Drury University symposium to celebrate link between literature, Ozarks landscape
Missouri poet laureate David Harrison will be part of a special event Saturday celebrating literature and the Ozarks landscape.
Drury University's Humanities & Ethics Center is collaborating with Missouri Humanities to present "From the Page to the Park: How Literature and Greenways Connect Community."
The event is part of the seventh annual Missouri Humanities Symposium. Its overarching theme is "Ozark Marvels: Innovation for the Common Good," which is centered on community connectivity, identity and environment.
“Our presenting writers will read pieces that portray Ozark’s nature, landscape and culture, revealing how place-based identity finds expression in their writing,” said Katherine Gilbert, associate professor of English and director of the Humanities & Ethics Center, in a news release. “Before and after the presentation, we invite attendees to participate in family-friendly, hands-on thematic activities.”
More: David Harrison's Poetry from Daily Life: A billboard — and a missed, best breakfast — birth a poem
The event is 3 p.m. Saturday at Jordan Valley Park's outdoor amphitheater, 635 E. Trafficway St. An alternative spot will be announced in case of inclement weather.
Several Drury alumni and staff will share their work at this event:
David L. Harrison, who graduated in 1959 — Drury Poet Laureate and Missouri Poet Laureate
Kate Murr, who graduated in 2001 — Drury alumna and writer from the Ozarks
Rex Ybañez — A writer and editor in Drury's Office of Marketing & Communications
As part of the event, attendees will be immersed in nature-inspired literature and learn about Forward SGF's "UnGap the Map" Initiative, a plan to enhance regional connectivity through a network of trails.
To register for the event, go to: https://mohumanities.org/springfieldsymposium/. It is free and open to the public.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri poet laureate, others to speak at Drury University symposium
