FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 19, 2023
For More Information:
Glenville State University
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115
The Little Kanawha Reading Series Presents Poet Matthew Wimberley
The Little Kanawha Reading Series is thrilled to announce a captivating literary event featuring poet Matthew Wimberley. The reading will take place on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. in the Robert F. Kidd Library, situated on the picturesque campus of Glenville State University.
Matthew Wimberley, a native of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has made a profound impact on the world of contemporary poetry with his evocative and thought-provoking work. He is the author of two acclaimed collections of poetry: "Daniel Boone’s Window" (LSU 2020) and "All the Great Territories" (SIU 2020). "Daniel Boone’s Window" was selected for the prestigious Southern Messenger Poetry series and earned him the 2018 Crab Orchard Poetry Series First Book award, along with the Weatherford Award. Wimberley's poetry has been featured in esteemed publications, including the 2016 Best New Poets Anthology and numerous renowned literary journals.
Wimberley's upbringing in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains serves as a wellspring of inspiration for his work. He received his MFA from NYU, where he demonstrated his commitment to the community by working with children at St. Mary’s Hospital as a Starworks Fellow. Currently, he shares his passion for poetry as an educator in western North Carolina.
Daniel Boone’s Window, his acclaimed collection, delves into the past and future of contemporary Appalachia. Through the lens of mythologized and real landscapes, Wimberley's poems address the profound impact of environmental turmoil, economic challenges, and the persistent pressures from the outside world on the region. In a journey that reclaims the rich tapestry of Appalachia, these poems refuse to adhere to monolithic narratives. Instead, they capture both the rugged and the beautiful aspects of the region, inviting readers to wonder and reflect, thus challenging stereotypes and misperceptions.
The Little Kanawha Reading Series serves as a beacon for a diverse range of literary forms and voices. Its mission is to celebrate and enhance the cultural heritage of Appalachia and the communities along the Little Kanawha River. This reading series is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Glenville State University's Department of Language & Literature, Appalachian Studies Program, and the Robert F. Kidd Library.
The event promises to be a unique opportunity for literature enthusiasts, students, and the community to engage with the poetic brilliance of Matthew Wimberley. We encourage all who are interested to join us for this inspiring evening of words and wisdom.
This event is free and open to the public.
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