Taken at the AMW’s current temporary installation: Palm—All Awake in the Darkness, which is inspired by the life and work of the poet W. S. Merwin. A stunning, meditative space. I’m so happy they’ll have new work like this cycling through the calendar year.
Yesterday I visited the soon-to-open American Writers Museum with my friend, Christine Maul Rice, whose 2016 novel Swarm Theory has received numerous awards. It was an incredible experience for me as a writer and as a reader. I go to art museums and galleries wherever I am, whenever I can. Ditto, historical museums dedicated to diverse place and times. Clubs and auditoriums devoted to music. But when had I ever been in a space where so many writers and their work were honored? Well . . . never. Before yesterday.
Another image snapped inside Palm.
And the American Writers Museum lived up to any expectations I may have had—it’s a beautiful, meaningful space, right there on Michigan Avenue off Lake Street in the city I most love. Each exhibit was thoughtfully constructed, engaging and informative–a treasure trove of information for readers of all ages.
A truly unremarkable shot of Jack Keroauc’s remarkable scroll: the first of many artifacts to visit the American Writers Museum.
If I’d been able to visit this place as a young reader and writer, I probably would have had that “gone to heaven” feeling. As it is, as an old(er) reader and writer I pretty much felt that way. The museum officially opens on May 16th. Get thee there, friends, and bring your loved ones of all ages. It’s a visual, intellectual, and creative feast.
Another installation, this one permanent, in which the text and image shift, highlighting various quotes. Please note the quote here from Kurt Vonnegut, in celebration of public libraries.
Also: the program director has already started setting up events for the coming months, and guess what? I’ll be giving a reading of Broken Ground at the American Writers Museum on the evening of Thursday, June 8th, right as Printer’s Row Lit Fest kicks off! I am beyond honored and excited about this. More details to come, but please know I would love to see you there.
Caught entirely by surprise by my face and bio projected on the American Writers Museum’s calendar of upcoming events.
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