10:30 am to noon Wednesday, November 13
For author Johannah Spero, leading writing workshops is even better than teaching high school English, a job she loved early in her career.
“Participants in the workshop are enthusiastic and actually want to be there,” she laughed. “I leave every workshop feeling inspired.”
Spero is particularly excited about the upcoming Words on Nature: Writing Workshop from 10:30 am to noon Wednesday, November 13, at The Hyde Collection. The program is centered on climate change, an underlying theme of the Artists of the Mohawk Hudson Region exhibition — an issue important to the Queensbury author.
“This is a personal hot button for me, as environmental preservation is a concern of mine,” she said, noting how Concerto, the second book in a young adult series she wrote, uses the main character’s ability to battle evil forces with devastating storms as an allegory for fighting climate change. “The book is far from preachy, but I do hope it gets young people thinking about what they can do to help.”
At The Hyde, Spero will lead an interpretation of select pieces in Artists of the Mohawk Hudson Region. Writing will emerge organically after considering one’s identity in relation to the environment and the world.
“There’s definitely a focus on unplugging and being present,” Spero said. “There’s a meditative aspect to it.”
The workshop is open to all skill levels. No formal writing experience is necessary.
“Writing workshops at The Hyde provide yet another way for people to experience art,” said Jenny Hutchinson, the curator of Museum education and programming. “Everyone is inspired differently. This workshop gives people who relate through the written word a connection to Artists of the Mohawk Hudson Region and the issues it addresses.”
Spero is author of Catcher’s Keeper, a finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award in 2013; the young adult fantasy Forte series, which earned recognition from National Indie Excellence Award (2014, 2016), Adirondack Literary Award (2015), and Book Excellence Award (2016); and most recently, Boy on Hold, a psychological mystery/thriller set in the Adirondacks.
She earned a master’s degree in education, and taught high school English before dedicating herself to writing full time. She offers author presentations and writing workshops across the country. Spero lives with her husband and three sons in the Lake George area, where she was born and raised.
REGISTRATION is $10 for members and $15 for non-members.
RSVP today by contacting Kayla at 518-792-1761, ext. 310, or [email protected].
