Silent Spring Essay Contest

Fifty years ago, the world was rocked by the publication of a quiet tirade against the chemical industry. Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring exposed the dangers and risks of everyday chemicals and commonplace practices; it launched the modern American environmental movements and also influenced similar movements all over the globe.

In commemoration of fifty years of Silent Spring, the Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society is soliciting essays from junior (age 13-18) and senior (19 and above) scholars which analyze the impact and reception of Silent Spring as well as the legacy of Rachel Carson.

The RCC will be awarding both a junior and senior prize for the most outstanding essays:

· Junior Prize: $1,000 for 1,000 words (or less)

· Senior Prize: $2,000 for 2,000 words (or less)

There is no entry fee. For more info go to:

http://www.carsoncenter.uni-muenchen.de/about_rcc/silentspring_essay/index.html

In a time when most literary journals print far more writing from men than women, Kelli Russell Agodon and Annette Spaulding-Convy are bringing the voices of women to the fore with their just released anthology of women's poetry, Fire On Her Tongue. These aren't just any voices, but voices that burn with urgency, danger, beauty and truth. To learn more, and get your eReader copy, go here: www.twosylviaspress.com

Announcing the 2012 Artsmith Artist Residency Fellows

We're very pleased to announce the fellows for the 2012 Artsmith Garden Party Artist Residency have been selected:

• Lana Hechtman Ayers, poetry
• Nancy Canyon, painting (an example of her work, Alders on Lake Padden, can be seen above)
• Lin McJunkin, glass and metal sculpture
• Katherine Ryan Ross, sketching after Van Gogh
• Shirley Sachiko Kishiyama, Chinese calligraphy and poetry

The artists will be in residence the week of March 18-25, 2012

Improving the economy through art

In one of the country's slowest economic recoveries ever, when most politicians are tightening budgets, why has Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear advocated increasing funds for the arts? In his words, "A thriving creative sector is a powerful economic development tool and community revitalization asset."

Brenda Miller to read November 6

The lyrical and thought-provoking essayist Brenda Miller will read from her breathtaking new collection of essays, Listening Against the Stone, on Sunday, November 6 at 7pm at Kangaroo House Bed & Breakfast on Orcas Island. This latest book explores what Dinty Moore describes as "a captivating account of one woman's evolving and eclectic spiritual path," and Dinah Lenney calls "one of those books you read through in one sitting, then keep close at hand, sustenance for the head and heart." Drop in on November 6 for a little sustenance for your own head and heart, maybe bring a little of your own latest writing to read in the open mic, a forum for local writers to share newly written works before a friendly and receptive crowd.

Rapt

Hello, young golden eagle in the trees in front of our B&B this morning. There are no rabbits or kitty-cats here. Really. You're beautiful, but it's time to move on.

Kakwasi Somadhi kicks off 2011-2012 Salon Series

Fiction and memoir writer Kakwasi Somadhi of Sacramento will be our featured reader Monday, October 3, 2011 at the Artsmith Literary Salon at Kangaroo House Bed & Breakfast on Orcas Island, 7:00 pm. Reading followed by open mic.