

Tel: 360-734-3434

www.villagebooks.com

 

OLYMPIA POETRY NETWORK

third Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.

Featured reader, with open mic.

Traditions Fair Trade Café, 300 Fifth Avenue SW, Olympia

Cynthia Pratt, cynthiajopratt@comcast.net

Tel: 360-705-2819

www.traditionsfairtrade.com

ADDITIONAL NOTES FROM DAVID:

For a listing of upcoming events, visit J. Glenn and Barbara Evans’ www.poetswest.com, and click on “Live Poetry Venues.” Also, you might request Christopher Jarmick send you his “Poetry Is Everything” newsletter. His e-mail address is emeraldchris@yahoo.com. If you have an event to promote or want to relate news about a new or changed venue, please contact J. Glenn and Barbara and Chris. Their efforts to promote others’ events are much appreciated.

For a website featuring national listings of open mics, including those in the Puget Sound region, visit www.poetry.openmikes.org. Simply type in the search field the name of the location about which you are curious, and relevant listings will appear.

Various reading series in the Puget Sound region do not feature an open mic. Such series still merit support. These include Poetry in Fremont, hosted by Seattle poet Donald Kentop (kentops@comcast.net) and Third Tuesday Poets & Writers, hosted by Seattle poet Dobbie Norris (dobbiesankh@gmail.com).  Seattle storyteller and arts impresario Mary Ann Moorman also hosts various events and is worth contacting for information about them (Mamoor@aol.com; www.auntmama.com).

Some series featuring an open mic have occurred regularly and might do so again, but presently their occurrence seems sporadic. These venues include “After Long Silence” at North Seattle Community College and the open mic at Little Red Studio, with its focus on eroticism.

Many writers’ conferences, literary festivals, and book fairs occur in the Northwest, and some in the Puget Sound feature an open mic. Northwest Bookfest, in particular, does so; for more information about Bookfest, contact Christopher Jarmick at emeraldchris@yahoo.com. Burning Word, which returned this year after a lengthy hiatus, also features an open mic. For more information, contact Michael Schein at wryink@comcast.net.

This list is not comprehensive but does include many of the major open mic venues in the Puget Sound region. It is always best, though, to double check by calling a venue or inquiring via e-mail to make sure an open mic still occurs.

Elaina Ellis has a Secret

I LOVE this new video blog by Seattle poet Elaina Ellis. It’s such a comfort to hear other people lovingly share their secrets and how they were discovered. For more Elaina news, check out her blog.

Loose Leaf at SOIL Art Gallery

In November, Seattle artist Daniel Smith will present work inspired by my poem “What Lot’s Wife Would Have Said (If She Wasn’t a Pillar of Salt) at SOIL Gallery. The opening reception will be THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 6-8PM, READINGS 8-9PM.

I couldn’t be more excited to be paired with Daniel Smith for the show, the curator of the mind altering poster shows at Bumbershoot. Here’s more about Daniel:

Daniel R. Smith, Seattle curator and graphic designer, has organized three major poster exhibits for Bumbershoot promoting dialogue between Seattle and Havana, Tehran, Moscow as well as Thunderbitch: Women Designers in Northwest Rock 1966-2010.  He is Design Director at Tether, a design and branding firm in Pioneer Square.

The show was originally conceived by Ellen Ziegler, who will be creating work based on poems by Frances McCue and Patti Smith. Here’s more about the show and the other artists/writers involved. 

 

LOOSE LEAF: Artists and writers make books together.

 

Julia Freeman, with writer Stacey Levine

Daniel R. Smith, with performance poet Karen Finneyfrock

Ellen Ziegler, with poets Frances McCue and Patti Smith   

 

The artists and writers in Loose Leaf stretch the definition of a “book” to the paper-thin. Whether through unexpected use of materials or exuberant trampling on the last of any resemblance to the book as we know it, these verbal/visual teams have engendered utterly original work that “reads” on countless levels. Here are collaborations that catapult the meaning of the written word beyond anything imaginable.

Artists and writers:

Julia Freeman holds an MFA from the University of Washington and a BFA from Kansas City Art Institute. Her most recent solo exhibition,Very Little Room for Mishaps, was featured at King County’s 4Culture Gallery in 2011 and reviewed in the New American Paintings blog.

Stacey Levine is the author of My Horse and Other Stories (PEN/West Fiction Award) and the novels Dra– and Frances Johnson (finalist, Washington State Book Award). She was awarded The Stranger Genius Prize for Literature in 2009. Her short story collection The Girl with Brown Fur was published in the spring of 2011 by Starcherone/Dzanc.

Frances McCue, co-founder of Richard Hugo House, won the 2011 Washington State Book Award for her book The Bled, from which the poems in this show were taken. Her 2010 book, The Car That Brought You Here Still Runs, was a nonfiction/history finalist for the Washington State Book Award. She was a finalist for the Artist Trust Innovator Award for 2011.

Patti Smith is a singer/songwriter, poet and visual artist. Her most recent book of poetry is Auguries of Innocence: Poems, from which the poems in this show were taken.

Ellen Ziegler‘s artist book, The Book of Knowledge, won the First Prize Juror’s Purchase Award at the 2011 Brand 40: National Works on Paper Invitational in Los Angeles. Her installation Prognosticators  was featured at the 2011 Sofia Biennale, Sofia, Bulgaria. In 2009 she performed It Takes One to Know One at One and Other in Trafalgar Square, London, a project of Antony Gormley. She is a member of SOIL Gallery.

November 2 – 26, 2011

Opening Reception: First Thursday, November 3, 6 – 8 pm

Reading: 8 – 9 pm

Artists’ talk and evening reading:

November 19, 7 pm

Refreshments.

SOIL Gallery

112 3rd Avenue South

Seattle WA 98104

Hours: Wed – Sat 12 – 5 pm

(206) 264-8061

gallery@soilart.com

For further information: ellen@ellenziegler.com

 

 

A City Arts Fest Collaboration Involving CHOCOLATE!

On Friday, October 21, I’ll be performing in the City Arts Festival as part of the Genre Bender Showcase, pairing artists from different genres for collaboration.

Here’s what the festival website says about the event:

GENRE-BENDER w/ Karen Finneyfrock, Rainbow Fletcher, Joanna Lepore, Mark Haim, Wes Hurley, Amy O’Neal, Mike Pham, Mark Haim & more

What’s a food poem? A dance film? A performance art musical? For the “Genre Bender” showcase, City Arts Festival is creating an exciting new platform for some of Seattle’s favorite theater, dance, food, music, literary and performing artists to create new projects (and new artistic genres) together. This summer, CAF will play match maker and assemble 4-6 teams of interdisciplinary artists who haven’t collaborated together before. Each team will receive $500 to create a brand new project to present one night only to the City Arts Festival audience. By intermixing artistic disciplines, these artists will experiment with the boarders of art to create new works that combine forces and stretch the limits of innovation.

Hosted by Amy O’Neal with new performances/projects/work by

Mark Haim (dance) & Casey Curran (visual art)
Amy O’Neal (dance) & Wes Hurley (film)
Karen Finneyfrock (poetry) & Joanna Lepore (food)
Mike Pham (performance) & Gretchen Bennett (visual art)
Rainbow Fletcher (dance) & Sean Johnson (visual art)
Evan Flory Barnes (music) & Jennifer Law (visual/scenic art)

 

I’ve been meeting with Joanna Lepore, a CHOCOLATE ARTIST, for several weeks now to find the intersection between spoken word and chocolate. Turns out, they might meet up someplace in the suburbs. Get your advance tickets now for Genre Bender. I expect it to sell out!