A state-wide 2014 Oregon Reads yearlong celebration will feature Oregon’s most famous poet, William Stafford who would have marked his 100th birthday on January 17. Stafford was Oregon’s Poet Laureate from 1975-1990, and the library will host a variety of events to celebrate his work.
Stafford, born in Hutchinson, Kansas, had his first collection of poetry published when he was 48 years old. Traveling Through the Dark won the 1963 National Book Award for Poetry. Despite his late start, he was a frequent contributor to magazines and anthologies and eventually published 57 volumes of poetry. He retired from Lewis & Clark College in 1980 but continued to write, travel and share his poetry. He won the Western States Book Award in 1992 for lifetime achievement in poetry. Often compared to Robert Frost, his poems are typically short, accessible and rich in detail.
Some of the events this month include:
Pacifism and Poetic Truth-telling in the United States
Annemarie Hamlin literature and writing teacher at COCC discusses William Stafford’s poetry of protest.
January 16, 2014, 6pm
East Bend Library
January 18, 2014, 2pm
Redmond Library
Contact Liz, 541/312-1032, lizg@deschuteslibrary.org
Every War Has Two Losers
Screen this award-winning film based on Stafford’s journals.
January 16, 4pm
Sisters Library
Contact Tina, 541/312-1034, tinad@deschuteslibrary.org
Write Now! with John Martin
Learn more about Stafford and gain inspiration from his style.
January 18, 1pm
Sunriver
Contact Tina, 541/312-1034, tinad@deschuteslibrary.org
Words to Image
Workshop participants will use a variety of mediums to create art inspired by the poetry of William Stafford. The workshop is open to all levels of artists and poets who want to explore the power of coupling word and image. Workshop is limited to 15 participants. Registration required – register at the link below.
January 25, 2014, 10am – 4pm
A6
Contact Liz, 541/312-1032, lizg@deschuteslibrary.org
Students of the Sisters Americana Project Perform
As a class project Americana Students were tasked with writing music inspired by the poetry of William Stafford. This performance is the result of their efforts.
January 26, 2014, 2pm
Sisters Library
Contact Liz, 541/312-1032, lizg@deschuteslibrary.org
For more information about other celebrations across the state, please visit the Oregon Reads 2014 website at www.oregonreads2014.com.
For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz at 312-1032.
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