September 11, 2010; 9:30 am - 5:00 pm

2010 Session Descriptions


Quilts of the Ozarks


A selection of traditional Ozark quilts will be on display throughout the library from September 1st – September 12th.

9:30 am:  Cakes, Coffee, & Conversation Reception sponsored by the Arkansas Osher Lifelong Learning Institute 

Grab some java, a tasty treat, and mingle with fellow bookworms.

10:00 am: Mike McArthy

The Daily Grind: Exploring Ozark Grist Mills

Award winning writer/photographer Mike McArthy discusses his new book, Historic Ozark Mills, which spotlights some of the Ozarks most historic and picturesque grist mills.

11:00 am: Bret Schulte

Writing Narrative Nonfiction

Good nonfiction has all the elements of good fiction: scenes, dialogue, pacing, and themes. In addition to an analysis of some of today’s best nonfiction writing, this workshop will give attendees the opportunity to bring in their own questions and, time permitting, work for review.

12:00 pm: The Hobknobbers

Slip on your dancing shoes during the lunch break for one of Northwest Arkansas’s best bluegrass and folk musical groups as they celebrate Ozark folk musical traditions.  Light refreshments will be provided.

1:00 pm: Abby Burnett

Death in Dixie: Burial Practices in the Ozarks

Freelance journalist and author, Abby Burnett, currently writing a book about burial customs in the Arkansas Ozarks from 1850 to 1950, will read from her work and share the tales behind her research.

2:00 pm: Brooks Blevins

Arkansas/Arkansaw: How Bear Hunters, Hillbillies, and Good Ol' Boys Defined a State

Ever wonder how Arkansas got its image or what’s behind our cultural stereotypes?  Dr. Brooks Blevins, Associate Professor of Ozarks Studies at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, discusses these and other issues in his book Arkansas/Arkansaw.

3:00 pm: Shannon Wurst

Songs from the Hills: Keeping History Alive through Songwriting

Shannon Wurst, songstress, storyteller and entertainer, has roots that run deep into the hills.  She celebrates this heritage in her song writing workshop, guiding us through a song from inception to final resounding chord.        

4:00 pm: Geoff Oelsner, Mendy Knott, Carolyn Guinzio, & Davis McCombs

White River Valley Voices: Four Poets

Geoff Oelsner, poet and author, moderates a distinguished panel of poets as they discuss their craft, share their work and explore the influence of Ozark culture on their writing.
 

For more, contact the library at 479.856.7250 or [email protected].