From macliterary at lists.maine.gov Wed Jul 25 16:53:39 2007 From: macliterary at lists.maine.gov (News and opportunities pertaining to literary arts) Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:53:39 -0400 Subject: [MACliterary] Literary Arts News July 25 Message-ID: <199FFF7DB0D4724FA7630DEA667E838A032A1A9A@SOM-TEAQASMAIL1.som.w2k.state.me.us> Literary Arts News and Opportunities Listserv Greetings from the Maine Arts Commission. News from our associates for the week of July 25, 2007 ***************************************** 1. The Big Read Becomes the Largest Federal Literature Program Since the W.P.A 2. Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant 3. National Endowment for the Arts Announces New Literature Director 4. Maine Arts Commission Welcomes New Staff Members 5. Maine Writer Releases Life Story 6. Did you Know? ************************ 1. The Big Read Becomes the Largest Federal Literature Program Since the W.P.A National Endowment for the Arts closes in on 200 cities reading great literature with latest round of more than $1.5 million in grants The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) today more than doubled the number of communities taking part in its nationwide reading program, the Big Read. One hundred seventeen cities were awarded grants to produce celebrations of American literature from September through December 2007. The Big Read, launched nationally in October 2006 by the NEA, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Arts Midwest, encourages literary reading by asking communities to come together to read and discuss one book. Mrs. Laura Bush is the honorary chair of the Big Read. "By joining the Big Read, these cities and towns are showing that reading is necessary to the cultural, civic, even economic fabric of their communities. They understand the benefit of having people from different generations and walks of life reading and discussing a great book," said NEA Chairman Dana Gioia. "Yes, this is about reading, but it's also about getting people to leave their homes and offices, unplug themselves for a few hours, and enjoy the pleasures of literature with their neighbors." For the entire release, please visit http://www.arts.gov/news/news07/bigreadCycle2.html. ************************ 2. Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 The Creative Capital | Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant is a three-year pilot program designed to support writers whose work addresses contemporary visual art through project-based grants issued directly to individual authors. The first program of its type, it was founded in recognition of both the financially precarious situation of arts writers and their indispensable contribution to a vital artistic culture. Grants are awarded on an annual basis in amounts ranging from $3,000 to $50,000. For full information visit, http://www.artswriters.org/index.html ************************ 3. National Endowment for the Arts Announces New Literature Director Jon Peede joins growing NEA Literature Division The National Endowment for the Arts announced today the appointment of Jon Parrish Peede as the agency's Director of Literature, Grants Programs. In this position, he manages applications, panels, and grant awards for literature fellowships, as well as grant awards for literary presses, magazine and organizations. He assumed the role earlier this month. For the full press release, visit http://www.arts.gov/news/news07/peede.html ************************ 4. Maine Arts Commission Welcomes New Staff Members Kerstin Gilg joined the Arts Commission in 2007 to oversee administrative duties of the Public Arts program as the public arts associate. His responsibilities include supervising the distribution of funds for Percent for Art projects and managing the Arts in The Capitol program. Kerstin has a Masters Degree in Interactive Telecommunication from New York University's Tisch School of the arts, and a Bachelors Degree in Theater Arts from the University of Oregon. Kerstin Gilg is a founding member of the Gardiner Artwalks, which began in 2005. Kerstin has taught art classes at University of Maine at Augusta, and has coordinated shows in the University's Danforth Gallery. Carpenter, composer, builder of interactive sculpture, and one time engineer for the department of defense Grand Challenge competition, he possesses a cross section of skills and interests that apply to the many facets regarding contemporary art. Kerstin is currently a resident of Gardiner, where he is an active community member serving on several boards. Kerstin previously lived in Santa Monica California, where he worked on theater, television, and art projects in the Los Angeles area. Kerstin has also lived in Missouri, Illinois and Utah, Kerstin is very happy to be back in Maine and enjoys maintaining his house and gardens, traveling throughout Maine for cultural events, and working with artists within the state. Tina Mann has joined the Maine Arts Commission as the new Office Manager. Tina comes to the agency from the office of the Deputy Commissioner, and has extensive professional experience having worked as a receptionist, a clerk and as a Library Director. She holds a B.S. in Library and Information Science, as well as a B.S. in Business Administration, both from the University of Maine Augusta. Tina lives in East Winthrop where she spends her spare time quilting, reading, kayaking and gardening. ************************ 5. Maine Writer Releases Life Story Derek Press, a subsidiary of Pathway Press, announces the release of a new book entitled Defying the Darkness, by Rosalie Welch-Johnson. The author attended Lee University for two years then graduated from Ricker College in Houlton, Maine, with a B.A. in literature and language. She is a writer and operated a medical transcription business for many years. Defying the Darkness is a true story of a young girl who was born blind, but with the help of her family, she battled and overcame many hurdles in her life. This book is a testimony of faith, determination and a love for life that will be an inspiration to all readers. Rosalie is living proof that severe disabilities cannot defeat a spirit that longs to achieve lofty goals and find fulfillment in life. Read about the author's determination to overcome physical handicaps in her youth; her school experiences; her college years and her business venture. Rosalie pours out her heart for all to see. She wants the world to know that you can survive disaster, endure suffering, disappointments and reversal, and still be happy and productive. This is a great book to share with a handicapped person. They would be challenged and motivated to achieve their dreams and achieve happiness and fulfillment in their life. For further information email, miro11197 at gwi.net ************************ 6. Did You Know? Two-thirds (65%) of American adult travelers say they included a cultural, arts, heritage, or historic activity or event while on a trip of 50 miles or more, one-way, in the past year. This equates to 92.7 million cultural travelers. ************************ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/macliterary/attachments/20070725/c1ca8fe9/attachment.html