Wellspring Literary Series brings poets, performers to Art Reach downtown
Chad Sweeney asks listeners to go on an adventure with him through his poetry.
Sweeney, whose work has been in publication such as Best American Poetry, Black Warrior Review, Verse Magazine and the Denver Quarterly, will be reading from his first book at 7 p.m. Monday night at Art Reach on Broadway, 111 E, Broadway St.
“I enjoy when an audience is ready for adventure, ready to go on a journey with me, and when the experience is shared between all of us,” Sweeney said. “I love an audience, which is willing to participate on an energetic level.”
Sweeney’s presentation is part of the October Wellspring Literary Series event. Mariela Griffor and Russell Thorburn will present with Livonia senior Josh Graham, who will play the marimba.
Griffor is a co-founder of the Institute for Creative Writers at Wayne State University. Her works have appeared in periodicals across Latin America and the U.S.
“I like when an audience listens to what we would like to share with them,” Griffor said. “I love an open mind and everything else that comes with it. The rest is magic.”
She will be reading poems, translations and sharing some publication tips.
The Wellspring Literary Series hosts monthly events with new guests and talents, a great avenue for future writers to explore the works of well-known authors and poets, said Robert Fanning, founder, series facilitator and temporary English faculty member. Students grasp the opportunity to not only listen, but to also share their works in progress to the special guests.
“I’m thrilled by the excitement surrounding the series, the growing audiences, and the momentum the series has built,” Fanning said.
Fanning said he is being contacted by writers and publishers around the state to get involved at Wellspring.
“The secret to the happiness and health of a culture is in bringing people together in a meaningful way, such as this reading series,” Sweeney said.
