Things to do in downtown denver9/18/2023 ![]() ![]() “Erika Krouse’s novel and short story workshop taught me practical creative writing tools. Boulderite India Wood has taken seven Lighthouse workshops and seminars to help shape projects including her first paid magazine article, “Going Diagonal” for Colorado Life magazine. Related Articlesīobby LeFebre, Colorado’s outgoing poet laureate, on 4 years of “making magic of the mundane”Īspiring adult wordsmiths are drawn to the menu of workshops. A troop of passionate instructors teach in the Young Writers Program, including Assetou Xango, a community activist born and raised in Colorado who served as poet laureate of Aurora from 2017 to 2019. I felt served,” said Kennedy, who is working on her own life story.Ĭhildren and teenagers who love writing are especially welcomed at Lighthouse, where a large room featuring black-and-purple checkerboard carpeting, a throne-like chair, and an antique wardrobe that leads to a secret book nook are meant to stimulate imaginations. “That teacher was amazing, and I was happy with the mix of other students who contributed in a rich way. Kennedy attended an advanced course with Nadia Owusu, whose memoir “Aftershocks” was on Barack Obama’s favorite books of the year list. Regular teaching programs attract seasoned professionals like Denver Post film and theater critic Lisa Kennedy, who has both taken and taught Lighthouse courses. (Amanda Tipton, provided by Lighthouse Writers Workshop) Some of the guests at the Lighthouse Writers Workshop grand reopening. A novel and a nonfiction book were published in 2022, and a middle-grade novel and a nonfiction book and story collection will be out this year,” noted Lighthouse Marketing and communications manager Alexa Culshaw. “We’ve seen eight of our book project mentees sign book deals with major publishers like Penguin Random House. A cozy salon with a fireplace and numerous west-facing windows with views of downtown Denver, the Front Range, and the neighboring Coca-Cola plant frame the setting that could effectuate the next great American novel, poem, sci-fi thriller, murder mystery or memoir. Accent walls in shades of Jordan almonds are like smooth, candy-coated backdrops for cushy couches and comfy chairs. In the new building, industrial-style metal bookshelves, high ceilings, a kitchen for coffee and catering, event spaces, classrooms with soundproofing and smart TVs are features that the Lighthouse community wanted. This building wouldn’t have happened without the grant,” Dupree allowed.Īrchitect Collin Kemberlin, known for redesigns of Denver Union Station, History Colorado Center and other stylish landmarks, fashioned the newly finished Lighthouse building to complement its red-brick surroundings in the historic York Street Yards complex at 38th and York Street, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and ADA compliance. Those American Rescue Plan funds materialized like manna. Last year, Colorado Creative Industries awarded Lighthouse Writers Workshop $2.4 million to construct an 11,000-square-foot building dedicated to housing the literary arts. The shift to virtual teaching vastly expanded its reach and led to a game-changing grant. With each move, Lighthouse attracted more collaborators and talent until the COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected good fortune. ![]() What began in their living room systematically outgrew more than half a dozen artsy but problematic locations around Denver over the past 25 years. And this year’s festival has coincided with the grand opening of Lighthouse’s shiny new headquarters, ta 3844 York St., on what had been an empty lot in northeast Denver.ĭupree and Henry are in the happily-ever-after days. The event features eight days of writing workshops, seminars, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and celebrations of the written word, both in-person and virtually. Lit Fest, which ends June 16, has become a beacon for thousands of writers of all levels and genres. Not only do they now have a newly-constructed dream space with 15 employees and 1,500 members, but they’ve also built an annual pilgrimage for established and would-be authors. Lighthouse Writers Workshop grew beyond their wildest ambitions and has succeeded in putting the Mile High City on America’s literary map. (Provided by Lighthouse Writers Workshop) Henry at the new Lighthouse Writers Workshop in northeast Denver. Henry shared a vision for creating a welcoming space where writers could feel less solitary and help improve each other’s skills. Once upon a time (1997), a young lit-loving couple named Andrea Dupree and Michael J. Friday, June 23rd 2023 Home Page Close Menu ![]()
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