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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250303T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250303T200000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20250127T190914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T203008Z
UID:10010606-1741024800-1741032000@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Art Write Now at Christian Petersen Art Museum
DESCRIPTION:March 3\, 2025\, 6pm – 8pm at the Christian Petersen Museum\, 1017 Morrill Hall \nArt Write Now with the Ames Writers Collective and Christian Petersen Art Museum.\n“Art Write Now” invites writers of all levels to showcase the powerful connection between visual art and creative writing. Participants will explore how art can serve as a writing prompt\, evoking emotion\, triggering memories\, and sparking conversation. \nThe program will begin with a guided tour of the museum’s exhibitions\, led by curator Alison Ranniger Van Zante. \nSee more.
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/art-write-now-at-christian-petersen-art-museum/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/unnamed.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250228T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250228T210000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20250107T212102Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250217T164319Z
UID:10010603-1740769200-1740776400@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Iowa Poetry Association Poetry Slam - Ames Qualifier
DESCRIPTION:The 2025 IPA Poetry Slam Season is upon us! We are hosting a series of four qualifying poetry slams across the state in search of our 2025 IPA Poetry Slam Champion. The top three poets from each qualifier will automatically advance to the IPA Poetry Slam Finals to be held on April 5\, 2024 as part of Poetry Palooza! The winner of the IPA Poetry Slam Finals will be named the 2025 Iowa Champion and earn an IPA-sponsored spot in the 2025 BlackBerry Peach National Poetry Slam. This year’s national slam will be held in Albuquerque\, New Mexico on July 23-26\, 2025.\nFind a qualifying slam near you and save the date! Find the full slam rules and registration details at iowapoetry.com/slam.htm\n\n\n\nIf you didn’t register\, no worries! Come on out to cheer on the poets\, enjoy poetry\, and/or volunteer to judge! All are welcome!\n\n\nFor questions\, please contact Kelsey Bigelow at kelsey@kelkaybpoetry.com
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/iowa-poetry-association-poetry-slam-ames-qualifier/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Rescheduled-IPA-Poetry-Slam-2025-Season_Ames_New-Date.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250209T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250209T160000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20240901T193034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240901T194225Z
UID:10010275-1739109600-1739116800@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:2nd Sunday Swift Youth Writers Groups
DESCRIPTION:Join us on February 9th for the 2nd Sunday Swift Youth Writers Group held from 2 to 4 PM at the Ames Public Library. We are scheduled to meet in the P.E.O. room\, but check monitors incase the location changes.\n\nWe supply notebooks\, pens and other materials to prompt and inspire stories. This Sunday\, Ana McCracken will lead the Swift Youth Writers group. She looks forward to writing with those of you who can join her.\n\n\n\nSwift Youth Writers Groups are an Ames Writers Collective FREE community outreach program held in partnership with the Ames Public Library. The Ames Writers Collective community outreach programs are funded by grants and generous donors.\n\nJoin us! Happy Writing!
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/2nd-sunday-swift-youth-writers-groups-6/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_3811-rotated.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Ames Writers Collective in Partnership with Ames Public Library":MAILTO:info@ameswriterscollective.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250112T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250112T160000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20240901T192832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240901T194309Z
UID:10010274-1736690400-1736697600@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:2nd Sunday Swift Youth Writers Groups
DESCRIPTION:Join us on January 12th for the 2nd Sunday Swift Youth Writers Group held from 2 to 4 PM at the Ames Public Library. We are scheduled to meet in the P.E.O. room\, but check monitors incase the location changes.\n\nWe supply notebooks\, pens and other materials to prompt and inspire stories. This Sunday\, Ana McCracken will lead the Swift Youth Writers group. She looks forward to writing with those of you who can join her.\n\n\n\nSwift Youth Writers Groups are an Ames Writers Collective FREE community outreach program held in partnership with the Ames Public Library. The Ames Writers Collective community outreach programs are funded by grants and generous donors.\n\nJoin us! Happy Writing!
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/2nd-sunday-swift-youth-writers-groups-5/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_3820.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Ames Writers Collective in Partnership with Ames Public Library":MAILTO:info@ameswriterscollective.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241208T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241208T160000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20240901T192250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241204T024720Z
UID:10010273-1733666400-1733673600@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:CANCELED | 2nd Sunday Swift Youth Writers Groups
DESCRIPTION:CANCELED | CANCELED | CANCELED \nJoin us again\, \non January 12th (the 2nd Sunday in January) from\n2 to 4 PM in the PEO Room at\nthe Ames Public Library
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/2nd-sunday-swift-youth-writers-groups-4/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_3819-scaled.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Ames Writers Collective in Partnership with Ames Public Library":MAILTO:info@ameswriterscollective.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241119T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241119T200000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20241030T154727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241110T030556Z
UID:10010296-1732039200-1732046400@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Gathering of Artists
DESCRIPTION:Join the Ames Community Art Council and the Ames Writers Collective on November 19 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm for the monthly Gathering of Artists event. This event will be the first in a series of soft opening events for Fifth Street\, our new writers co-working space in downtown Ames. Meet with other writers and our director Ana Hays McCracken to explore the space as it’s open for the first time. Learn about the Fifth Street Writers community and how to become involved!
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/gathering-of-artists/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241110T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241110T160000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20240901T191632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241122T152210Z
UID:10010271-1731247200-1731254400@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:2nd Sunday Swift Youth Writers Groups
DESCRIPTION:Join on  November 10th for the 2nd Sunday Swift Youth Writers Group held from 2 to 4 PM at the Ames Public Library. We are scheduled to meet in the P.E.O. room\, but check monitors incase the location changes.\n\nWe supply notebooks\, pens and other materials to prompt and inspire stories. This Sunday\, Ana McCracken will lead the Swift Youth Writers group. She looks forward to writing with those of you who can join her.\n\n\n\nSwift Youth Writers Groups are an Ames Writers Collective FREE community outreach program held in partnership with the Ames Public Library. The Ames Writers Collective community outreach programs are funded by grants and generous donors.\n\nJoin us! Happy Writing!
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/2nd-sunday-swift-youth-writers-groups-3/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_3803.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Ames Writers Collective in Partnership with Ames Public Library":MAILTO:info@ameswriterscollective.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241030T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241030T163000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20240901T202619Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240901T202619Z
UID:10010288-1730300400-1730305800@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Where We Live & My Ántonia—Connecting People and Place
DESCRIPTION:This program is for OLLI-ISU members. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers: Rachel Olsen and Ana McCracken\nWednesday\, Oct. 30\, 2024 3 – 4:30 p.m. CT Online with Zoom \n\n\n\nFew books pack as much genuine life into their pages as the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read\, My Ántonia—the classic novel of the American immigrant experience that pairs a sense of place with a compassionate and gripping narrative. Following a lecture\, Rachel Olsen will lead the audience in conversation to discuss how community and place shape lives. Participants are not required to read My Án- tonia. This lecture is part of the Cather Sesquicentennial year celebrating Cather’s 150th year. \nRachel Olsen is the Director of Education and Engagement at the National Willa Cather Center located in Red Cloud\, Nebraska. Olsen has a master’s degree in English from Kansas State University with a certificate in Women’s Studies and was a full-time faculty member and writing center director at Oklahoma City Community College before moving to Red Cloud. \nAna McCracken\, founder of the Ames Writers Collective\, received her MFA in Creative Writing from Iowa State University. Her writing and poetry are published in literary journals and anthologies. A certified Amherst Writers & Artists facilitator\, she serves on Litquake’s advisory board and the Willa Cather Foundation board of governors.
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/where-we-live-my-antonia-connecting-people-and-place/
LOCATION:On Zoom
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Willa-Cather-Program.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241012T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241012T160000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20240831T160305Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240901T194546Z
UID:10010262-1728741600-1728748800@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:2nd Sunday Swift Youth Writers Groups
DESCRIPTION:Join us on October 12th for the 2nd Sunday Swift Youth Writers Group held from 2 to 4 PM at the Ames Public Library. We are scheduled to meet in the P.E.O. room\, but check monitors incase the location changes.\n\nWe supply notebooks\, pens and other materials to prompt and inspire stories. This Sunday\, Claire Kruesel will lead the Swift Youth Writers group. She looks forward to writing with those of you who can join her.\n\n\n\nSwift Youth Writers Groups are an Ames Writers Collective FREE community outreach program held in partnership with the Ames Public Library. The Ames Writers Collective community outreach programs are funded by grants and generous donors.\n\nJoin us! Happy Writing!
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/2nd-sunday-swift-youth-writers-groups-2/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_3790-1.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Ames Writers Collective in Partnership with Ames Public Library":MAILTO:info@ameswriterscollective.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240922T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240922T160000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20240423T214452Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240423T214807Z
UID:10010254-1726999200-1727020800@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Swift Literary Festival—Pop-Up Event
DESCRIPTION:Join the Ames Writers Collective at our\n2nd Annual Swift Literary Festival\nat the Octagon Art Festival\nSunday\, September 22nd from 10 to 4 PM \n2024 Contributors to the Swift Literary Festival Community Story\nUnder our tent located in front of 409 Douglas Avenue\, we will feature local authors. If you would like to be a featured author\, click here to email us. \nLOCAL AUTHORS TBD \n10 to 11:30 \n11:30 to 1 \n1 to 2:30 \n2:30 to 4 \nALL DAY \n\nWriting-prompt free-writes\nA chance to contribute to our Community Story\n\n 
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/swift-literary-festival-pop-up-event-3/
LOCATION:Octagon Art Festival\, 409 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Open Mic,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_5143-scaled.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Ames Writers Collective":MAILTO:ana@ameswriterscollective.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240914T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240914T160000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20240423T212507Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240522T153810Z
UID:10010253-1726322400-1726329600@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Words Meet Art at Arts As Alchemy Forgetting to Remember Pieces of Me
DESCRIPTION:Join Ames Writers Collective Founder\, Ana McCracken for an evening of Words Meet Art held in partnership with “Arts As Alchemy Forgetting to Remember Pieces of Me” a collage exhibit titled\, “Pieces of Me” by of artist\, author\, and musician\, Deb Kline. \nThese events will be held in the Gallery in the Round located at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames. \nWords Meet Art is a literary arts event celebrating the intersection of words and art\, which is referred to as ekphrastic response. Ekphrastic work combines vivid description by a writer of a piece of art\, essentially representing a “painting in words.” During this evening’s event\, writers may write prose\, memoir or poetry in response to the collages featured in the exhibit\, “Pieces of Me.” \n 
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/words-meet-art-at-arts-as-alchemy-forgetting-to-remember-pieces-of-me/
LOCATION:Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames\, 1015 N. Hyland\, Ames\, IA\, 50010
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AaA_Sept_Workshop_Flyer.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240913T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240913T203000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20240423T211619Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240522T153636Z
UID:10010252-1726252200-1726259400@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Words Meet Art at Arts As Alchemy Forgetting to Remember Pieces of Me
DESCRIPTION:Join Ames Writers Collective Founder\, Ana McCracken for an evening of Words Meet Art held in partnership with “Arts As Alchemy Forgetting to Remember Pieces of Me” a collage exhibit titled\, “Pieces of Me” by of artist\, author\, and musician\, Deb Kline. \nThese events will be held in the Gallery in the Round located at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames. \nWords Meet Art is a literary arts event celebrating the intersection of words and art\, which is referred to as ekphrastic response. Ekphrastic work combines vivid description by a writer of a piece of art\, essentially representing a “painting in words.” During this evening’s event\, writers may write prose\, memoir or poetry in response to the collages featured in the exhibit\, “Pieces of Me.” \n 
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/words-meet-art-at-arts-as-alchemy/
LOCATION:Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames\, 1015 N. Hyland\, Ames\, IA\, 50010
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AaA_Sept_Workshop_Flyer.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240908T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240908T160000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20240831T155442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240901T194709Z
UID:10010261-1725804000-1725811200@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:2nd Sunday Swift Youth Writers Groups
DESCRIPTION:It’s almost Fall and the start of the new school year\, which means the 2nd Sunday Swift Youth Writers Groups are starting up again.\n\nOn Sunday\, September 8th\, Linea King kicks off the Swift Youth Writers groups series. She looks forward to writing with those of you who can join her from 2 to 4 PM at the Ames Public Library. We are scheduled to meet in the P.E.O. room\, but check monitors incase the location changes.\n\nWe supply notebooks\, pens and other materials to prompt and inspire stories. You can learn about Linea and her writing philosophy by clicking here.\n\n\nSwift Youth Writers Groups are an Ames Writers Collective FREE community outreach program held in partnership with the Ames Public Library. The Ames Writers Collective community outreach programs are funded by grants and generous donors.\n\nJoin us! Happy Writing!
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/2nd-sunday-swift-youth-writers-groups/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_3799.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Ames Writers Collective in Partnership with Ames Public Library":MAILTO:info@ameswriterscollective.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240602T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240602T150000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20240425T131833Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240425T132700Z
UID:10010255-1717333200-1717340400@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Ames Writers Collective & William R. Bliss Cancer Center Survivorship Day 2024
DESCRIPTION:Join Ana McCracken\, founder of the Ames Writers Collective & the William R. Bliss Cancer Center for Survivorship Day 2024 \nComplimentary admission is included for this event.\nRefreshments & FUN!Becca the Balloon LadyFriend’s Flowers Bouquet Building (while supplies last)Ames Writers Collective: Pop-Up Writing Through Cancer Session \nWho is a Cancer Survivor? The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation defines SURVIVOR as anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life. \nRSVP for the event\, including family/friends at www.blisscancercenter.org/survivor. \n\n#ameswriterscollective #blisscancercenter #writingthroughcancercircles#writingcirclewednesdays \nSee less
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/5642/
LOCATION:Reiman Gardens\, 1407 University Blvd\, Ames\, IA\, 50014\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Instagram-Size.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240228T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240228T200000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20230823T022709Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240228T152505Z
UID:10010213-1709146800-1709150400@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Celebrating Willa Cather 150 - Wednesday\, Feb 28
DESCRIPTION:Produced in association with the National Willa Cather Center\, the Ames Writers Collective and the Ames Public Library will host a sesquicentennial celebration of Willa Cather\, one of the most significant and treasured American writers of the 20th century. Cather crystallized the spirit of the American West with a singular voice in her body of poems\, essays\, short stories\, and the critically acclaimed novels One of Ours\, O Pioneers!\, The Song of the Lark\, and My Ántonia. \nFeaturing Rachel Olsen\, Director of Education & Engagement at the National Willa Cather Center\, Olsen will discuss the importance of Cather’s work in today’s world. Additionally\, Olsen and Ana McCracken\, founder of the Ames Writers Collective\, will read excerpts from Cather’s books and short stories to reacquaint Cather enthusiasts and introduce new readers to Cather’s body of work. \nBirthday goodies will be served as well as a book drawing. Willa Cather’s 150th birthday was celebrated on December 7th\, 2023. \nFor more information about the National Willa Cather Center located in Red Cloud\, NE\, visit their website here. \nAbout Rachel Olsen\, Director of Education & Engagement \nRachel Olsen joined the Willa Cather Foundation as a tour guide in October 2017 and has since worked in a variety of educational roles before becoming the Director of Education and Engagement in 2022. A former college English teacher\, she enjoys developing activities and content designed to preserve Cather’s rich literary history. \nIn addition to supervising a team of programming and visitor services staff\, Rachel organizes the Teacher Institute and Author Series programs\, oversees Opera House seasons of events\, plans conferences and seminars\, and fosters relationships with educators from area schools\, colleges\, and universities. Rachel has a Master’s degree in English from Kansas State University with a certificate in Women’s Studies and was a full-time faculty member and writing center director at Oklahoma City Community College before moving to Red Cloud. When she is not getting to know visitors or working on educator resources\, Rachel serves on The Valley Child Development Center Board of Directors as secretary. Rachel loves cooking and going to the movies\, but she is happiest spending time with her husband and daughter. \n\nThank you\, Ames Public Library\nfor partnering with the Ames Writers Collective.
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/celebrating-cather-150/
LOCATION:Ames Public Library\, 515 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Copy-of-Willa-Cather-150-Years.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Ames Writers Collective":MAILTO:ana@ameswriterscollective.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240208T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240208T210000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20231107T061428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240205T024022Z
UID:10010215-1707418800-1707426000@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Youth Poetry Contest Winners at The Langston Hughes Project
DESCRIPTION:Four Swift Youth Writers poets were chosen from a “blind read” contest after attending three poetry writing workshops led by Caleb “The Negro” Poet Rainey in January. The poetry contest winner’s poems will have original score written to them by Dr. Ron McCurdy\, who is the composer of the Langston Hughes Project. To kick off the performance at Stephens Auditorium on February 8th at 7 PM\, Rainey will perform the selected poems\, accompanied by Dr. McCurdy’s music. \nAdela Solano Osmundson\, Vienna Rossmanith\, Sophia Driest & Nora Nobushawo\n\nARTIST BIOS \nDr. Ron McCurdy\,  is a Professor of Music in the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California\, where he served as chair of the jazz department for 6 years. Dr. McCurdy is a consultant to the Grammy Foundation educational programs including serving as director of the National Grammy Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Guest artists he has worked with include Joe Williams\, Rosemary Clooney\, Leslie Uggams\, Arturo Sandoval\, Diane Schuur\, Ramsey Lewis\, Mercer Ellington\, Dr. Billy Taylor\, Maynard Ferguson\, Lionel Hampton\, and Dianne Reeves. \nCaleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey is an author\, performer\, and producer. He hails from Columbia\, Missouri\, and holds a B.A. in English (Creative Writing) from the University of Iowa. His debut book\, Look\, Black Boy\, became Amazon’s #1 new release in African American poetry\, and was awarded first prize in the North Street Book Prize. His second book\, Heart Notes was published in 2019 and featured on Iowa Public Radio. He released two spoken word albums\, a studio version of Look\, Black Boy\, and a performance album titled\, Heart Notes Live! He co-founded the literary magazine Black Art; Real Stories\, was published in Iowa’s Best Emerging Poets – 2019\, the Little Village Magazine\, and wrote a monthly column for The Real Mainstream. For three years in a row he was named Best Poet/Spoken Word Performer in Cedar Rapids & Iowa City. \nTHE AMES WRITERS COLLECTIVE\nthanks the following organizations for their support: \n \n \n \n\n 
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/youth-workshops-concert-the-langston-hughes-project/
LOCATION:Stephens Auditorium\, 1900 Center Drive\, Ames\, Iowa\, 50011
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_0709.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Ames Writers Collective in Partnership with Stephens Auditorium":MAILTO:ana@ameswriterscollective.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20231113T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20231113T140000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20231107T061957Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231107T062403Z
UID:10010216-1699882200-1699884000@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Building Community through the Art of Writing
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/building-community-through-the-art-of-writing/
LOCATION:Bethesda Fellowship Hall\, 1517 Northwestern Ave\, Ames\, IA\, 50010
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230924T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230924T160000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20230819T211718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230921T130409Z
UID:10010212-1695549600-1695571200@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Swift Literary Festival—Pop-Up Event
DESCRIPTION:Join the Ames Writers Collective at our\n2nd Annual Swift Literary Festival\nat the Octagon Art Festival\nSunday\, September 24th from 10 to 4 PM \nUnder our tent located in front of 409 Douglas Avenue\, we will feature the following: \nLOCAL AUTHORS \n10 to 11:30\nBi Ayers\nTom Geraty\nJackie Haley \n11:30 to 1\nHallie Baur\nStephanie (S.L.) Hansen\nPamela Riney-Kehrberg\nMoriah Rose \n1 to 2:30\nPaul Brooke\nDennis Maulsby\nClara McKenna \n2:30 to 4\nJoe Geha\nPattie and Kevin Kimle\nDeb Kline \n\nWriting-prompt free-writes\nA chance to contribute to our Community Story\nA contributor to last year’s Community Story!\n\n 
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/swift-literary-festival-pop-up-event/
LOCATION:Octagon Art Festival\, 409 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Open Mic,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Photo-Banner.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Ames Writers Collective":MAILTO:ana@ameswriterscollective.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230406T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230408T133000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20230407T075150Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230407T075150Z
UID:10010182-1680807600-1680960600@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Ames Writers Collective Founder @ Poetry Palooza!
DESCRIPTION:April is National Poetry Month. For the first time in nearly 20 years\, Poetry& of Greater Des Moines is hosting Poetry Palooza! – an epic celebration of poetry and poets April 6-8\, 2023. All events are FREE. \nPoetry Palooza! launches Thursday evening at Franklin Jr High Event Center auditorium (4801 Franklin Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA) with the IPA Poetry Slam Final Stage. Top poets from earlier qualifying rounds will compete for the title of State Champion and the opportunity to represent Iowa at a national slam event in June. Akwi Nji will serve as the slam’s featured poet. \nFriday and Saturday are filled with workshops and open mics at Mainframe Studios\, and Poetry Palooza! concludes with a panel discussion at NOON on Saturday featuring moderator\, Debra Marquart and panelists that include Ana McCracken\, founder of the Ames Writers Collective. Click here for more information and to RSVP for the FREE events.
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/ames-writers-collective-founder-poetry-palooza/
LOCATION:Mainframe Studios\, 900 Keosauqua Way\, Des Moines\, 50309\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Poetry-Palooza_final2.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230402T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230402T160000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20230407T074145Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230407T074145Z
UID:10010181-1680444000-1680451200@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Part II—Public Reading | Words Meet Art & Harriet Bart: Material Alchemy
DESCRIPTION:Writers who participated in Words Meet Art Part 1 will present their flash fiction\, poems\, creative nonfiction\, a monologue\, and/or perform music in response to the exhibition Harriet Bart: Material Alchemy in the Christian Petersen Art Museum. \nRegistration is not required to attend the reading. Writers participating in the reading will sign up during Part 1. \nWords meet Art is an outreach of the Ames Writers Collective.
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/part-ii-public-reading-words-meet-art-harriet-bart-material-alchemy/
LOCATION:Christian Petersen Art Museum\, 603 Morrill Road\, Ames\, IA\, 50011\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Words-Meet-Art-social-landscape-1024x537-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230401T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230401T123000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20230407T073732Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230407T073732Z
UID:10010180-1680343200-1680352200@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Part 1—Words Meet Art & Harriet Bart: Material Alchemy
DESCRIPTION:Part 1: Words Meet Art\, an outreach program of the Ames Writers Collective\, is a literary arts event demonstrating through words how art\, used as a writing prompt\, can invoke feelings\, trigger memories\, and inspire conversations across divides and demographics. For inspiration\, writers will interact with the Harriet Bart exhibition at the Christian Petersen Art Museum to compose and publicly read poems\, flash fiction or creative nonfiction\, and/or perform monologues or music. \nFor this first session (two time and date options) of Words Meet Art\, participants will receive a guided tour of Harriet Bart: Material Alchemy to educate and inspire creativity led by Sydney Marshall\, Curator\, University Museums\, Iowa State University. An introduction to “writing to writing prompts” will follow\, with writing sessions to connect writers to the exhibition. This session will be led by Ana McCracken\, founder of the Ames Writers Collective\, and/or an Iowa State University MFA in Creative Writing and Environment Program candidate. \nParticipants may bring their own drink and snacks for breaks. Refreshments are not provided. These events are free\, but registration is required. To register\, click here.
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/part-1-words-meet-art-harriet-bart-material-alchemy-2/
LOCATION:Christian Petersen Art Museum\, 603 Morrill Road\, Ames\, IA\, 50011\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Words-Meet-Art-social-landscape-1024x537-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230330T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230330T203000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20230407T073257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230407T073257Z
UID:10010179-1680199200-1680208200@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Part 1—Words Meet Art & Harriet Bart: Material Alchemy
DESCRIPTION:Part 1: Words Meet Art\, an outreach program of the Ames Writers Collective\, is a literary arts event demonstrating through words how art\, used as a writing prompt\, can invoke feelings\, trigger memories\, and inspire conversations across divides and demographics. For inspiration\, writers will interact with the Harriet Bart exhibition at the Christian Petersen Art Museum to compose and publicly read poems\, flash fiction or creative nonfiction\, and/or perform monologues or music. \nFor this first session (two time and date options) of Words Meet Art\, participants will receive a guided tour of Harriet Bart: Material Alchemy to educate and inspire creativity led by Sydney Marshall\, Curator\, University Museums\, Iowa State University. An introduction to “writing to writing prompts” will follow\, with writing sessions to connect writers to the exhibition. This session will be led by Ana McCracken\, founder of the Ames Writers Collective\, and/or an Iowa State University MFA in Creative Writing and Environment Program candidate. \nParticipants may bring their own drink and snacks for breaks. Refreshments are not provided. These events are free\, but registration is required. To register\, click here.
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/part-1-words-meet-art-harriet-bart-material-alchemy/
LOCATION:Christian Petersen Art Museum\, 603 Morrill Road\, Ames\, IA\, 50011\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230307T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230307T193000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20221208T092106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230303T011744Z
UID:10005651-1678213800-1678217400@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Author Spotlight | Kris Abel-Helwig
DESCRIPTION:Come meet Kris Abel-Helwig at the Ames Public Library. She will talk about her new young adult release and last book in her Hero Series trilogy.
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/author-spotlight-kris-abel-helwig/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/KrisCroppedByline.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230107T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230107T153000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061245
CREATED:20221208T085133Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230302T120426Z
UID:10010092-1673096400-1673105400@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Writing Through Cancer Meets [UNTITLED]: how a breast cancer survivor learned to say goodbye to her boobs
DESCRIPTION:Bring your notebook and pen\, and invite your muse to write to writing prompts inspired by the Octagon exhibit\, [UNTITLED]: how a breast cancer survivor learned to say goodbye to her boobs. \nAfter introductions and creating a safe space\, we will write together for timed intervals. After each session of writing\, participants will have the opportunity to read their stories to the group\, which is healing on many levels\, and a self-care surprise. \nThis afternoon of writing is led by Ana McCracken\, founder of the Ames Writers Collective. For the past year\, Ana has led virtual Writing Circle Wednesdays for the William R. Bliss Cancer Resource Center. Writing Through Cancer Writing Circles are inspired by the Amherst Writers & Artists method\, which believes that everyone is a writer. \nRSVPs for this free event are not required\, but preferred. Please email Ana McCracken for questions and to RSVP. \nVisit the Octagon Center for the Arts for more information about all the events for [UNTITLED]: how a breast cancer survivor learned to say goodbye to her boobs. \nQuotes from Writing Circle Wednesday Participants:  \n“I’ve come to regard Writing Circle Wednesdays as an integral part of my cancer treatment. As much as I appreciate the efforts of my medical team and support from family and friends\, I still feel an “aloneness” in this journey. Writing Circle Wednesdays has proved a convenient opportunity to air my worries\, concerns\, hopes and fears that only another cancer patient can truly fathom. It is a safe space to share insights\, tears\, and laughter.” —NJ \n“This has helped with chemo brain SO MUCH.” —KG \n“Living with cancer is a lonely journey. Only those who have been or are on that same journey truly understand the emotions\, fears and challenges we face each day. I was hoping to gain some insight into how others coped with their diagnosis. I not only gained that\, but also came to understand more fully my own reactions to my personal cancer story. This was a valuable experience for me. I don’t feel quite as alone as I did.” —PP
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/writing-through-cancer-meets-untitled-how-a-breast-cancer-survivor-learned-to-say-goodbye-to-her-boobs/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221209T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221209T203000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061246
CREATED:20221202T084205Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230406T031837Z
UID:10010099-1670612400-1670617800@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Beth M. Howard in Conversation - Author Spotlight
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an Author Spotlight live and in person at KHOI Radio! \nDate: December 9\, 2022\nTime: 7pm\nLocation: KHOI Radio\, 622 Douglas Ave\, Ames \n“Pie is meant for sharing. Pie connects people. Pie knows no cultural or political boundaries. Pie Makes people happy. And happy people make the world a better place. That’s why the world needs more pie.” \nLearn more about Beth M. Howard
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/beth-m-howard-in-conversation-author-spotlight/
CATEGORIES:Author Talks,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BethHoward-Author-Headshot_lowres-624x830-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221001T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221001T210000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061246
CREATED:20230407T083056Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230407T083056Z
UID:10010187-1664647200-1664658000@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Music & Conversation Between Friends
DESCRIPTION:To celebrate our 1st anniversary\,\njoin the Ames Writers Collective for a celebratory evening featuring \nauthors Tom Montgomery Fate and John T. Price\nand poet and vocalist\, Debra Marquart and The Bone People. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCake and light refreshments will be served with a cash bar.\nAuthor signing. Books available for purchase onsite from Dog-Eared Books. \n\n\n\n\nTime: 6 to 9 PM\nWhere: The Goldfinch Room at Stephens Auditorium\nPrice: $75 per table of four (4)\, and $20 for general admission.\nTickets available at the door depending upon availability. \nTicket sales support Ames Writers Collective outreach programs\nsuch as The Swift Youth Writers Workshop\, Writing Through Cancer\,\nand need-based scholarships. Sponsorship opportunities are available by reaching out to\nfounder\, Ana McCracken or by visiting: www.ameswriterscollective.org/sponsor. \n \nKHOI Radio | Thistlewood Foundation\nHolly & Don Beermann \n\nABOUT THE ENTERTAINMENT \nAUTHORS \nTom Montgomery Fate is the author of six books of creative nonfiction\, including The Long Way Home: Detours and Discoveries\, a travel memoir\, Cabin Fever\, a nature memoir and Steady and Trembling\, a spiritual memoir. A regular contributor to the Chicago Tribune\, his essays have appeared in theBoston Globe\, Orion\, The Iowa Review\, and many others. Dozens of his essays have also aired on NPR and Chicago Public Radio. \nJohn T. Price is the award-winning author of four books of creative nonfiction\, including Man Killed by Pheasant and Other Kinships and All is Leaf: Essays and Transformations\, and editor of The Tallgrass Prairie Reader. He is the Regents/Foundation Distinguished Professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha\, where he directs the English Department’s Creative Nonfiction Writing Program. He lives with his family in the Loess Hills of western Iowa. \nMUSIC\n\nDebra Marquart and The Bone People—In The Bone People\, jazz-poet Debra Marquart and her collaborators\, Peter Manesis (guitar) and Anthony Stevens (percussion)\, fuse elements of rock\, jazz\, and rhythm & blues with poetry. In live performances\, The Bone People move from storytelling to poetry to song\, drawing connections between different genres and art forms to create a sound that blends the lyricism of poetry with the power of acoustic and electric music.
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/music-conversation-between-friends/
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/ScreenShot.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220929T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220929T200000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061246
CREATED:20220905T004033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220905T004033Z
UID:10003994-1664476200-1664481600@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Dennis Maulsby—Author Spotlight
DESCRIPTION:Dennis Maulsby\, military veteran and author\, will kick off the Ames Writers Collective & KHOI Author Spotlight series on Thursday\, September 29th\, LIVE at KHOI. Dennis will read from his poetry collection\, “Heart Song”. \nThursday\, September 29th\n6:30 to 8 PM CT\nLIVE at KHOI Radio\n622 Douglas Avenue\, Ames \nLearn more about Dennis
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/dennis-maulsby-author-spotlight/
CATEGORIES:Author Talks,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dennis-Maulsby_450.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220925T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220925T160000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061246
CREATED:20220905T012023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230407T083855Z
UID:10010189-1664100000-1664121600@ameswriterscollective.org
SUMMARY:Swift Literary Festival—Pop-Up Event
DESCRIPTION:Join the Ames Writers Collective for our Swift Literary Festival\, a Pop-Up event\, on Sunday\, September 25th at the annual Octagon Art Festival. (10 AM to 4 PM) \nUnder our tent we will host local authors and their books\, offer writing-prompt free-writes\, and a one-day community-story-writing project. Depending upon electricity availability\, we will host an end-of-day Open Mic for writers who have stopped by to write with us. \nStay tuned for a list of authors\, an indie press and workshop instructor joining us at our table.
URL:https://ameswriterscollective.org/event/swift-literary-festival-pop-up-event-2/
CATEGORIES:Open Mic,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ameswriterscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TempLogoSwiftLitFest.png
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END:VCALENDAR