BIG RAPIDS – John Amen, author of three collections of poetry and two folk rock CDs,
will be visiting the area on Monday (Nov. 22) to discuss his written works and conduct
a pair of readings.
Amen’s visit, the product of a sponsorship team led by Ferris State University’s Department
of Languages and Literature, includes a one-hour book talk session hosted by event
co-sponsor Great Lakes Book and Supply at 4 p.m. A second reading will be hosted by
Artworks at 7:30 p.m. in downtown Big Rapids.
Phillip Sterling, a professor of Languages and Literature, looks forward to Amen’s visit to Big Rapids to discuss his works as part of the Literature in Person Reading Series: Fall into Poetry 2010.
“We’re very fortunate to have him come to Big Rapids. Part of the reason we were able to get him to come here is because he is currently touring the Midwest,” said Sterling, who teaches American Literature, creative writing and composition at Ferris. “We’re looking forward to his poetry readings and we anticipate performances that will be engaging for audiences as we get a chance to see his many talents on display. Having him at Great Lakes and then at Artworks will be a nice opportunity to engage the community during his visit.”
Amen’s poetry has been published in several journals and anthologies, including, most recently, Rattle, The New York Quarterly, The International Poetry Review, Gargoyle, and Blood to Remember. He was the founder and remains editor of the award-winning literary bimonthly, The Pedestal Magazine. Beyond his writing, Amen is an artist working primarily with acrylics on canvas.
“John really is a renaissance man with his wide range of talents,” said Sterling, founder of the Literature in Person Reading Series. “When you think of his poetry, his music, CDs and his artwork, it shows so many different creative talents.”
To learn more about The Pedestal Magazine, visit The Pedestal Magazine
Anyone with questions about Amen’s visit can contact Sterling at (231) 591-5898.