Grossmont College hosts 22nd annual Literary Arts Festival

Posted on: Apr 11, 2018 1:00:00 AM
In: District, Grossmont
Arts and Culture
Contact: Lorena Ruggero lorena.ruggero@gcccd.edu

Local author and host of the Southern California reading series, “Vermin on the Mount,” Jim Ruland will kick off Grossmont College’s Creative Writing Program’s 22nd annual Literary Arts Festival on April 23. Ruland will read and sign books 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Monday, April 23, in Griffin Gate. The weeklong festival celebrates memoir, poetry, genre works and more through April 26 in Griffin Gate in Bldg. 60/Griffin Center. All events are free and open to the public.

“Our Literary Arts Festival offers the chance to engage living authors and literature in ways rarely made possible at a community college,” said Karl Sherlock, co-coordinator of this year’s event and English Department faculty.

Other highlights of this year’s Literary Arts Festival include:

• “New Voices” student reading at 7 - 8:15 p.m., Monday, April 23, that will feature exceptional creative writing students reading their works.
• “Zine Fest” workshop and discussion featuring Margaret Nee of Grrrl Zines-A-Go-Go at 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Tuesday, April 24.
• Reading and book signing by poet Ada Limon at 7 - 8:15 p.m., Tuesday, April 24. This event is sponsored by the Grossmont College World Arts & Cultures Committee (WACC).
• Student Poetry Slam Competition hosted by local writer, musician, DJ and performance Gill Sotu at 2 - 3:15 p.m., Wednesday, April 25. Grossmont College student poets will compete for Slam Champion by reading and performing their works that address social justice. This event is sponsored by WACC.
• “We Need Diverse Books” panel discussion featuring young adult author Cindy Pon and poet Janine Joseph and hosted by Denise Benavides at 7 - 8:15 p.m., Wednesday, April 25, about the importance of diverse voices in books. This event is supported in part by Poets & Writers through grants it has received from The James Irvine Foundation and the Hearst Foundations.
• “Why Literature Matters” student panel at 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Thursday, April 26, where students will discuss the potential of literature to inspire change and cultivate humanity.
• Poet and author Kazim Ali and 2018 Student Writing Contest Awards at 7 - 9 p.m., Thursday, April 26, featuring reading, Q & A, and book signing by Ali. This event is sponsored in part by WACC.

Since 1996, the Literary Arts Festival has brought a diverse range of established and respected writers from around the country to Grossmont College. In addition to providing the East County community with the experience of meeting and listening to nationally renowned authors, it also provides creative writing students an opportunity to showcase their work. To learn more about the Literary Arts Festival, visit www.grossmont.edu/laf.