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Haig-Brown Writer in Residence offers series of programs

An introduction to John Donlan, a memoir workshop and a poetry workshop for youth coming up at the museum
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2016-17 Writer in Residence John Donlan will be offering a series of programs at the museum throughout January and February.

John Donlan, the 2016-2017 Haig-Brown Writer in Residence, has been mentoring local writers since he arrived in November, and now will be offering a series of programs at the museum, as well.

The first of these, “An Afternoon with John Donlan,” will introduce the writer and give the public an opportunity to learn about his background and work. Donlan will do selected readings from his work and be available to answer questions. This program will take place on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and the cost will be $6.

Two weeks later, on Feb. 11, Donlan will host a memoir writing workshop at the museum from 1 to 4 p.m.

“The memoir workshop will focus on individuals’ memories of events that were important to them” explains Donlan. “People will learn how details of what they heard, saw, felt and experienced can make a memory come alive for others.”

The cost of this workshop is $40 per person.

Donlan will then host a poetry workshop for teens on Saturday, Feb. 25.

Donlan has worked with teens in the past and engaging with youth was identified as one of his priorities for this residency.

“Teens have a very strong emotional life, and are searching for meaning and ideals that they can make a part of their lives,” he says.

“A poem is a machine made of words, whose purpose is to convey what the poet is feeling and thinking so that the reader has the same experience. Teens will learn some techniques to share their feelings and aspirations through poetry.”

The museum is offering the teen poetry workshop at no charge, but registration is limited and is on a first come first served basis.

The workshop will be from 1 to 3 p.m. and is open to youth ages 14 to 17.

Please register for the above programs by calling the museum at 250-287-3103, or for more information go to crmuseum.ca