Writers & Artists Night
We celebrate original writing and artwork throughout the evening with readings, art presentations, awards and music. And for anyone who thinks art events are quiet, stuffy things where you have to dress up and be quiet… well, you haven’t been to a SOTO Night. We know how to have fun. We know how to treat each other like family — yeah, we’re probably dysfunctional too, but at least we know to put the FUN in dysfunction, so come on out! We’re gonna have so much fun, you’re bound to as well.
Come on out to the Vintage Paris Coffee Shop Courtyard (website here), grab some coffee, wine, beer and maybe a hand-made pastry (or two), and pull up a chair. We’ll have plenty of folding chairs, but you’re welcome to bring a camp chair if you like. Check out the roster (on this page) so you get an idea of what’s planned. Just remember, we reserve the right to change things up as needed.
Where did we get all these awesome artists and can you be involved? You just might be asking yourself that. If you aren’t, don’t tell me. But if you are asking yourself that, well here’s the answers —
During the month of April, I put out a feverish call for writers (using the StateoftheOzarks Weekly email list). If you are not on the list, then please do so. If you are already on the email list and aren’t reading the issues, well, I can’t help you! After a month assembling some truly great works, we closed the entry acceptance.
Then I put out a call for artists (also using the StateoftheOzarks Weekly mailing list and yes, you do need to be on that list, see box also on this page). Those artists who responded, I sent a writer’s entry. The artist was encourage to create original artwork inspired in some way by the writer. The artists then had six weeks to complete their work (with the art deadline being June 12).
Oh, and the entry fee per piece was $13.
And now, after all that preparation, we have arrived! We hope you can make it out!
— Joshua Heston, editor-in-chieftain
And the winner is…
StateoftheOzarks gift bags will be awarded in the following categories:
- Top Artist
- Top Writer
- Top Collaboration (writer and artist)
- Best Presentation
Gift bags include: handmade goat milk soap courtesy of Windwood Farms & Mike Malas, original carved spoon courtesy of Swan Creek Crafts & Mike Weber, gift card courtesy of Vintage Paris, Ghirardelli chocolate courtesy of StateoftheOzarks.
Judging Panel:
- Joshua Heston, editor-in-chieftain
- Dale Grubaugh, publisher
- Gideon Pellegrino, writer
- Teresa Pellegrino, artist
SOTO Book Signing 9:30PM (about)
Own a piece of StateoftheOzarks! Plus, the book is easier to take home with you than I am (I eat a lot). Get your signed copy before, during or after the event! Cost is only $40.
“In his work, we can see, hear, feel, and taste the lifestyles, landscapes, menus, and music of this vast region of the South. We get a clear portrayal of the people here, who are as independent as they are diverse, as free as they are careful in their roam of this land they call home. Read up. Gas up. Gear up. In these pages, you’ve just found your next decade of road trips!” — Casey L. Penn
In case of inclement weather —
If the weather is spotty thunderstorms, we’ll forge ahead on the courtyard.
If the weather is not-so-spotty thunderstorms, we’ll crowd inside and the show will go on.
If the weather is an all-out 12-hour monsoon, we’ll reschedule for 7PM, Saturday, July 8.
— Writers & Artists Roster —
Please check to see when your favorite writer or artist will be presenting. We begin promptly at 7PM. We will conclude when the awards are given out.
— Rather than an intermission, we encourage guests to make yourselves comfortable and get coffee while the event is going on (novel, I know) —
Writer: T’iana Sage, The Skeletal Princess
Artist: Kaitlynn Robinson
Writer: Kaitlynn Robinson, The Bard’s Tale
Artist: Jennifer Beach
Writer: Dave Loftin, Lick Branch Road
Artist: Mary Arneson
Writer: Crystal Copeland, Revitalize
Artist: Curtis Copeland
Writer: Michelle Waters, River’s Arising
Writer: Pat Craig, Long Gone Traditions… and Geese
Artist: Curtis Copeland
Writer: Medda Beam, Feast of Wings
Artist: James Shipley
Writer: Keith Scales, House of a Hundred Rooms
Artist: Kenny Portz
— Rather than an intermission, we encourage guests to make yourselves comfortable and get coffee while the event is going on (novel, I know) —
Writer: Dave Loftin, Billy Goat
Artist: Mary Evelyn Tucker
Writer: Noah Bray, The Hospital
Writer: Edwin Woolsey, Remembrance – I Am the Land Lying ‘Twixt the Hills
Writer: Wyatt Jacobsmeyer, My Own Neverland
Artist: Barb Pozek
Writer: Medda Beam, Baal-Perazim
Artist: Christine Riutzel
Writer: Rawny Williams, Engulfed
Artist: Michaela Kershaw
Writer: Abby Rastorfer, The Moon Lady
Artist: Steffie Blevins
And now we will introduce our winners…
(You have to be here in person for that part)
