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Humanities Washington sparks conversation and critical thinking using story as a catalyst, nurturing thoughtful and engaged communities across our state. SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Race, Place & Culture Think & Drink program inspires dialogue and new perspectives.

ALSO INSIDE Profiles in Blindness • Page 12 | Washington State Poet Laureate • Page 15 | Talking Service for Veterans • Page 16 INSIDE From the Executive Director FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR...... 2-3 COVER STORY...... 4-6 Musician and educator Antonio Davidson-Gómez reflects on THE POWER OF REFLECTION, the unwavering relevance of Race, Place & Culture. COVER STORY...... 7-8 Guest editorial by Think & Drink speaker, Dr. Daudi Abe. LISTENING AND NEW PERSPECTIVES 5 QUESTIONS...... 8 -11 Speakers Bureau presenters Milt Priggee and David Fenner Humanities Washington Expands Its Program Reach to Veterans and discuss the free speech and cultural sensitivities debate sparked by the recent Charlie Hebdo tragedy. the Visually Impaired PROFILE...... 12-14 Jack Straw Cultural Center selected as inaugural Washington Stories Fund recipient. By Julie Ziegler | Humanities Washington executive director POET LAUREATE...... 15-16 Elizabeth Austen shares highlights from a 15-stop, statewide tour spanning rural and urban settings. In 1964, when Lyndon B. Johnson signed threatens to create IN THE FIELD...... 17-19 the National Foundation on the Arts and a generation with An introduction to Talking Service, a newly launched pilot the Humanities Act into law, the United limited awareness program for returning veterans. States was facing conflict at home and of the humanities. WHY THE HUMANITIES...... 20-21 Clearly, with many Journalist K.C Mehaffey profiles the Merc Playhouse “Burn” abroad, and people were captivated by production, and the depth of its meaning to nearby residents. dreams of scientific advancement. LBJ and current challenges CALENDAR...... 22 leaders in Congress recognized that our mirroring those NEWS AND NOTES...... 23 country was in great need of something to of the 1960s, we must strive to learn 2014 ANNUAL REPORT...... 24-28 soothe the collective soul, a counterbalance to the intense focus on science and new ways. As Doris DONOR REFLECTION...... 29 Sommer explains T. Andrew Wahl reflects on the power of story and giving back. technology. We needed opportunities for in her book The Work of Art in the World, ABOUT HUMANITIES WASHINGTON...... 30-31 constructive dialogue in support of change, aesthetic experience can rekindle “love Cover photo by Yoichi R. Okamoto action and hope. for a world gone gray with habit.” I would Creative Direction by Karen Brandvick Baker Layout and Design by Tarsha Rockowitz Unfortunately, 50 years later we face many argue that humanistic inquiry can also Edited by George Abeyta & David Haldeman of the same issues. Race and social justice provide this. The opportunities that the SPARK is published semiannually by Humanities movements including #blacklivesmatter humanities provide give me hope. Washington, 1015 8th Ave. N., Suite B, Seattle, WA 98109. Founded in 1973, Humanities Washington is the state’s and #Ferguson are at the heart of news This issue’s theme serves to highlight flagship nonprofit for public humanities programming. headlines across the United States. We Opinions expressed in Spark are those of the authors and do Humanities Washington’s 2014 Think & not necessarily reflect the views of Humanities Washington, find ourselves involved in amorphous Drink program focus: Race, Place & Culture. its trustees or its staff. Spark is distributed free of charge via U.S. Mail and through a network of partner organizations conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere Events explored race in music, film throughout the state. For information about editorial content, that seem impossible to win. At the same and education, as well as the history of sponsorship opportunities or to be added to the Spark mailing list, contact the editor at [email protected] time an intense focus on STEM civil rights protests in our state. Across or 206.682.1770.

Copyright © 2015 Humanities Washington, all rights reserved. SPRING/SUMMER 2015 “The arts and humanities define who we are as a people. That is their power – to remind us of what we each have to offer, and what we all have in common. To help us understand our history and imagine our future. To give us hope in the moments of struggle and to bring us together when nothing else will.” -First Lady Michelle Obama Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace, U.S. Speaker Antonio Davidson-Gómez leads panelists in a Marine Corps, talks with a Marine, wounded in Operation lively Humanities Washington Think & Drink discussion Iraqi Freedom. | Photo by Tech. Sgt. Sean P. Houlihan on Race, Place & Culture. | Photo by Devin Kearns.

Washington, people gathered and Thanks to the generosity of the Charles I hope you’ll join us at a program very discussed their personal experiences, and Lenore Hale Family we established soon and experience how the humanities and learned about other viewpoints – the Washington Stories Fund, which made remain as relevant to our world today as important steps toward moving together its inaugural grant this year to the Jack they did 50 years ago. Let’s turn a “world more productively as a community. Straw Cultural Center. As you’ll read on gone gray with habit” into one filled with Read more about these events from the page 12, Through the Light: Profiles in Blindness will opportunity, inspired by the humanities. perspectives of musician and educator afford visually impaired youth and adults Antonio Davidson-Gómez and Seattle the chance to meet, share their stories and With sincere appreciation, Central College professor Dr. Daudi Abe record them for a wider audience.” on pages 4-7. As a reminder, the most widespread This year, with a pilot grant from the opportunity to take part in a Humanities National Endowment for the Humanities, Washington program is through our Julie Ziegler, Executive Director we are excited to expand our work to Speakers Bureau. In January, a new yet another distinct group affected by roster of speakers began touring the state, recent events of the world: our returning sparking conversation on many of the veterans. Their need for understanding, topics I mentioned above. Learn about the hope and reconnection are palpable. In Muslim faith, theories behind political MORE ONLINE response, Humanities Washington is polarization, human rights in history and proud to offer them the opportunity to so much more. They are thought-provoking Sign up for Spark 5, our monthly participate in Talking Service, a reading and informative. Check out humanities.org e-newsletter: and discussion program. Read more about for more information on all speakers and humanities.org/signup this beginning on page 17. their upcoming appearances.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 3 Cover Story

Audience members listen and participate in lively Antonio Davidson-Gómez (left) with Think & Drink panel members Amanda Wilde and Daudi Abe. discussion about Race in Music. | Photos by Devin Kearns.

Think & Drink programs are conversations about provocative topics held in pubs and tasting rooms around the state. Fall Think & Drink events addressed Race, Place & Culture as a theme in conversations about arts, RACE, PLACE education and civil rights. 2015-2016 Speakers Bureau presenter, educator and musician Antonio “Tony” & CULTURE Davidson-Gómez spoke at the events “From Al Jolson to Public Enemy: Race in Music” Think & Drink Recap, Featuring Tony Davidson-Gómez in Seattle and Tacoma (with Daudi Abe, Amanda Wilde, Tonya Mosley and Phyllis Fletcher) and “From Flamenco to Fandango: By Antonio Davidson-Gómez, as told to Spark Staff Race in Music” in Yakima (with Yesenia Hunter and Mike Faulk). Spark Magazine spoke with Davidson-Gómez about the Race, Place & Culture event series theme, why the theme remains powerful and how Think & Drink conversations varied across the state.

4 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2015 Humanities Washington: Why is Race, HW: How did the Think & Drink Place & Culture so powerful as a theme? events vary? Antonio “Tony” Davidson-Gómez: Race, Davidson-Gómez: Each community place and culture are always with us in the brought its own mix of age, ethnicity, ways we interpret and navigate the society experience and culture. Some settings around us. At times, the U.S. has relegated were more formal than others; some people issues of “race” to “racial minorities,” waited until the Q&A to speak up, while to “people of color,” as if each so-called in other locations we would get just two racial group exists in a vacuum apart from sentences in before the pretense of a “panel” others. That time is over. broke down into lively discussions. All Americans own the issues of race and Yakima had a great participatory vibe culture. We are a nation that is constant in which led to a wonderful music-making our ideals of equality and opportunity, yet session following the Think & Drink. we have always struggled to live out those Tacoma was very multi-generational, with aspirations. We are in a time of incredible Millennials, Gen-Xers and Boomers change and need to set the stage for future mixing it up. generations. HW: What was the greatest “A-ha” The members of the generation born after moment for you in the Fall Think & 1998 are of the first generation in U.S. Drink series, and why? history to have no ethnic majority. How do we perceive race? How do we become Davidson-Gómez: The biggest revelation proficient at code-switching between the was how important it is to simply set the various cultural norms we encounter every stage and get out of the way. As a speaker, day? Just asking these questions is how we my job is to evoke issues that people are begin to set the future stage. already thinking about, perhaps introduce some new information, propose a couple We have a tremendous challenge to address ways of connecting the dots, and then it’s these differences in our place and time—a up to the community that has gathered privilege, really. Will national principles to run with it. At every session, we of equality and opportunity flourish in encountered resident experts and eager the 21st century or will we continue to see learners who spoke with eloquence and the inequities in educational opportunity, conviction. housing, law enforcement, incarceration, healthcare access and earning power that HW: Several fall Think & Drink events Top: Audience member listens pensively. Bottom: Race, Place & Culture Humanities Washington Executive Director Julie Ziegler have tainted recent history? explored in music. enjoying the success of the event with an audience Can music force a national dialogue? member. | Photos by Devin Kearns. As a nation, I doubt we can afford to have our emerging majority face historic Davidson-Gómez: The 1960s saw an roadblocks. We all own that challenge. explosion of musical expressions of

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 5 change. There were songs that pointed Davidson-Gómez: The events in out inequities and injustice; songs that Ferguson and New York brought race, called for change; and songs that sustained place and culture to the forefront, along EVENTS groups as they marched, rallied and with the issues of power and privilege. worked to create a more just society. These events hit communities of color Think & Drinks are offered at with blunt force, and they will help shape five locations around the state: Today, artists continue to create music our nation’s future. Equity in opportunity that has the potential to shape powerful and justice are indicative of the larger discussions, but there are fewer major Seattle questions that will shape our collective artists taking stands through their Naked City Brewery & Taphouse future as a multicultural nation. We need music. In the age of digital music, more 8564 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 every tool in our toolbox to fully address musicians can share their art, but only these complex questions—and to express a few can break through the noise The Royal Room the full range of emotions we are feeling. of the information age to spark wider 5000 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98108 public dialogue. Spokane When something does break out it’s “There is a reason that societies Lindaman’s Gourmet Bistro incredibly exciting. Macklemore’s “Same 1235 S. Grand Blvd., Spokane, WA 99202 Love” helped open the issue of marriage from the ancient Greeks to the equality in a completely new way that no Golden Age of Islam and the Tacoma political commentary or news piece could European Renaissance have Engine House No. 9 ever do. We’re seeing in real time how 611 N. Pine St., Tacoma, WA 98406 artists respond to (race-related protests in) looked to the unique gathering of Ferguson and New York. disciplines that are the humanities.” Yakima -Antonio Davidson-Gómez,Speakers Gilbert Cellars Tasting Room As long as there have been social issues 5 N. Front St., Yakima, WA 98901 and change, there have been artists Bureau presenter, musician and educator addressing them. As our nation continues to experience growing pains and our changing demographics force us to There is a reason that societies from better align our ideals with our realities, the ancient Greeks to the Golden Age MORE ONLINE music will play a role. It has the potential to of Islam and the European Renaissance galvanize movements, transcend ideological For more on Think & Drink, boundaries, or engender discussion in have looked to the unique gathering of disciplines that are the humanities. including upcoming events, a unique and humanizing way. visit humanities.org/think-drink They help us name and analyze issues. HW: Race is a topic of conversation every They allow us to express our viewpoints, day now – in the news about Ferguson emotions and convictions on these Bring Davidson-Gómez to your community: and so many other places. How will the issues — and provide a vocabulary of humanities.org/speakers humanities continue to influence or ideas for us to imagine and codify a encourage dialogue? more perfect condition.

6 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2015 For example, in a larger historical context, consider the cultural beginnings of the United States. On certain levels, early American culture replicated British culture until U.S. culture matured and GUEST: stood on its own. MACKLEMORE, Similarly, white rock ’n’ roll was born from black rock ’n’ roll. Eventually, Elvis Presley became known as “The King” of not only IGGY AZALEA the white rock, but of all rock culture. AND THE Hip-hop culture was born from African-American culture in the mid- 1970s. Now, more than 40 years in, is EMERGENCE Macklemore’s success a signal that white OF WHITE hip-hop has begun to stand on its own? Macklemore and Ryan Lewis performing at the University Increasingly, the answer appears to be yes. of San Francisco. | Photo by San Francisco Foghorn. There have been four major white acts HIP-HOP within mainstream rap music over the last 30 years: the Beastie Boys, Vanilla Ice, Eminem and, now, Macklemore. Critics of Macklemore’s and Rap artists who are not African American, like Macklemore and Iggy In 1986, the Beastie Boys were signed by Iggy Azalea’s appropriation Azalea, have drawn recent criticism for Russell Simmons to Def Jam,hip-hop’s of hip-hop should remember appropriating a black art form. first great record label, and toured with the likes of Run-DMC. This built-in that cultural transition is Azalea was called out by Nicki Minaj, credibility with African Americans fluid and happens all the who is black, at an awards show. Others allowed the Beastie Boys to initially push time, writes guest columnist criticized Macklemore’s Grammy triumph the boundaries of white hip-hop with their Daudi Abe. earlier this year. style of dress, sound and subject matter. It is important to remember that He has been essentially reduced to a appropriation, which is generally defined caricature over time, but Vanilla Ice’s as taking something for one’s own use significance in the evolution of the white By Dr. Daudi Abe | Reprinted with permission without the owner’s permission, was hip-hop is often overlooked. granted by The Seattle Times critical in the birth and subsequent explosive growth of hip-hop. In 1991, Vanilla Ice became the first white sex-symbol the rap genre had ever seen. This type of cultural transition is fluid Even though he was thoroughly mocked as and it happens all the time. an artist almost from the beginning, white

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 7 women wanted to date him and white guys Sean, who is black, tells the story of giving elements from others such as tap, jazz wanted to be him. an impromptu audition to an aspiring and lindy-hopping. young African-American rapper. Eminem came with more credibility In 1979, Rapper’s Delight, the first because his rhyme skill was immediately In one line the kid describes himself internationally distributed rap record, apparent and because African-American as being “like a young black Eminem,” was a prime example of appropriation. producer Dr. Dre signed him and which reminds us that there are new Using a sample from the 1979 disco produced his 1999 debut album The Slim generations of kids of all colors who hit “Good Times” by the group Chic, Shady LP. Questions of appropriation experience these types of whiteness in recording executive Sylvia Robinson and surfaced immediately, and Eminem rap music as normal. three rappers known as The Sugarhill even addressed them in his 2002 song Gang produced Rapper’s Delight. None of the “Without Me”: This kind of racial identity buffet is members had any standing or credibility hardly new in hip-hop. Widely forgotten within the early hip-hop culture, which “I am the worst thing since Elvis Presley, to do black are the gimmicky Young Black Teenagers had evolved from the South Bronx music so selfishly / And use it to get myself wealthy who released their self-titled debut album beginning in the early 1970s. (Hey) / There’s a concept that works / 20 million in 1991. other white rappers emerge.” An early example of white artists Backed by Public Enemy, Young Black appropriating hip-hop was the 1980 song Macklemore has experienced unprecedented Teenagers had a song titled “Proud to “Rapture” by the group Blondie. levels of popularity and acceptance by be Black,” even though all the group embracing his whiteness in a new way. members were white. In the late 1980s, African-American rappers from the West Coast appropriated Two of the songs that he has ridden to Recently Iggy Azalea has become a hot East Coast hip-hop traditions and used massive prop levels, “Thrift Shop” and topic in the discussion about appropriation lyrical stories of street life in Los Angeles “Same Love,” go against two of the most within the context of hip-hop. Even to create the genre known as gangsta rap. well-established norms within traditional though she emigrated from Australia, hip-hop culture: bling (flashy jewelry Azalea has become the first white female Macklemore and Azalea are only doing worn to show off wealth) and homophobia. rapper to make a serious imprint in the what hip-hop artists have been doing for the past 30 years: using inspiration United States. Being white, no doubt, helped facilitate from others to produce something new. Macklemore’s success in addressing these Again, it’s worth remembering that However, this does not invalidate the topics through the lens of hip-hop. His hip-hop itself developed through young unease some African Americans feel about and Ryan Lewis’s four-trophy night at people appropriating what was around what appears to be the emergence of white the Grammy Awards in January was the them. During hip-hop’s formative years, hip-hop culture. ultimate symbol of mainstream validation, appropriation could be found in rap Perhaps sometime soon we’ll see a rapper of yet perhaps the real surprise was that he songs played by DJs at block parties who color accused of appropriating white style. didn’t also win the awards for Song of the sampled records by artists like James Year and Album of the Year. Brown and the Tom-Tom Club. These kinds of racial dynamics are not Graffiti artists appropriated walls and MORE ONLINE just about white kids. In his 2013 song entire sides of subway cars, and break Bring Dr. Daudi Abe to your “Nothing Is Stopping You,” rapper Big dancers created a new genre by taking community: humanities.org/speakers

8 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2015 French and American families in Seattle gather to express their emotion after the Paris attacks against Charlie Hebdo. | Photo by Sparth (www.sparth.com).

In January, two men reportedly affiliated with Al Qaeda forced their way into the CHARLIE HEBDO Paris office of the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo—a magazine that often published grotesque caricatures of the prophet A Conversation with David Fenner and Milt Priggee Muhammad and other religious figures. As the staff sat down for an editorial meeting, the men entered and gunned By David Fenner and Milt Priggee as told to Spark staff down eleven people. The massacre sparked an international conversation about free speech, religion and cultural sensitivities.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 9 In our increasingly digital world, without condoning xenophobic and racist speech isn’t the same as supporting conversations about world-changing racist speech? it. The result is a gridlocked debate about events take place more online than with the freedom to express one’s thoughts, our neighbors. But the need to discuss David Fenner: I think the answer to the opinions, or beliefs. important events face-to-face and in first question is a definite “both.” The a physical space remains profoundly cartoonists tragically died because of their HW: What do you think the difference important—even primal. So two commitment to the exercise of completely is between American and European weeks after the Charlie Hebdo shootings, unfettered free speech. At the same time cartoons? Do you think cartoons like Humanities Washington hosted some observers have suggested that many of the ones published by Charlie Hebdo have Think & Drink events in Spokane and their cartoons stooped to a dehumanizing an audience in the U.S.? If not, why not? Seattle featuring two of our Speakers level of bigotry (in essence, hate speech) Bureau presenters whose expertise and that such depictions may not have a MP: The difference between American aligned strongly with issues surrounding place in a civil, multi-ethnic and multi- and European cartoons is like night Charlie Hebdo: political cartoonist Milt faith society. As New York Times columnist and day. Generally speaking, European Priggee and lecturer on Islam David David Brooks wrote, “these cartoons failed cartoons editorialize and are exciting, Fenner. To standing-room-only crowds, the most basic ‘standard of decency’ test.” freewheeling, committed graphics that Priggee and Fenner, with moderation challenge readers’ thoughts and beliefs. by KUOW’s Ross Reynolds (in Seattle) American cartoons are safer and softer, and author Shann Ray (in Spokane), created to simply entertain without brought context to an incident that “Sadly, this atrocity has much challenging or offending. But there shocked the world. more to do with human nature is an interesting difference between than with religion.” how both countries express themselves Priggee’s work has appeared in TIME, between print and broadcast: Print is the Newsweek, The Spokesman-Review, The New York -David Fenner provocative medium in France (think Times, and more. Fenner is former assistant Charlie Hebdo), whereas in America, the vice provost for international education broadcast medium is more challenging to at the University of Washington and has the status quo (think South Park). worked extensively in the middle east. Milt Priggee: I believe the cartoonists Spark magazine talked with both about their were free-speech “I’d-rather-die-on-my- When it comes to the question about takes on Charlie Hebdo and the experience feet-than-live-on-my-knees” martyrs— Hebdo cartoons existing in America, it of tackling such a controversial issue on period. Unfortunately, I don’t believe the all depends on the definition of the word both sides of the state. United States can support free speech “audience.” Sure, they could find a small because the test of a first-rate intelligence audience—there is a serious percentage of Humanities Washington: Were the is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in xenophobic people in this country. I do victims of the Charlie Hebdo massacre the mind at the same time, and still retain not believe any Charlie Hebdocartoons could free-speech martyrs, full stop, or the ability to function. There is a strong have a wide audience in the U.S. because, were they provocateurs whose mockery trend toward anti-intellectualism is this as I said, our country values entertainment of Islam sometimes amounted to country, and this is one of the reasons not editorializing. Plus, the only thing that xenophobia and racism? Can we support why so many in the United States fail to America values more than entertainment a right to xenophobic or racist speech realize that allowing xenophobic or even is “political correctness.”

10 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2015 HW: Can you tell us why Muslims find beneath the Earth” (Exodus 20:4). This condemnation of this or that religion, the depictions of the prophet Mohammed Third Commandment may have fallen based solely on the criminal acts of offensive? Do other religions forbid victim to a very early union of stained glass those who purport to act in the name the depictions of prophets? window artists! of that religion.

DF: In the 7th Century when the prophet HW: Does this massacre have anything HW: What were some of the differences Mohammed received the revelations to do with religion? And if so, is Islam a you noticed between the audiences in we know of today as the Qur’an, the new more violent religion than Christianity Spokane versus Seattle? religion of Islam focused on bringing a and Judaism? polytheistic society under the monotheistic DF: I was surprised and pleased by the (“There is no god but God”) tent. To this DF: Sadly, this atrocity has much more levels of interest and engagement in both end, Mohammed and his fellow Muslims to do with human nature than with cities. It is clear that this tragedy touches destroyed the images and sculptures religion. While there are passages in the on many of our deeply held beliefs about depicting other gods. Interestingly, in Qur’an sanctioning violence, there are also faith, freedom, community, culture, the Christian bible this same effort was similar passages in the Hebrew Bible and in assimilation, tolerance, intolerence undertaken by Moses when he came the New Testament. That said, each of these and race. That so many people came down from the mountain with the Ten holy texts also has a wealth of completely out to learn more and grapple with these Commandments, including “Thou contradicting passages promoting peace important issues is heartening indeed. shalt make no graven images of anything and forgiveness. I believe that what we in Heaven, on Earth, or in the Waters need to guard against is a blanket MORE ONLINE Hear audio of the complete David Fenner’s interest in Islam dates back to his experience as a young man when he seattleThink & Drink online first traveled to the region to live in the Sultanate of Oman on the Arabian Peninsula for at KUOW: http://kuow.org/post/ six years. He retired from the University of Washington in 2007 as the Assistant Vice history-and-future-je-suis-charlie Provost for International Education, following a successful career that included establishing exchange programs with universities in Egypt, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Turkey and Pakistan. Fenner and his wife returned to the Arabian Peninsula to found an educational center for Arab and Western students that is designed to explore faith, language, natural resources and diplomacy.

Milt Priggee has been drawing political cartoons for local newspapers since 1976 and has worked in twelve different states. He was born in Alaska, grew up in Chicago, graduated from college in Colorado, and was a journalism fellow at the University of Michigan. His nationally syndicated cartoons, caricatures, comic strips and illustrations have appeared in newspapers, magazines, books, and on websites, album covers, shirts and even wine bottles. A past president of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists, Priggee’s cartoon Supporters hold “Je Suis Charlie” (“I am Charlie”) signs commentary has generated hate mail, awards, death threats, libel lawsuits, as well as many and cartoons at a sympathy march in Dublin. | Photo heated discussions. by Dan Fagan.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 11 Profile

WASHINGTON STORIES FUND GRANT AWARDED TO JACK STRAW CULTURAL CENTER

Attendees sip drinks and listen intently at Humanities Washington’s first Think & InnovativeDrink, The Politics BehindProgram Your Pint ,to in SeattleExplore in 2011. Adult | Photos and by Mike Youth Hipple Profiles Visually impaired in Blindness students at Jack Straw Cultural Center interview blind adults By Karen Brandvick Baker | for Humanities Washington about their professions. Photo courtesy of Jack Straw Cultural Center.

Humanities Washington has announced “We were first drawn to the types of Through the Light: Profiles in Blindness is an the inaugural recipient of its newly created stories that are sure to surface during this expansion of a special project conducted in Washington Stories Fund: The Jack Straw project,” said Julie Ziegler, Humanities 2006 by the Jack Straw Cultural Center, Cultural Center. The Washington Stories Washington’s executive director. Arts and Visually Impaired Audiences, Fund supports projects that record and “Ironically, the sighted community is and the Washington State Department of share with the broader community the largely blind to the unique challenges Services for the Blind, who have worked little-known stories of people or groups faced by those who cannot see. The fact together for 20 years to create accessible whose contributions add to the cultural that 70% of blind adults are unemployed arts activities for people who live with richness and health of Washington state and more socially isolated limits peoples’ visual impairments. The project brought communities. chances to come in contact with someone visually impaired adults from a variety of who is disabled in this way. We are excited professions together with visually impaired Jack Straw Cultural Center was awarded at the prospects for this project to nurture high school students to record interviews a $5,000 grant to produce Through the Light: mutually supportive relationships between during a Washington Council of the Profiles in Blindness. The project will provide youth and adults, and for the greater Blind conference. Students interviewed opportunities for blind and visually community to see how it, too, can best eight adults about their professions and impaired youth and adults to collect, ensure that individuals who live with a what they had to overcome to achieve their record and distribute their rarely heard visual impairment have an opportunity to goals. The visually impaired adults in stories to the broader public. participate fully in community life.” the project were delighted to participate,

12 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2015 saying they seldom had opportunities like person wearing sunglasses and carrying The Jack Straw Cultural Center, a this to talk with visually impaired youth. a white cane. While this image holds multidisciplinary arts and heritage some truth, it is only for a portion of organization, is dedicated to working “Humanities Washington’s support for the blind community. Blindness affects with individuals, organizations, and this project will help us provide more all age groups and has a vast range of communities to create, document, present opportunities for visually impaired impairment. Blindness can be isolating, and learn about their cultural traditions, youth and adults to talk with each other, especially for those who live in smaller, history and heritage. Jack Straw provides for adults to share their stories and more rural communities. A blind child a broad range of programs for both experiences, and for students to ask is often the only blind student in a school children and adults to help them collect questions or express their concerns,” and also in the town, with no one to talk and tell their stories through annual artist said Joan Rabinowitz, executive director to about the unique challenges he or she residencies, art and technology education of the Jack Straw Cultural Center. “We faces. Efforts to tell the stories of visually programs, arts and heritage partnerships, hope this project will also dispel some impaired people are rare. and radio and podcast production. misconceptions about individuals with visual impairments.” In this project, visually impaired youth will interview visually impaired adults With seed funding from the Lenore and about their professions, the hurdles 128,047 Washingtonians Charles Hale Family Fund (see related they faced, and the successes they have live with vision loss story on page 14), Humanities Washington achieved. Blind adults, in turn, will talk established the Washington Stories Fund with youth about issues that concern them, in 2014 as a new tool to dismantle barriers including assumptions about blindness, 70% of adults who are and enhance cultural understanding. and the resulting behaviors of blind and blind in the United States Funded projects elevate the stories of sighted people towards each other. Project are unemployed people who fall outside of the mainstream participants will also have opportunities because of their culture, gender, to interact with the general public immigration status, country of origin, age, through a series of conversations at Seattle One-third live at or below or other unique characteristics, ultimately Public libraries. Stories will be shared the poverty line enhancing the public’s awareness of new via a webpage with content recorded and Source: American Foundation for the Blind and unique perspectives and cultures. produced during the project. Humanities Washington’s volunteer review committee selected Jack Straw These conversations will offer insight for from a pool of five applicants who were the general public and for blind youth MORE ONLINE invited to submit proposals. In 2015, the who have not yet started their professional Washington Stories Fund will be made pursuits. By sharing their stories, blind For more information about the available as a general grant opportunity, adults can help the next generation of Jack Straw Cultural Center and for which non-profit organizations can blind individuals with their journies its programs, visit jackstraw.org apply without special invitation. toward self-reliance and becoming active members of the community. For more information on the Although there are many different types And, perhaps, sighted and blind youth Washington Stories Fund and of visual impairment, when thinking will see how they share many of the same other grant opportunities: of blindness, many people imagine a problems and hopes. humanities.org.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 13 REMEMBERING LENORE RICE HALE The Force Behind the Washington Stories Fund

By Karen Brandvick Baker | for Humanities Washington

Lenore Rice Hale (right) with her daughter Betsy. Photo courtesy of the Hale family. Following the passing of her husband of Following the book’s completion, Lenore, 56 years in 2008, she enrolled in a writing in collaboration with her children, set a class perhaps as a way both to pass time new goal: “She was so moved by the stories and to cope with her grief. The weekly told by her writing group classmates that class assignment, which was “to capture she was inspired to start a fund for other t was through the process of publishing I memorable moments in time” through story-tellers, one that would tell the little- her own “book of memories” that Lenore words, inspired Lenore to write and known stories of marginalized groups in Rice Hale realized a deeper connection publish her own memoir. Washington state,” said Betsy. to the humanities – as a vehicle for others’ stories to be told. Lenore was now legally blind, but Betsy had attended Humanities circumvented her new disability by hiring Washington’s literary fundraiser Bedtime Nurtured by a family devoted to education, a scribe, Helga Veblen. Dictated entirely Stories with her friend, Humanities music and religion, Lenore graduated to Helga, who also served as editor, Tell all Washington Board Chair Cynthia from Mt. Holyoke College in 1951. She the Truth but tell it Slant took two years to Wells. Betsy believed that Humanities married Charles A. Hale in 1952 and complete, with Lenore and Helga Washington could be instrumental to together they raised four children in Iowa, sometimes working four hours at a time help her mother realize her new goal, where Charles taught history. Lenore later to write and edit content. and Lenore contributed seed money for pursued a career in social work, taking a new Washington Stories Fund. a job as a family counselor in the Child The book was published and presented Psychiatry Department at the University to a joyful gathering of 70 friends and Lenore died less than a year after the fund of Iowa. According to her daughter Betsy, family members at Horizon House in was initiated. Thanks to her compassion, social work was one of the factors that November 2012. social worker’s heart and the love of her influenced Lenore’s interest in social family, the Washington Stories Fund will equity and social justice. Capturing memories from Lenore’s support and enhance the cultural richness life, the book also reflected her wisdom, and health of our state—through other Lenore moved to the Horizon House humility, love of family and sharp critical people’s stories. retirement community in Seattle in 2004. mind, according to her daughter, Betsy.

14 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2015 Profile

WASHINGTON STATE POET LAUREATE ELIZABETH AUSTEN SHARES RECENT TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Austen on the Poets, People and Places She’s Encountered on Her Washington Odyssey. Austen (left) in the Odessa, Washington library with poet Daniel Butterworth, librarian Julie Jantz and host Bev Scherr. By Karen Brandvick Baker | for Humanities Washington

Since January 2014, Washington State poetry that’s interactive and meaningful. HW: What have been some of the more Poet Laureate Elizabeth Austen has visited I try to offer writing activities that are memorable moments from the tour? 25 counties throughout Washington. The fun and relevant to people’s lives, and to EA: At each of the writing workshops journey has included collaborations with share poems that speak powerfully to our I taught, I witnessed people making local poets, librarians and teachers. From common human dilemmas. writing workshops to classroom visits to connections with each other and poetry readings and interviews, events have HW: Which Washington poet’s work discovering something exciting about been free and open to the public, thanks to has stood out for you on your most the writing process, something they financial support provided by Humanities recent tour? could take forward into their lives. Washington, the Washington State Arts EA: Christopher Howell—I’ve had the Meeting and reading with local poets Commission and the National Endowment good fortune to read with him and is a great pleasure. I read with several for the Arts. interview him for “Washington Poets poets whose work I hadn’t heard before, Humanities Washington spoke with Austen in Conversation” at Auntie’s Books in and enjoyed immensely—Cynthia Neely, about tour highlights and her ongoing Spokane. His poems carry the tangible Daniel Butterworth and David Kurth. commitment to engage people in poetry. world and the elusive inner life into Though my workshops are primarily language in a way that continually Humanities Washington: What is your aimed at adults, several girls attended awakens and astonishes me. He teaches at process to engage people in poetry? the writing workshop I gave at Auntie’s Eastern Washington University, and has Books. Two of them, ages 9 and 11, told Elizabeth Austen: Wherever I go, my published ten poetry collections. He’s also me they produce a program on the local goal is to give people an experience of a marvelously generous teacher. community radio station. After the

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 15 workshop they interviewed me using an Here is some feedback that Elizabeth received after her visit to Colville, iPhone. They’re the youngest journalists where she taught several classes and gave a public reading: I’ve ever met — and they were incredibly enthusiastic about writing. A particularly noteworthy highlight has My students gave some fantastic feedback regarding your presentations on been the changing light as I’ve driven Wednesday. One aspect that seemed to resonate well with each of them is your almost 2000 miles throughout the state. For many of my trips, I have been a guest in description of the separation between the creative mind and the analytical mind… people’s homes. I was particularly moved by and the act of entering that creative mental space when you’re writing poetry. the hospitality of folks in Odessa, Ritzville and Newport, and am grateful for the way They found that concept incredibly interesting, and it generated some valuable they each made me feel so welcome and large-group discussion about the writing process. well cared for; they ensured that I was well fed and appropriately caffeinated for my day. Your reading in the theatre was so enjoyable; I love that you began by introducing the audience to the work of a few other poets. You’re really dedicated to your focus of Austen is the author of the poetry collection, Every Dress a bringing poetry to the adult world in a relatable way. And the poems you read were Decision (Blue Begonia Press, meditative, moving, and transcendent of that room. I’ve heard such good things 2011), and two chapbooks, from community members, students and faculty who attended your reading. The Girl Who Goes Alone (Floating Bridge Press, 2010) and Where Currents Meet (Toadlily Press, 2010). She produces poetry programming for Thank you for making poetry accessible to this rural community! KUOW public radio, a Seattle NPR affiliate, and is a communications specialist and educator at Seattle Children’s Hospital. EVENTS upcoming Washington State Poet Laureate appearances:

MORE ONLINE March 14 April 23 May 30 September 15–27 To learn more about Elizabeth Reading with Diane Workshop at Maryhill Hike & Write with the Litfuse Austen and to arrange for her Raptosh, Idaho Museum of Art Poet Laureate TIETON – YAKIMA to visit your community, please Writer-in-Residence GOLDENDALE SNOQUALMIE go to wapoetlaureate.org. SEATTLE

16 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2015 In the Field

Coalition forces salute during a flag-raising ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan to commemorate Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2013. | Photo by Sgt. Demetrius Munnerlyn.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense about 2.5 million members of all armed forces units have been deployed HUMANITIES WASHINGTON to Afghanistan or Iraq since 2001, with more than a third completing more than one deployment. Beginning in January, LAUNCHES TALKING SERVICE Humanities Washington launched a pilot program called Talking Service in Tacoma Groups Ease Transition for Returning Veterans and Spokane to provide a voice to these vets, buoyed by the humanities.

By Karen Brandvick Baker | for Humanities Washington The program is designed to help veterans reflect on their past experiences, current concerns, and aspirations for the future though reading and discussing powerful literature. The program is rooted in the humanities through the use of an

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 17 anthology of works authored by famous writers titled Standing Down: From Warrior to Civilian. “The returning warrior needs to “Talking Service will encourage dialogue heal more than his mind and body. for a new generation of veterans as they He needs to heal his soul.” transition back into civilian life,” said -Karl Marlantes, author of Matterhorn Humanities Washington Executive and “What It Is Like to Go to War” Director Julie Ziegler. from Standing Down The journey into military service is different for each soldier, but one fact holds true for all who serve: the experience participants a model for thinking and is like no other. It is an experience that is speaking about their own story. rarely—if ever—understood by civilians or loved ones who have not answered the call Groups meet for 90 minutes in a series of duty. Depending on the impact of what of six to eight meetings for conversations the soldier faced, it may not be mentioned led by specially trained local facilitators. at all, particularly if they saw combat. Participants read texts drawn from the Standing Down anthology in advance “The transition from military to civilian to support the group discussions and life is difficult for most veterans,” said overall participation. The anthology Donald Whitfield, editor of Standing Down features 44 selections, including works and vice president of the Great Books of fiction, poetry, essays, memoirs and Foundation. “After several years living historical documents by Leo Tolstoy, in a highly regimented, often dangerous Ernest Hemingway, Karl Marlantes and environment, veterans re-entering the many others. Each selection includes workforce, colleges and universities, and discussion questions and a thematic guide Top: U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force soldiers board a plane bound for the United States as the last American military their community of family and friends can for 15 action-oriented topics (caretaking, forces left South Vietnam in 1973. | Photo by United States Marine Corps. Bottom: Lt. Col. Greg Gadson, who lost face immense challenges.” combat, confronting the enemy, grieving both legs in an IED attack in Iraq in 2007, shares a moment and homecoming) and five separate with fellow artilleryman, Capt. David Evetts. | Photo by Mark Heeter (USAG Schweinfurt). Reading and discussion are at the heart conflicts in American history, beginning of Talking Service groups, which was with the Civil War and concluding originally created by the Great Books with passages about wars fought in Iraq said Whitfield, who also often leads Foundation and implemented in and Afghanistan. Talking Service discussions around partnership with the New York Council the country. for the Humanities. Now held nationally, “Standing Down contains outstanding the groups give veterans opportunities writings by some of the world’s greatest Support from the National Endowment to explore the ideas of authors who have authors and were selected to prompt lively for the Humanities (NEH) makes thought long and hard about the military and searching discussions among veterans the Talking Service groups possible. experience. In turn, the groups give as they reflect on their own experiences,” Humanities Washington will launch four

18 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2015 groups in Tacoma and Spokane at three “Our vision for this initial pilot is to college campuses serving a high number increase stability and to ease the transition of returning veterans: Pierce College, process for veterans,” said Julie Ziegler. “It is understood that warriors Spokane Community College and Spokane released from service have been Falls Community College. Talking Service “Talking Service holds both promise and discussions will focus on creating community opportunity to understand the veteran ordered to stand down for the rest of and will be delivered in partnership with perspective and the values that sustain their lives, but they cannot begin again veterans centers at each campus. them through combat, and to reflect on our own values.” as civilians as if just waking from a sleep. From his experience as a group leader It is difficult for some of us veterans in other states, Whitfield has seen to remember what we were like before understanding and compassion among veterans in the groups, which typically the wars. Our stories from the front include veterans of all ages. In his opinion, echo in who we have become.” participation within the group plays an –from the forward to Standing Down even bigger role. by Benjamin Busch. “Talking Service is important both for the answers it yields and the questions it raises,” Whitfield said. “A good question is never put to rest. It’s something that LEFT: Standing Down: From Warrior to Civilian, an anthology of works authored by becomes an impetus to a questioning way veteran writers. of life, and that’s exactly what we do with Talking Service—help instill the habits of mind that serve veterans well as they make TALKING SERVICE PROGRAM GOALS their way in the world.” The Talking Service peer-to-peer group • Provide a forum for veterans to share wartime experiences, reflect model gives vets the opportunity to on their service and examine how these experiences affect their connect and socialize with each other civilian lives. while mirroring and building strong sustaining bonds. When vets leave the • Expand participants’ appreciation for the role literature can play groups, they feel heard after they have and their ability to use literature to analyze past experiences had a chance to share. to help them move forward productively. • Build community by bringing veterans together, ultimately enhancing their connections to civilian life. • Increase veterans’ comfort in reading, reflecting upon and MORE ONLINE critically discussing written text. For more details about Humanities • Connect veterans to other community resources to aid in their Washington’s Talking Service transition to civilian life. program, visit humanities.org

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 19 Why the Humanities? how the community can move forward. A Methow Valley resident himself, Roth went through many of the same survivor experiences portrayed in the play: the nine-day power outage, closed highways, BURN: constant smoke and life-changing fear. “Everybody was affected in one way or TURNING another, even though you weren’t maybe literally fighting fire on your doorstep,” STORIES INTO he said after the performance. To develop the script, director Rose HEALING Weagant Olcott wove together stories from people who had experienced the fire in By K.C. Mehaffey | guest commentary assorted voices and formats. Scenes in the play jumped from one person to another, inter-spliced with news clips, fire reports TWISP – They gathered to acknowledge and narration. Sitting in chairs on a stage the wildfires that ravaged homes and without any background scenery or built destroyed histories. They gathered to sets, ten people read stories they had written, share their experiences. They gathered moving the play chronologically through to bond through sharing and to begin the days of wildfire for themselves and the healing process. the audience. The Merc Playhouse poster for Burn: Stories of the Fire. The Carlton Complex Fire in July 2014 Shelley Block spoke of her efforts to lead her hand. Handsome bolted wildly, cutting me was the largest wildfire in Washington state three horses Doc, Handsome and Quincy and Quincy off, and leading to a sudden history, blackening over 256,000 acres to safety. She suppressed her own fear in collision. Quincy reared from fear when and incinerating more than 300 homes in order to ride one horse and lead the other the rope fell down near his feet. When he stepped on it, twisted and jerked, off I fell.” sparsely-populated Okanogan County. Four two along a county road amidst traffic, evacuation chaos and smoke. months later, audience members packed The experience was also told through the the Merc Playhouse in Twisp to watch a “I thought about all of the wildlife and eyes of Christine Kendall, who evacuated Humanities Washington-sponsored play all of the trees,” said Block. “I thought of with her husband Jack and their dog Cooper. based on real-life stories of Methow Valley my grandmother, and how she had lived She recalled not only the fear and confusion, residents who had fled the wildfire. through the Peshtigo fire in Wisconsin.” but the generosity of neighbors, including some she hadn’t known very well before. Burn: Stories of the Fire featured a post-play “As we continued our journey, I heard the discussion with Humanities Washington echoing of my horses’ feet striking the “I checked to see if there was any room for trustee and scholar John Roth, who asked pavement. We hit a heat wave when Doc us and our dog at two nearby hotels, but audience members why they came, what suddenly let go of Handsome’s lead. He they were both full. I went back to the scene the fire significantly changed for them and clambered past us, but the rope was in my playing out in our neighborhood where

20 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2015 Nicole told me the power was going to be (pause) forward and healing. affected,” she said. It’s down. (pause) Roth shared one moment that stuck with “Nicole told me that Mary Lou and Ron Oh my God, it’s down! him that had occurred in the post-play McCollum wanted Jack and me to stay with discussion. Twisp resident Jim Kistner told Nicole: Our home is gone. them, and that Cooper was welcome too. I of when he mentioned the play to people he Mom: We love you. really didn’t know them, except by sight. I knew and what it was about, they said: Nicole: How are we going to tell Cymone? didn’t feel right about imposing on them, but when Nicole said, ‘No, this is what we “That’s just like the Methow—taking this fire “This use of theater to convey the real and turning it into art,” Kistner said. do in the Valley, we help each other out,’ she stories while they were still raw, and follow convinced us to stay.” it with a discussion that could delve deeper The crowd laughed. It was told through days of text messages into the issues, fits well with Humanities “It was an attempt to not minimize the pain by members of an entire family—Nicole Washington’s mission,” Roth said. and hurt and loss that people had, but to try Ringgold, her parents Alan and Marcia to put it in a different context—perhaps that Ringgold, her husband Derek and their made the story something that would last in daughter Cymone Van Marter, who lives in It’s very significant that Humanities the collective memory of the Valley,” he said. Boston. In the early days of the fire, Nicole sent this series of texts: Washington was willing to support “It’s not easy to turn really painful and devastating experiences into art,” said Roth. Hey Mom and Dad. Lost power. Derek an activity in such a small place–one The play and the discussion effectively filled our bathtub with water. Grilling that had experienced tragedy—in an portrayed the pain of the experience with dinner then going to a public meeting effort to help the community the caring and compassionate response that about fire response. came out of the fire. It didn’t attempt to remember it and preserve it,” bring premature closure to the wildfire, Four miles of power line are burning. We’ll – John Roth, scholar and but instead helped to make it part of the be out for a while. The fires have grown in scale Humanities Washington trustee Valley’s history. in a huge way. Our side of the Valley is OK. Audience members were riveted as they listened to a series of texts that Nicole K.C. Mehaffey lives in Using the words of those who experienced Twisp, Washington and Ringgold sent the moment the fire reached the fire made for a powerful post-play their part of the Valley. writes about Methow discussion. Audience members lauded Valley and North Central Nicole: No one can see. the courage of the actors who shared their Washington issues and (pause) stories, and the skill of the director, who events. A journalist since They created a fire line below our house. so successfully merged the experience into 1984, she has been as a (pause). a flowing performance. They spoke of freelance writer, a reporter On the phone with Sarah and Hans. celebrating the survival of the community, for the Methow Valley They’ve sent us photos. of a new realization of the impermanence News, and a staff writer for The Wenatchee (pause) of things and of a greater awareness of other World for the past 16 years. Sounds like we lost our deck, so far. people’s hardships. They spoke of moving

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 21 Calendar JOIN US! A Selection of Upcoming Humanities Washington Events

MARCH 13–19 June 20, 27 SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS OUTREACH SERIES USING THEIR POWERS FOR GOOD BAINBRIDGE ISLAND – In conjunction with Book-It Repertory Theater’s production of Snow LANGLEY AND BREMERTON – Falling on Cedars, Bainbridge Performing Arts will present a series of outreach events and GeekGirlCon Co-Founder Jennifer K. Stuller resources to both educate and engage audiences in the theatrical production and to provide the explores how individuals and organizations community with opportunities to actively discuss the important historical, ethical, racial and social are using community-building, crowd- justice issues raised by the play. sourcing, media criticism and performance to raise awareness, subvert gender norms and ensure their beloved culture is progressive, representative and inclusive. March 25–28 SEVEN TONGUES OF FLAME: IRELAND’S EASTER REBELLION OF 1916 ROSALIA, PALOUSE, ST. JOHN, COLFAX, OAKESDALE – Musician, historian and educator Hank Cramer leads an inspirational presentation about how poets, singers and writers led the effort to symbolically liberate Dublin that ultimately resulted in Ireland achieving independence in 1921.

April 23 May 19 Photo by John Marshall POETRY WORKSHOPS WITH POET WOMEN AS POLITICAL CHANGE LAUREATE ELIZABETH AUSTEN AGENTS: FROM THE LATE 1800s TO THE PRESENT ANNUAL BEDTIME GOLDENDALE – Austen leads two hands- STORIES EVENTS on poetry workshops designed to engage REDMOND – Dr. Jeanne Kohl-Welles leads participants’ imaginations, life histories a thought-provoking presentation about the OCTOBER 2 – SEATTLE and sense of empathy through language. Washington state women in the 19th and The Fairmont Olympic Hotel’s Spanish The class includes close reading of a few 20th centuries who bucked societal norms Ballroom, 411 University Street contemporary poems, then using one as a and laws to pursue political leadership roles. model for writing a first draft. No writing OCTOBER 23 – SPOKANE experience needed, and all are welcome. Spokane Club, 1002 W. Riverside Avenue

More information about these events, along with a complete MORE ONLINE calendar of Humanities Washington activities (sortable by region): humanities.org/calendar

22 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2015 News & Notes NEWS & NOTES

Compiled by Humanities Washington staff Prime Time Family Reading Program to Expand Further in 2015 Humanities Washington Receives $300,000 Satterberg Foundation Grant

Humanities Washington has received a three-year, $300,000 grant from the Satterberg Foundation—the largest grant award in Humanities Washington’s history—to expand its programs to the areas of greatest need. Based in Seattle, the Satterberg Foundation’s mission is to strengthen communities by promoting a just society and a sustainable environment.

“We are deeply grateful to the Satterberg Foundation and its trustees for this vote of confidence,” Prime Time group at the Pasco Library. said Julie Ziegler, Humanities Washington executive director. “This sustained, significant support Photo by Criselda Ballardo. will enable us to reach new audiences with existing programs, as well as experiment with new and creative ways to engage a broad range of people in the humanities.” Humanities Washington grew its Prime Time Family Reading Program from four to Humanities Washington will use the funds to enhance and expand its Speakers Bureau, 14 locations in 2014. Events were delivered Think & Drink and the Prime Time Family Reading programs in 2015, and hopes to introduce in partnership with educators and libraries new programming in 2016 and 2017. in Port Townsend, Spokane, the Tri-Cities, “A key goal of Humanities Washington is to reach the broadest, most diverse audience possible Monroe, Mukilteo and Walla Walla. with thought-provoking programs that engage communities in conversation,” said Ziegler. “The size and multi-year nature of this grant will enable us to look creatively into the future while The program curriculum combines bolstering already popular programs.” reading, storytelling and discussion to explore the cultural and ethical themes presented in children’s literature. Prime MORE ONLINE Time emphasizes the importance of For more information about the Satterberg Foundation visit www.satterberg.org families reading together and creates long-term library users. Since 1996, Humanities Washington has distributed more than 118,000 books to children, parent and teachers and positively Welcome New Staff Member: David Haldeman impacted the lives more than 110,000 children and family members. Humanities Washington has hired a new communications manager to fill the post vacated in July by Abby Rhinehart. David Haldeman joined our team on January 12 after relocating back to the Beginning in mid-April, Humanities Seattle area from Philadelphia. David is a writer and communications professional who holds a Washington will begin accepting RFPs BA degree in journalism from the University of Washington. He has worked for several museums for new partners to allow for further and nonprofits, including the Pacific Science Center, the Pew Charitable Trusts, and the Chemical expansion of the program. Heritage Foundation, a history of science museum in Philadelphia. Welcome, David! MORE ONLINE MORE ONLINE For more on Humanities Washington’s grants Visit humanities.org/about/staff program, visit humanities.org/grants.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 23 HUMANITIES WASHINGTON 2014 ANNUAL REPORT

OUR MISSION: 2014 Humanities Washington sparks conversation and critical thinking using story as a catalyst, nurturing thoughtful and engaged communities ANNUAL REPORT across our state.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF Washington state is a wonderful and beautiful place to OUR AMAZING SPONSORS live—a state full of engaged and inquisitive communities. AND FUNDING PARTNERS: However, I think we can agree that like other states, we also face socio-economic challenges. I am proud to work with Humanities Washington, an organization committed to using the humanities as a tool to address these issues. Our programs enable reflection and build connections through constructive dialogue. Together we are building a Washington that is a great place for all to live. We are particularly proud of the following 2014 accomplishments: • Dramatic expansion of Prime Time Family Reading. • Launch of Washington Stories Fund, sharing Lucky Seven little-known stories of the people of our state. Foundation • A year-long focus on Race, Place & Culture for Think & Drink.

We could not have accomplished these milestones without you. We are deeply grateful for your support, involvement and advocacy of the humanities in your community. Satterberg Foundation

Cynthia Wells WOCKNER Board Chair FOUNDATION

Humanities Washington is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Washington state.

24 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 2014 ANNUAL REPORT HUMANITIES WASHINGTON

Administrative $111,922 REACH (10%)

Fundraising 2014 2014 TOTAL $183,001 EXPENSES: (17%) IMPACT $1,098,720 BY THE 113 Programs $803,797 cities served (73%) NUMBERS across the state

READINGS AND CONVERSATIONS 36counties 3,174 served of 39 Children and families reached through the Prime Time Family Reading Program; more than twice the number of 2013 EXHIBITS & MEDIA 4,927 7,110 Attendees at events 782 Attendees at held by Poet Laureate Participants at Speakers Bureau Elizabeth Austen Think & Drinks presentations 719,041 GRANTMAKING AND FUNDRAISING Travelers reached by Hope in Hard Times exhibit at SeaTac airport

Bedtime Stories Grants funded 3090Followers on attendees in Seattle in 2014; up from social media, up 401and Spokane 47 35 in 2013 25% from 2013

SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 25 HUMANITIES WASHINGTON 2014 ANNUAL REPORT

YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN: THANK “Without Humanities Washington, YOU TO OUR 2014 SUPPORTERS! our state wouldn’t have an advocate for the power of Our friends and supporters help Humanities Washington the written word to strengthen nurture thoughtful and engaged communities by ensuring we and build communities.” can continue to provide free or very low-cost programming in –Elisheba Johnson all corners of the state.

$50,000+ Melissa Haumerson Robyn Miller Cynthia Jones and Paul Lawrence National Endowment for the Humanities Larry Kinner and Dolores Hecht* Museum of History and Industry Joyce and Donald Joy Satterberg Foundation Dan Lamberton and Linda Andrews* Diana and Russell Nickel Steve Kessel and Sibyl Frankenburg Wockner Foundation Edward Marquand and Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture Sally and Richard Kleaveland Michael Longyear* Shaun O’ L. Higgins and Ann Glendening Rebecca Liebman and Charles Stephens $25,000 – $49,999 Alex and Linda McGregor Pacific Continental Bank Brenda Majercin Tammy Miller Ned and Susan Palmer Tod Marshall and Amy Sinisterra* The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Mary Pigott Peterson Sullivan LLP Mary Anne and Chuck Martin Amazon.com Dr. David Powers and Amy Chasanov* Bridget and Paul Piper Joan Penney* The Boeing Company John and Lyn Roth* Suzanne Poppema and John Cramer Posner-Wallace Foundation Garth and Drella Stein Tom and Anna Rudd Elizabeth Romney and Jim Giles $10,000 – $24,999 Wells Fargo Bank Gary and Mariesa Stokes* Eric Sanders Fordham Street Foundation Helen Stusser and Ed Almquist Rosemary and Sam Selinger David Skinner and Catherine $1,000 – $2,499 Annette Woolsey and James Shiflett Andrea Sharps and Chuck Horgan Eaton Skinner Michael Bauer Erin Younger and Ed Liebow Meredith and Peter Wagner State of Washington John Baule* Julie and Bryon Ziegler Maggie and Doug Walker Elizabeth Burroughs Jan Walsh* $5,000 – $9,999 Mary Carr* $500 – $999 Karen Westwood and Peter Jepsen Linda Breneman Jeffrey Christiansen Jack and Connie Bloxom Ann Wyckoff The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Gerald and Patty Dicker Randy and Diane Brinson Foundation Jane Dudley John and Patsy Burgess $250 – $499 Lucky Seven Foundation Margaret and Tom Easthope Bruce Burgett* Mary Alberts Nancy Nordhoff and Lynn Hays Karen and Tom Ellick Community Building Foundation Laurie Bauman Arnold and PEMCO Insurance A.J. Epstein Christine Crandall and Chris Harris Stephen Arnold Mary Pembroke Perlin and David Perlin* Jamie Ford* Bill and Patty Degroodt Catherine Burroughs Judy Pigott Garde Capital Diane Douglas and Steve Perlmutter Marité Butners Jane and Jay Reich* Debra and Chuck Holland* Kathleen and Steve Flenniken David and Kristin Condon Cynthia Wells and Tim Kerr* Lucia and Leo Huntington Bunker and Larry Frank David Byrne and Kirsten Conner Inland Northwest Council of Libraries David and Janet Freece* Garry and Kathryn Crane $2,500 – $4,999 Martha Kongsgaard and Peter Goldman Leonard Garfield Cathy and Phil Davis BMO Private Bank Karina and Jeff Kunins Joanne Gordon Berk Elaine Eigeman and Daniel Schalke Carol and Jonathan Buchter* Eric and Christine Larsen Alan Grossberg Ruth and Alvin Eller Burlington Northern Santa Nancy Ledeboer Sandy and Steve Hill John and Linda Findlay Fe Railway Marcia Paulsell Zech Foundation Megan Hurley Mary Giannini and Art Harlow Hagan Foundation Center for Sue McNab* Chris and Lisa Jahrman Dr. George Girvin and Lila Girvin the Humanities Eric and Marina McVittie Elizabeth Joffrion and Linda Luttrell Patrick Gowan † Denotes donors to the Washington Stories Fund. * Denotes a combination of cash and in-kind support. 26 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 2014 ANNUAL REPORT HUMANITIES WASHINGTON

Nina and Darrell Hallett Amazon Smile Katharine Harkins Kerry and Barbara Anderson Phyllis Hatfield Jennifer Ashby “If you don’t think culture, Keri Healey Jane and Brad Baker Irene Hecht Suzanne and Redmond Barnett history, and literacy matter, KayLee and Joe Jaech Teri Barros try watching an episode of Christine Johnson Miriam Bartha The Jersey Shore. Thank you, Paul and Susan Kennedy Harriet Baskas Mary and Charles Kerr Lydia Bassett and Rainer Harstrick Humanities Washington!” Jonathan King Ella Berg –Jamie Ford Kristie and Allen Kirkpatrick Merrill Black Annette Laico Kristin Blalack and Gerald Suzawith Peggy Lewis Peg and Darrell Blue Richard Lizotte and Tim Heimerle Catherine Bombico Terry Collings David Fenner Eric and Cindy Magi Sue and Scot Bradley Sarah Conover Patricia Ferrell Stephanie Dallas and Krista Mann Karen Brandvick Baker and Ross Baker Veronica Cook Sarah Finney Ann Matheson Catherine Brazil David and Ann Cordero Tom and Maura Fitzmaken Kevin McCandlish and Charlie Joan Craig Elise Fortin Chaffin-McCandlish Alan Breen Frances H. and John W. Brewer, II Virginia Crane Lee Fowler Mark and Debbie McLaughlin George and Marlene Fox Sylvia Brown Jeanne and Tom Crisp Sharyn and Jack Merrigan Kay Gabriel Sharon Burke Kim and Kathleen Crompton Barbara and Bill Morkill Bill and Pamela Galvani Val Nelson Lee Ann Gekas Jo Ann Nielson Paul Giersch and Barbara Nelson Karen Nilson “This was insightful and a whole new take on topics Kris Gladeau Joyce Ogden Irene and Joyce Gleason Colette Ogle I thought I knew everything about.” Gary Graham Mike and Janice O’Mahony Maureen and Bill Green John and Cynthia Purdy – Think & Drink participant Samuel Green Forrest Rodgers and Sally Sederstrom Victoria Griffith Dr. Carli Schiffner and Summer Hahn Sonia Gustafson Jennie Shortridge and Matt Gani Tony Case and Betsy Hale Robert and Patti Sindelar Nancy Dahl George Halekas John Burroughs Debbie Takami Joan Daugherty Gwendolyn and Greg Haley Jacqueline Cabasso Jeanne Thorsen and Tom Mayer Kathleen Day and Christopher Farnsworth Kathryn Hamilton and Steve Wang Joyce M. Cameron and James Carollo Cyndi and John Upthegrove Dayton Historical Depot Ron Hannum T. Andrew Wahl* Thom Caraway Robin Dearling and Gary Ackerman Denise and Thomas Harnly Kathie Werner Carolyn Casey Deborah J. DeMars Gertrude Harvey Frank Woodruff and Jan Agosti Jenny Cassel and Jim Fuller Wayne Dodge and Lawrence Kreisman Robert and Renee Hazen Margo and Tom Wyckoff Elise Chadwick Peter Durkee and Tessa Matthey Heinz Hecht and Sue Nelson Hecht David Zapolsky and Lynn Hubbard Ina Chang Deanna Ensley Elizabeth Heffron* Andrew and Susan Chanse Fadel Erian Joshua Heim UP TO $249 Paul Chiocco and Doug McCrary Kasey Essex Dennis Held Evyan Abookire Bruce and Nancy Cleland Everett Woman’s Book Club Ila Hemm Summer Acharya Jill Cocking Pat and Bruce Eyer Cathy Henneberry Martha Aldridge Jan Colbrese Ann Farrington Maureen and Patrick Herward

If we have inadvertently omitted you from this list or miscategorized your contribution, please accept our apologies and contact Development Director KayLee Jaech at (206) 682-1770 x103 or [email protected].

† Denotes donors to the Washington Stories Fund. * Denotes a combination of cash and in-kind support. SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 27 HUMANITIES WASHINGTON 2014 ANNUAL REPORT

Jennifer and Larry Roseman Martha Tofferi Nancy and John Rossmeissl Jessica Tracey “I wanted you to know that I greatly enjoyed your class Steve and Billie Ruark Julie Tripp Bridget Savage Twisp Library Friends and found you a wonderful teacher. Thank you so much Larry and Neomah Scharps Marci and Dave Utela for sharing your poetry, your knowledge and yourself. Judy Schiffner Ruth C. Valenzuela Dr. Judith Schoepflin Dorothy Van Soest and Susan Seney I had an enjoyable and inspirational experience.” Mark and Leslie Schwisow Johanna Vanderlee and Rick Robertson Colleen and Barry Scovel Village Books – Poet Laureate program participant Pat Rogers to Elizabeth Austen Seattle Foundation Elizabeth Wales Laurel Sercombe Tim Walsh Scott and Linda Severs Matt and Camarin Wanamaker Norma and Peter Shainin Carly Watkins Kristopher Hill Joseph Jozwiak and Elisabeth Dr. Paul and Sharma Shields Barbara Waxman Wim and Carol Hol Mermann-Jozwiak Kerry Siegel Aaron Weidert Douglas and Trish Honig Mary Metastasio Michelle and Joe Sievers Janet Wells Beth Hudson Andrea Michelbach Joanne Slavin Jen Werdell and Eric Krieger Larry Hufford Jane Miller Grant and Lelia Smith Debra Westwood and Arthur Morrill Judith Jacob Grant and Nancy Miller Paige Spicer Verne Windham Kimberly Jacobsen Tiffany Patterson Roderick Stackelberg Marcy Wynhoff Dr. Susan Jeffords Linda and Larry Milsow Dorothy Stangler Jane and Phil Johnson Karen Mobley David Stasney Elisheba Johnson Steve and Sydney Moe Wendy Stauff IN-KIND Keith and Janet Johnson Cecilia Moore April and Jeremy Steg Alphagraphics Seattle Rosa Joncich Arlen Morris Yolanda Stein Autumn House Press Elizabeth Austen and Eric Jordan Nima Motahari Alice Stenstrom Blue Begonia Press Donna and Russell Key Janet Mueller and Jerry Magnoni Judy Stone Chateau Ste. Michelle Rod King Stacey and Pieter Mulier Mary and Rexford Strottman Cornish College of the Arts Erin and John Kinney Jane Murphy Ben and Ann Stuckart KUOW Ruth E. Kirk Mary Neuman Amanda Swain Peter Mountford Margot Knight Kevin O’Brien Tree Swenson and Mark Blatter Peninsula Truck Lines, Inc. Alka Kurian and Shesh Mathur Therese Ogle and John Draper Delma Tayer Providence Health & Services Carolyn Lamberson Jeanne and Robert Parker Eric Taylor Rain City Projects/Shunpike Matthew Layton and Julia Hayes Naomi B. and Paul Pascal Tom and Laurie Taylor Red Lion Hotels Steven Lee Al Payne John and Elizabeth Terrey Riddell Williams P.S. Mary Ann Lester Carla Peperzak Ellen Terry Salesforce Foundation Audrey Lew Rowena Pineda Kathleen and David Thorne Sharma Shields Janet and Gordon Little Clarice Pool Matt Throckmorton The Spokesman-Review Carolyn Louthian Kritti Prasertsakul Betty Lukins Linda Queen Susannah Malarkey Angela Rasmussen Kerri and Andrew Martinez Gwen Rawlings “I value the high quality Lora and Parker Mason Andrea Reid humanities programs that Bill and Judy Matchett Susie Rennels Mark and Heidi McAllister Jane Repensek are offered for kids and adults Marie McCaffrey Rebecca Rhodes in my rural community and Carey Ann McCarthy Ondria Roberson Lorraine and Rob McConaghy Chuck and Dee Robinson across the state.” Irene McCoy Patrick and Elizabeth Roewe –Meredith Wagner Shaw McCutcheon Richard and Melvina Romanelli Patrick McEvoy Janette Rosebrook

28 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 2014 ANNUAL REPORT HUMANITIES WASHINGTON

MAKING IT HAPPEN: 2014 PARTNERS A WORD FROM THE FOUNDING SPARK Collaborating to Engage SOCIETY MEMBER, Communities in Every Corner T. ANDREW WAHL of the State 5 North • ACLU of Washington Foundation • Advocates for Immigrants in Detention • Alibi Room • America SCORES Seattle • American Association of University Women • Antioch University Los Angeles • Appelo Archives Center • Artist Trust • ArtsWA • ArtsWest • Asotin County Library • Auntie’s Books • Avolusis Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center • Bainbridge Performing Arts • Barnes and Noble • Beacon Bards Stories have power. Transformative power. Bellingham Public Library • BIJAC • BlackPast.org • Book-It Repertory Theatre • Bricolage Literary & Visual Arts Journal • Burlington Public Library • Cama Beach State Park • Centralia College Writers Conference I’ve believed this since I was very young, when a visit to my Centrum • Chelan Library • Cherberg Building • City of Redmond • CityClub • Clark County Historical Society & Museum • Cle Elum Library • Clinton Library • Columbia Basin College • Columbia County Rural Library grandma’s book room opened my eyes to history and sparked District • Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum • Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum • Community Colleges of Spokane – Colville • Community Cultural Center of Tonasket • Contemporary Arts Alliance a passion for lifelong learning. Copper Canyon Press • CREATE • Creekside Retirement Home • Cultural Arts Foundation Northwest Daughters of American Revolution-Spokane Garry • Davenport Public Library • Deception Pass State Park Des Moines Legacy Foundation • Douglas County Historical Society • Eastern Washington University • Edmonds Stories have been central to my adult life, too: As a longtime Community College • Edmonds Library • Ellensburg Public Library • Engine House #9 • Entiat Public Library – NCRL • Enumclaw Library • Everett Community College • Everett Public Library • Everett Women’s Book Blub journalist throughout our state, I’ve seen stories bring communities Everetty Community College • Fairmont Olympic Hotel • Fairwinds Redmond Retirement Community • Fall City Historical Society • Fort Okanogan Interpretive Center • Foundant Technologies • Freeland Library • Friends of together, prompt dialogue and inspire positive change. Lacey Timberland Library • Friends of the Bonney Lake Library • Friends of the Key Center Pierce County Library • Friends of the Mukilteo Library • Friends of the Port Townsend Library • Friends of the Puyallup Public Library • Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge • Frye Art Museum • General Federation of Women’s Clubs – Washington State • Gig Harbor BoatShop • Gig Harbor Welcome Club • Gilbert Cellars And I’ve regularly seen the power of story in action through the Goldendale Library • Granger Middle School • Granite Falls Library • Griffin Bay Bookstore • Harstine Island Community Club • Hedgebrook/SAM • Hedreen Gallery/Seattle University • Heritage University • Hibulb work of Humanities Washington: Speakers engaging people of Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve • Highline Community College • Highline Historical Society Hokubei Hochi Foundation • HonorWorks • Horizon House • HRH Media Group LLC • Hugo House • Idaho all ages and backgrounds in discussion, Think & Drink events Humanities Council • Immanuel Presbyterian Church • Initiative for Rural Innovation & Stewardship • Island Theatre • Issaquah History Museums • Jack Straw Cultural Center • Jefferson County Historical Society inspiring conversation and community, a reading program that Jefferson County Library • Jet City Shows • Jewish Family Service • Job Carr Cabin Museum • Keewaydin Park Library • Kent Library • Key City Public Theatre • King County Jail • King County Library System • Kirkman brings children and parents closer with a shared joy for books. House Museum • Kitsap Regional Library • Kittitas County Historical Museum • Kron • KUOW • Lacey Timberland Library • Lakewood Pierce County Library • Langley Library • Langley Methodist Hall • Larson In myriad ways, Humanities Washington uses story to enrich our Gallery • League of Women Voters of Snohomish County • Leavenworth Library • Lewis County American Association of University Women • Libraries of Stevens County • Lindaman’s Bistro • Lind-Ritzville High School communities and make our state a better place to live. Longbranch Improvement Club • Lopez Island Historical Society • Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities Lower Columbia College • Lynden Pioneer Museum • Marysville Library • Mercer Island Historical Society Merrill Gardens • Methow Arts Alliance • Mid-Columbia Library District • Mirror Stage Company • MOHAI With this in mind, I was honored to become a Spark Society Monroe Library • Monroe Public Library • Moses Lake Museum • Moses Lake Museum and Art Center Mountlake Terrace • Mukileo Library • Mukilteo Library • Museum of Northwest Art • Naked City Brewery member. This new monthly giving club allows me to easily support Neill Public Library • Newcastle Library • Nisqually Tribal Library • Nordic Heritage Museum • North Bend Library • North Cascades Institute • North Central Regional Library • North Spokane Library • Northwest the essential work Humanities Washington does from Seattle to African American Museum • Northwest Film Forum • Northwest Hall of Radio History • Northwest Heritage Resources • Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture • Oak Harbor Library • Odessa Library • Okanogan County Spokane. The amount I give each month adds up–especially when Historical Society • Olympia Timberland Library • Olympic Chapter Washington Native Plant Society • Open Books • Orcas Island Library • Orondo School District • Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the UW • Oyez joined with the support of others who share my belief in the power Roslyn! • Padilla Bay Foundation • Panorama Retirement • Park Place Books • Pasco Library • Pend Oreille County Historical Society • Pend Oreille County Library District • Penn Cove Water Festival • PHC Regional of story. Office Administration • Phinney Neighborhood Association • Poets in the Park • Politics of the Possible • Port Townsend Library • Prime Time In-State Training • Puget Sound Civil War Round Table • Puget Sound Navy Museum Foundation • Puyallup Rotary Club • Puyallup School District • Quincy Valley Historical Society & Perhaps that’s you? If so, I hope you’ll join me in the Spark Society! Museum • Rainier Chapter of Daughters of American Revolution • Red Element Studios • Redmond Historical Society • Redmond Senior Center • Renton History Museum • Renton Library • Renton-South King Retired – T. Andrew Wahl For a complete list of our partners, visit humanities.org/ about/annual-reports/partners2014 Join the Spark Society: humanities.org/support-our-work/ Spark-society SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 29 ABOUT HUMANITIES WASHINGTON

As the state’s flagship nonprofit for the humanities, our work brings people together to learn about their unique pasts and shared present, promotes respect for other perspectives, encourages community dialogue and nurtures relationships that enable us to move toward a more prosperous future. By acting as a catalyst and facilitator, we support and partner with a wide network of communities, organizations and individuals across the state. Together, we provide low- or no-cost, high-quality cultural and educational programs that engage audiences in conversation, civil discourse and critical thinking.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES STAFF CONTACT US Cynthia Wells, Chair Julie Ziegler, Executive Director Humanities Washington John Baule Eric W. Sanders, CPA, Associate Director 1015 8th Ave. N., Suite B Bill Bonaudi Seattle, WA 98109 Catherine Brazil KayLee Jaech, Development Director 206.682.1770 Jonathan Buchter Ellen Terry, Program Director Bruce Burgett Zaki Abdelhamid, Program Director humanities.org Mary Carr David Haldeman, Communications Manager David Freece SparkMag.org Debra Holland George Abeyta, Development and Elizabeth Joffrion Program Coordinator Humanities Washington Larry Kinner Ezra Basom, Database Administrator @HumanitiesWA Ed Marquand Sue McNab Humanities Washington is a Mary Pembroke Perlin 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Joan Penney in Washington state. Bridget Piper David Powers Jane Reich John Roth Gary Stokes

30 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2015 OUR MISSION Humanities Washington sparks conversation and critical thinking using story as a catalyst, nurturing thoughtful and engaged communities across our state.

OUR PROGRAMS

BEDTIME STORIES celebrates critically SPEAKERS BUREAU draws from a pool acclaimed Northwest writers, who unveil of leading cultural experts and scholars to new short stories created specifically provide free conversational lecture events for annual dinner galas in Seattle for community partners to offer local and Spokane. audiences throughout the state.

FAMILY READING uses storytelling THINK & DRINK brings hosted and discussion to explore cultural and conversations on provocative topics and ethical themes in children’s literature and new ideas to pubs and tasting rooms emphasizes the importance of families around the state. reading together.

GRANTS assist local organizations WASHINGTON STATE POET LAUREATE in creating opportunities for their builds awareness and appreciation of poetry community to come together to discuss – including the state’s legacy of poetry – important issues using the humanities. through public readings, workshops, lectures and presentations throughout the state. (In partnership with ArtsWA.)

MORE ONLINE Additional information about any of our programs: humanities.org/programs

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 31 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 241 1015 8th Ave. N., Suite B WENATCHEE, WA Seattle, WA 98109 98801

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