NEWS

Harmony of Words and Brass

English Department’s Wellspring Literary Series launches 14th year to a full crowd

Yet another full room of excited attendees gathered at Art Reach of Mid Michigan September 15 for the first reading in this year’s Wellspring Literary Series. This popular series is held four times a year and features prominent Michigan poets reading along with CMU student writers and draws a cross-section of students and community members. These cultural evenings are free and open to all, and also feature performances by musicians and complimentary pizza and breadsticks from Pisanello’s.

Patricia Clark speaks into a microphone while standing at a podium and flipping through pages of her book. — Featured poet Patricia Clark reads from her works during the Wellspring Literary Series at Art Reach of Mid Michigan.

“It was a distinct pleasure for me to return to read in the Wellspring series,” said featured reader Patricia Clark, a prominent Michigan poet and former poet laureate of Grand Rapids. “There's always excitement in the room as the evening's events get underway. The Mt Pleasant/CMU audience is always attentive and enthusiastic. Talking with readers after the event, I was touched by their interest in writing and their enthusiasm for poetry.”

Part of what makes the Wellspring Literary Series special is the rare combination of poetry, music, food, and visual art. Katie Norris, a Ferndale junior and Music Education major who plays the trumpet, spoke on behalf of her band Sassabrass, a brass quintet, that played three short sets at the show.

"It was a very cool experience and opportunity to meet other artists and see other forms of art,” Norris said. “It was our first public gig, and it was a lot of fun!"

Members of the brass quintet Sassabrass play instruments while seated in chairs in a half-circle facing music stands. — Brass quintet Sassabrass performs their first public gig during the Wellspring Literary Series event.

CMU Master’s in Creative Writing candidate Autry Clark opened the evening with a reading of several poems infused with nature, camping, and references to Michigan’s natural beauty. She was deeply moved by the experience of reading in front of family, peers, and community members.

“This is a valuable memory that I will carry for the rest of my life,” Clark said. “I also loved getting to hear the wonderful guest reader, Patricia Clark, read from her new book. Wellspring creates the opportunity for all to enjoy poetry within their community."

Wellspring Literary Series featured student reader Autry Clark stands at a podium while speaking into a microphone and holding a piece of white paper.. — Master’s in Creative Writing candidate Autry Clark reads her poetry during the Wellspring Literary Series event.

“This event was very enjoyable,” said Ian Pinkham, a first year CMU student and Animation major from Minden, Nebraska. “The general vibe was incredibly welcoming, Sassabrass was a great accompaniment, and I think the poetry was stellar and could connect to people.”

Like most who experience their first Wellspring event, Pinkham said he plans to return.

To find out more about the series and see the current schedule, visit the Wellspring Literary Series website. This is just one of many annual offerings in the English Department’s thriving menu of cultural events. Visit the CMU Department of English website to learn more.