Before we all give in to the eventual tide of Back-to-School ads, let’s celebrate the last hurrah of summer with a literary focus. From Howard County to Washington, DC, there are several upcoming performances, exhibits, and festivals celebrating the arts, whether from local artists or the works of Shakespeare. Here is a short and sweet list of five events that should hold you over until the pumpkin lattes start rolling out.
Montgomery Portrait Artists – July 11 – August 19th
The Howard County Arts Council is hosting two exhibits of juried work of portraiture and figurative art by five artists. Howard County Arts Council was established to promote the appreciation of art and provide a space for regional artist to grow and develop their work. Admission is free.
LPR at The Writer’s Center – August 21st
Celebrating their 10th anniversary, LPR will host a reading of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda Maryland. Readers will include Steven Leyva, Emily Rich, Lisa Lynn Biggar, Jen Grow, Joseph Ross, and Desirée Magney. The reading will be followed by a reception.
Chesapeake Shakespeare Company present Othello – September 16th to October 9th
The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company kicks off its 15th season with a production of Othello. Chesapeake Shakespeare Company has been a staple of the Maryland performing arts circle and is a leader in the community theatre with their various performances across the region and commitment to theatre education for youths. See the full 2016-2017 listing here.
National Book Festival – September 24th
The annual National Book Festival returns to Washington with events for all ages. As one of the largest literary events in the nation, the festival hosts several panels, events, readings, and special guests, including some of the nation’s most prominent authors. Stephen King has been announced as a guest for this year’s event.
Carolyn Forché – The Lucille Clifton Reading Series – October 30th
Sponsored by the Howard County Poetry & Literature Society, Carolyn Forché will be conducting a reading at Monteabaro Recital Hall, HCC Campus. Forché has been a ground-breaking voice in poetry and her body of work includes The Country Between Us, The Angel of History, and Blue Hour.
Little Patuxent Review 