An appreciative crowd gathered in HC L-3 on Friday afternoon to celebrate the passing of the Writer-in-Residence torch from Tim Bowling (2010-11) to Richard Van Camp, our current resident writer. Tim kicked off the event by reading from work on Buster Keaton and the silent film era, which he wrote during his U of A tenure. He then gave the audience a tantalizing preview of his newest poetry collection, Tenderman, which will be launched at Audrey's Books on November 17, 2011, at 7 p.m. Richard dedicated his portion of the reading to the memory of Robert Kroetsch, and drew us all along with some of his famous "gossip" (Kroetsch would have approved). Our 36th Writer-in-Residence then proceeded with a wonderful performance of "Show Me Yours" from his recent short story collection, The Moon of Letting Go.
After a joint discussion period with our double-billed authors, everyone moved upstairs to the EFS foyer to enjoy conversation, food and toasts at the wine and cheese reception so beautifully set up for us in advance by department support staff. Thomas Wharton passed his test as bar-tender with flying colors, and Jess Legacy almost looked imposing with her security badge. No rowdiness erupted, in any event. Even the tableclothes stayed clean this time. Thank you to all who attended this inaugural public event, and to who all who helped make it happen.
- Christine Wiesenthal, Chair, Writer-in-Residence and Visiting Readers Committee
For more information about Richard Van Camp and the Writer-in-Residence Program, please see: Writer-in-Residence Profile.