The Appalachian Literary Arts Festival, hosted by Coffee Tree Books and the Rowan County Arts Center, will bring together some of the region’s key authors to inspire new writing and showcase the unique perspective of Appalachian art. The first-time event will be held in Morehead this August with different workshops and speakers each day.
Amy Le Ann Richardson is a Morehead based author and Vice President of the Appalachian Literary Arts Festival. She said it is important to shine a positive light on the art and people of the region.
“A lot of times, out in the rest of the nation and in the world, Appalachia is very much always given the stereotype of what people see in media,” said Richardson. “So, showcasing that we have a lot of diversity here, that we have a lot of different folks writing books and sharing their lived experience is really important, especially now.”
Organizers said much of Morehead will be involved in the event. Local businesses have come together to celebrate Appalachian literature, with creative experiences at WhimziWorks, art viewing at the Rowan County Arts Center, themed clothes at New Frontier, book inspired craft beers at Sawstone Brewing Company, and live music all weekend long.
Richardson said allowing guests to engage in writing is one of the core focuses of the event. She said each featured author is presenting on different genres.
“There are four workshops available on the Saturday. Bernard Clay will be doing poetry, Gwenda Bond will be doing fiction, Mandi Fugate Sheffel will be doing non-fiction, and Willie Carver will be doing a cross-genre workshop. Each one is an hour long. They will all be doing stuff to help you get started writing something during that hour, so you will leave with the beginnings of things that you can continue working on,” said Richardson.
In addition to workshops, the weekend will allow participants to experience and purchase books from a large collection, all from nearby authors. A community open mic, readings from the Bloodroot Young Writers Collective, and panels with publishers are all available for attendees to enjoy.
Officials said they aim to make the new celebration an annual occurrence in Morehead. Andrew Preston, President of the Festival, said the occasion presents a chance to show visitors what Morehead has to offer.
“We also want to bring people in from outside and say, ‘Look at what all we have here, look at what all we can do here,’ and celebrate the area and the people in it. There is so much about, not just Rowan County, but eastern Kentucky in general that is deserving of showing off and bringing other people in to celebrate it with us,” said Preston.
Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr. is a local author and presenter at the event. He said Appalachian people defy the stereotypes often associated with the area. Carver, author of “All Tore to Pieces” and “Gay Poems for Red States,” said sharing stories is ingrained in Appalachian culture, and helps bring the community together, something he said is needed today more than ever.
“We’re people who realize that important work needs to be done. Making art is part of how we do that. The real work is building up community, is loving one another. I think this festival is going to be absolutely exciting and it’s going to be a real visible example of what that looks like,” said Carver.
Organizers said planning was made easier thanks to the efforts of Morehead Rowan County Tourism and the Rowan County Arts Center. President Andrew Preston adds Morehead already has many annual festivals, and city officials have frameworks in place to make new gatherings like this one successful.
Doug Van Gundy, a writer and musician performing at the event, said he hopes attendees will feel a sense of togetherness.
“Everyone is so approachable. If you come to the festival, you will have a chance to meet and speak with all the musicians and all the writers. You’ll get a chance to see them as people as well as performers,” said Gundy. “Especially nowadays, anything that breaks down barriers between people and celebrates our commonality is a good thing.”
Preston said the weekend is sure to be exciting, and that seeing the community prepare for an occasion like this has been the highlight of his experience so far.
“It’s fantastic partnering with everybody and seeing how excited everyone is. All the different businesses, all the workshop leaders, everybody has just been so excited. That has been more exciting than the festival itself. It’s just brilliant seeing everybody come together and be on the same page,” said Preston.
The first Appalachian Literary Arts Festival at Coffee Tree Books and the Rowan County Arts Center, August 28, 29, and 30. More information can be found on their website.