American Writers Museum to Share the Literary World with Visitors This Summer; Events Announced!

Following the cultural and literary center's much-anticipated grand opening last month, the American Writers Museum, 180 North Michigan Avenue, today released their lineup of extraordinary events occurring during the summer.

With a mission to celebrate American writers of the past, present and future, these public programs are designed to educate and share the literary world with the museum's visitors.

"We are thrilled to start our summer programming for literary fanatics, interested Chicago residents and visitors alike," said AWM President, Carey Cranston. "With our special location in the heart of downtown, we can provide exciting and unprecedented opportunity to showcase the country's greatest writers and their works through educational programs, including documentary screenings, children's events and more."

Looking to educate, inspire and grow visitors' literary minds, the summer's exciting events include:

· Thursday, June 8, 5-7 p.m. Printer's Row Preview: Karen Halvorsen Schreck will read from and sign her historical novel Broken Ground (Simon & Schuster 2016), called a "masterfully written...must-read" by USA Today. Her previously published historical novel, Sing for Me, was described as "impressive...a well-wrought and edifying page-turner" (Publisher's Weekly, Starred Review). Her short stories and articles have appeared in Hypertext, The Rumpus, Belt, and Image, as well as other literary journals and magazines, and have received various awards, including a Pushcart Prize. The event will take place in Readers Hall and there is a $5 suggested donation.

· Saturday and Sunday, June 10-11 AWM at Printer's Row Lit Fest: Stop by the long-running Chicago literary festival and visit the American Writers Museum's tent to hear from Renée Rosen, author of Windy City Blues, as well as help write lines for the Story of the Day Exhibit. The event will take place on Dearborn St. from Congress to Polk.

· Tuesday, June 13, 10:30 a.m. Children's Author Storytime (Sallie Wolf): On the second Tuesday of each month, AWM welcomes a new children's author in its Children's Literature Gallery. Meet your favorite books' creators and illustrators, get your book signed and hear a story from some of the most inspiring and creative children's authors writing today. Presented in partnership with the Society of Children's Book Authors and Illustrators. Located in the Children's Literature Gallery, 10:30 a.m. Preschool-age children with a caregiver. Free.

· Thursday, June 15, 5 p.m. Build Your Own Scroll, Adult Edition: Make your own travel journal with collaborating partner BookClub Chicago's artists and write your own journey! Participants will decorate and inscribe a fine paper scroll, using pen, ink, pencil, and paint to tell their own story. The event will be held in Readers Hall, a $5 donation is suggested.

· Tuesday, June 20 and 27, 7 p.m. Workshop Focused on Memoir: Learn how to turn your history into memoir in a two-session workshop taught by Annette Gendler, Chicago Story Studio instructor and author of Jumping Over Shadows: A Memoir. Participants will outline and begin writing a memoir, receive feedback and a chance to read their work. The event will be held in Readers Hall, $150 per participant.

· Tuesday, July 25, 1 p.m. Reading/Signing: The Case of the Poached Egg: A reading and signing for kids with Robin Newman. Robin is the author of three books, Hildie Bitterpickles Needs Her Sleep, and two Wilcox and Griswold Mysteries, the most recent of which is The Case of the Poached Egg. 1 p.m., Readers Hall, free with museum admission

· Thursday, June 29, 6 p.m. Readings of Poetry Among the Palms: Ed Roberson and other poets read W.S. Merwin and others inspired by nature and the outdoors among the exhibits at the Garfield Park Conservatory, along with kids' activities. Presented in partnership with the Poetry Center of Chicago, the Chicago Park District and the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance. The event will take place at Garfield Park Conservatory Palm House and there is a $5 suggested donation.

· Tuesday, July 11, 10:30 a.m. Children's Author Storytime (Ilene Cooper): On the second Thursday of each month, AWM welcomes a new children's author in its Children's Literature Gallery. Meet your favorite books creators and illustrators, get your book signed and hear a story from some of the most inspiring and creative children's authors writing today. Presented in partnership with the Society of Children's Book Authors and Illustrators. This free event for ages 3+ will be held in the Children's Literature Gallery. Museum admission not included (children under 12 free).

· Wednesday, July 12, 5:30 p.m. Reading/Signing of Identity Unknown: Rediscovering Seven American Women Artists- Who hasn't wondered where-aside from Georgia O'Keeffe and Frida Kahlo-all the women artists are? In many art books, they've been marginalized with cold efficiency, summarily dismissed in the captions of group photographs with the phrase "identity unknown" while each male is named. Donna Seaman brings to dazzling life seven of these forgotten artists, among the best of their day. The event will be held in Readers Hall with a $5 suggested donation.

· Thursday, July, 13, 6-9 p.m. University of Chicago Writer's Studio Master Series; Searching for It in Jack Kerouac's On the Road: With its propulsive force and thrumming momentum, On the Road has long been heralded (and occasionally reviled) for its spontaneous prose style, a seemingly effortless translation of thought to the page. Beneath that surface is a hard-scrubbed effort, a mining of mind and craft that provides valuable lessons on the writing process and the struggles that define it. Through close reading, discussion, and in-class prompts, we will probe his use of point of view; commanding and sensory details; and spontaneous prose. Mining his work challenges us to reach beyond what we think to get at versus what we really think, to discover the less evident, often uncomfortable mysteries that fuel writing that resonates and shimmers on the page. The event will be held in Readers Hall, admission is $100 (includes museum entry). In preparation for class, please read the first chapter and 6-10 in Part III of On the Road.

· Thursday, July 20, 7 p.m. Workshop Focused on Publishing: In today's crowded media landscape, how do you sell your book or short story? How do you make your mark with your writing? In this one-day workshop, author David Berner (October Song: A Memoir of Music and the Journey of Time, Roundfire Press 2017) teaches visitors how to find their way through the complicated process of getting their words out. The event will be held in Readers Hall with a cost of $50 per person.

· Thursday, July 27, 5 p.m. The Swiss Army Knife of Plants: A History of the Palm: The Horticulturalist from the Chicago Park District conservatories will discuss the history of palms, their botanical uses, and the palms in the historic Garfield Park Conservatory Palm House. The event will be held in Readers Hall and a $5 donation is suggested.

The American Writers Museum has garnered the enthusiastic support of scholars, and from cultural, civic and business leaders, and publications both domestic and international. For a full event schedule, more information, or to sign up for one of the upcoming programs, visit www.americanwritersmuseum.org.

The American Writers Museum is the first and only museum of its kind in the United States. The mission of the American Writers Museum is to engage the public in celebrating American writers and exploring their influence on our history, our identity, and our daily lives. The museum is located at 180 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60601, and offers something for every age group including permanent exhibits and special galleries highlighting America's favorite works and the authors behind them. Tickets to the museum are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and free for children under 12. Museum hours are Tuesday - Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM, Thursdays 10AM- 8PM. For more information visit www.americanwritersmuseum.org or call 312-374-8790.

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