humanities.org

Humanities Washington sparks conversation and critical thinking using story as a catalyst, nurturing thoughtful and engaged communities across our state. FALL/WINTER 2013

A BEdTIME STORIES ORIGINAL: “the Peculiar intelligence of Parrots”

a short story by best-selling author Garth Stein

ALSO INSIdE Washington State Poet Laureate • Page 4 | A Respite From Dementia • Page 8 | Latino Musical Migrations • Page 11 From the Executive Director

INSIDE Hm u anities Washington Celebrates PFRO ILE...... 4-7 Washington State Poet Laureate Kathleen Flenniken brings 40 Years of Service with New the power of poetry to each of our state’s 39 counties. PLUS: I-90 Seattle to Spokane, an original poem Magazine, Reinvigorated Programs by Flenniken. IN THE FIELD...... 8-10 here:now, an innovative program at Seattle’s Frye Art Museum The humanities strengthen our state for a better tomorrow that mixes conversation and art-making, brings sufferers of dementia and their caregivers closer together. By Julie Ziegler | Humanities Washington executive director 5 QUESTIONS...... 11-13 Educator Antonio Davidson-Gómez explores the migrations ight-track cassettes. Beehive hairdos. American people of Latin music – and how that music and its practitioners have influenced American culture at large. EAcid-wash jeans. Some things don’t to engage in endure the test of time. the humanities COVER STORY...... 14-20 Bedtime Stories – the Northwest’s “premier literary event” – by establishing turns 15; author Garth Stein shares a Bedtime Stories original; But the humanities? The humanities will the National event founder Charles Johnson is honored. never go out of style. Endowment for WHY THE HUMANITIES?...... 21-22 To share our stories, to build community the Humanities. This issue’s guest commentary comes from distinguished scholar The founding John K. Roth, who writes about a recent production of The and bridge divides, to question what it Laramie Project in the rural Methow Valley. means to be human – these impulses legislation stated: “An advanced NEWS & NOTES ...... 23 endure no matter how society changes around us. civilization must CALENDAR ...... 24 not limit its 2012 ANNUAL REPORT ...... 25-28 This fall, Humanities Washington kicks efforts to science and technology alone, off the celebration of its 40th anniversary but must give full value and support to ABOUT HUMANITIES WASHINGTON...... 30-31 year. Since our founding in 1973, we the other great branches of scholarly and have adapted to meet the needs of our cultural activity in order to achieve a better state. In recent years we have reimagined understanding of the past, a better analysis our programs, reinvented our look and of the present and a better view of the remade our service. But the humanities future.” SPARK is published semiannually by Humanities always remain at the heart of our work. Washington, 1015 8th Ave. N., Suite B., Seattle, WA 98109. We simply have evolved to meet people Almost a decade later, Congress took Founded in 1973, Humanities Washington is the state’s an important step to connect the flagship nonprofit for public humanities programming. where they want to experience cultural Opinions expressed in Spark are those of the authors and do general public with the humanities by not necessarily reflect the views of Humanities Washington, programming in the current day. its trustees or its staff. Spark is distributed free of charge via establishing state humanities councils. U.S. Mail and through a network of partner organizations In 1965, our nation’s leadership With that, Humanities Washington was throughout the state. For information about editorial content, recognized the critical importance of born. Originally named the Washington sponsorship opportunities or to be added to the Spark mailing list, contact the editor at [email protected] ongoing study of and the ability for the Commission for the Humanities, our or 206.682.1770. Copyright © 2013 Humanities Washington, all rights reserved. Fall/winter 2013 Chief Bill Scow and his wife, Alice, stand in front of the Pacific Science Center’s Sea A 1977 Humanities Washington grant funded a forum on the relationship between the Monster House in 1980. The educational reconstruction was supported by one of liberal arts, college and the workplace at City College in Seattle. | Photo by John E. Walker Humanities Washington’s early grants. | Photo courtesy Pacific Science Center (from (from the Humanities Washington archives) the Humanities Washington archives) articles of incorporation specified we Drink, Washington State Poet Laureate as well as an online peek back at our 40 would offer “insight into human problems and other special initiatives, all designed years of serving the state. To fully and priorities.” Today – though we have to meet distinct needs for the humanities participate, I encourage you to sign up for updated the language a bit – we continue throughout the state. Collectively, our our other modes of communication by to raise questions and give people a forum programs have become a pillar in the going to: humanities.org/signup. in which to explore issues. state’s cultural community. Thank you for being part of our first While we began in 1973 as a grant-making At 40 we are far from middle-aged. 40 years. We look forward to serving organization, the mid-1980’s marked the Evidence that we continue to strive and Washington state for another 40 and hope beginning of Humanities Washington’s reach to better serve the state includes you’ll join us on this exciting journey! work as a program provider. In response the publication you are holding right to a need for easy-to-implement now. We’ve fully immersed ourselves With sincere appreciation, humanities programming, Humanities in the digital space with the creation of Washington created our popular Speakers a blog (sparkmag.org), a new website Bureau program (originally called (humanities.org) and a presence on Inquiring Minds). Celebrating its 30th Twitter and Facebook. But we’re also Julie Ziegler, Executive Director anniversary this year, the program reaches refreshing our more traditional modes communities across the state with low-cost, of communication with the revamping high-quality public presentations that of our Humanities Courier into this beautiful MORE ONLINE encourage audiences to think, learn and new publication, Spark magazine. engage in conversation. This is just the first of many activities Sign up for Spark 5, our monthly e-news: Since then we’ve continued to grow we’ll unveil to commemorate our humanities.org/signup our programming to include Family 40th anniversary. Look for new grant Reading, Traveling Exhibits, Think & opportunities in the coming months

Fall/winter 2013 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 3 Profile

twO wOrlDS, One State Poet laureate Kathleen Flenniken’s latest journey takes her to every corner of Washington

By Jefferson Robbins | for Humanities Washington

oetry rose up from the sinks and My mother, when young, scrubbed laundry in a tub, Pcupboards and sheets of Kathleen She and her sisters on an old brick walk Flenniken’s Seattle home, where she spent Under the apple trees, sweet rub-a-dub. her early thirties tending house and raising kids. She welcomed it, and it rewarded her. The bees came round their heads, the wrens made talk.

Flenniken came to the discipline after a “And I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God, life in other pursuits, as an engineer first I could write a poem about laundry!’ I was and then a homemaker. She’d nudged at surrounded by laundry. … It was kind of right the edge of poetry in high school, setting in front of me that whole time, but it just out to decode the work of Robert Frost for took so long for me to discover it.” a student project. The mission failed. That discovery has so far yielded “Nothing Gold Can Stay — these poems, they’re publication in a spate of literary journals, like breaking into steel balls,” she marvels. two book collections, and the state’s highest “There’s no way in. So I think I thought honor in the field. Named Washington poetry was for gods like Robert Frost.” State Poet Laureate in 2012, Flenniken vowed to visit all 39 counties with her But as an adult, taking poetry study and self-designed outreach program, bringing poems to school kids and adults alike. composition classes at night and perusing library shelves in her few free hours, With her laureateship ending in early she encountered Ruth Stone’s brief 2014, she appears to be on schedule, with masterwork In an Iridescent Time: more than half the state visited.

Top: Washington State Poet Laureate Kathleen Flenniken. | Photo by Elisabeth Flenniken Bottom: Flenniken works with students at the Spokane Valley Library last year. She plans to visit each of the state’s 39 counties at least once during her two-year tenure as poet laureate. | Photo by Jae Macallan (Yoyostring Creative)

4 SParK { Humanities Washington Magazine Fall/winter 2013 “I’m very optimistic,” she says. “I might have to read poetry on the side of the road in a I could never love the brown hills couple of the counties, but it’ll happen.” around us. Now, in the city, who With her appointment, Flenniken became can love the desert in me? Washington’s first poet laureate since Gov. Chris Gregoire suspended the – Kathleen Flenniken, from her poemCoyote program in 2009, citing the state’s tight fiscal situation. The post was new then, established in 2007 with poet Samuel Reservation scientist, she grew up in Green as the first laureate. Today, the Richland and moved into the world of engineering. There were a few youthful program gets its funding – including Flenniken has released two collections of poetry, Famous Flenniken’s $10,000 annual stipend – discursions into artistic pursuits like (2006) and Plume (2012). entirely through the National Endowment piano, but poetry was a faraway thing. and hustle of childrearing – but there for the Arts, the National Endowment for “For whatever reason, I had a hard time was always time for a poem. the Humanities and private contributions. understanding the difference between “People that have working lives can only The poet laureate program is mutually performing arts and creative arts. I administered by Humanities Washington thought you had to be nervous to be write when they have a few minutes to rub and ArtsWA (formerly known as the a success – but when I was an adult, I together,” she says. “That’s real life. Most Washington State Arts Commission). realized I could sit down and write on my writers have a full career, a full life outside The Washington Poets Association was own and make as many mistakes as I need their life of writing, and you kind of fit it also involved in establishing the position. to, and nobody needs to see any of them. in any way you know how. And sometimes Nobody needs to see this poem until I’m that’s making a choice about form.” Unlike many other states, Washington ready to show it to the world.” selects its poet laureate through an Flenniken’s own early poems, many application process, and Flenniken was The urge to write scratched at her while she collected in her 2006 book Famous, began one of more than a dozen hopefuls. Her was still in college, through her graduation with the domesticity where she lived, but proposal to work in public schools, with with an engineering degree from only as a springboard to more universal a focus on bringing poetry to elementary Washington State University in 1983 and concerns. It’s Not You, It’s Me imagines the grades, helped set her apart. the three years she spent working thereafter biblical Eve as a frustrated household at Hanford. But a few more changes had to goddess. Map of the Marriage Bed recasts “We also knew of her reputation as an be cycled through: marriage, motherhood, intimacy as a road trip, with its many excellent reader of poetry – her own works, a University of Washington master’s degree destinations, rest stops and breakdowns. but also other poets’ works,” said ArtsWA in civil engineering, a private-sector job Natural History pictures two lovers fossilized Executive Director Kris Tucker. “She’s with a consulting firm. by time and geology, misapprehended by very warm, sincere, thoughtful, personable future archaeologists: and just very approachable.” It was after leaving that job to raise her three children that her pen moved from Isn’t it funny they’ll never connect us? The 52-year-old Flenniken is a poet of equations and diagrams to short works two worlds – and not just geographical. of verse. There was no time to write a This rock woman with that paper man? The daughter of a Hanford Nuclear novel or even a short story in the hurry They were never in love.

Fall/winter 2013 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 5 She would have pounded him into dust. From the kitchen-table and backyard Flenniken moves from county to county, He’d have been crushed by a woman like that. settings of Famous, Flenniken went further putting poetry in the hands of all comers into the autobiographical and historical — retirement home residents, library The dry nuclear country haunted possibilities of poetry. She began a cycle listeners, and of course, the state’s third-, Flenniken’s imagery, even when she wasn’t that specifically probed the Hanford area fourth- and fifth-graders. – and the legacies of betrayal and harm writing specifically about her home region. “They are very open at that age,” she says, It was easier to write about the Richland from the radioactive leaks that plagued downwind communities. “and their minds are also expanding topography – “which feels like it’s tied to the possibility of metaphor. … All deep, deep, deep into my formative years” “I was finally ready to write about that of a sudden, some kind of switch has – after she moved to Seattle. part of my life,” Flenniken says. flipped, and they can do it. It’s some sort of learning milestone – at some point, It’s a sentiment captured in her poem The result was Plume, published last year metaphor-making turns on. They become Coyote: “I could never love the brown hills through the University of Washington very confident and interested writers – and around us,” she writes. “Now, in the city, Press – a work that’s Washingtonian in they’re very good listeners.” who can love the desert in me?” its focus but universal in its embrace. “I think it’s funny I haven’t written more Flenniken’s poetic voice recalls the pride about this landscape, the beautiful, green, engendered by John F. Kennedy’s visit watery world I live in,” she says of her current to the Hanford reactors, and the doubts city. “I guess it just frees me to write about that came in retrospect. Self-Portrait With other things, because it feels so right.” Father As Tour Guide memorializes the poet’s introduction to her father’s largely secret Even before her poetry was gathered into world as a Hanford chemist. The poet’s its first volume, people took notice. With kindergarten-age body is scanned for several magazine publications to her radiation exposure in Whole-Body Counter, credit, Flenniken won a 2003 fellowship Marcus Whitman Elementary: “I shut my eyes from Washington’s Artist Trust and a again and pledged / to be still; so proud literary fellowship from the NEA in 2005 to be / a girl America could count on.” MORE ONLINE – a rarity for a poet without a book. That The topic she’s composing on now is larger NEA prize, in fact, spurred her to re-edit still: America, and her relationship to it. 5 Questions interviews with and reorganize her manuscript of poems Kathleen Flenniken: into the collection that would become Famous. “It feels like a problematic love affair, in SparkMag.org/tag/fall13-flenniken many respects, and I’m finding ways to talk A few months later, Famous won the Prairie about the country that really aren’t based in Flenniken showcased in Schooner Book Prize from the University place,” she says. “They’re based more in my Humanities Washington’s of Nebraska Press, which led to publication emotional understanding of the country, and organizational video through the Bison Books imprint. The trying to figure out how to write about that.” SparkMag.org/tag/fall13-video Bloomsbury Review noted its roots in mundane home life, but concluded, “This life is, In the meantime, between writing and her Above: Flenniken chats with attendees at the Bedtime Stories beautifully and completely, transformed work as president of the nonprofit Floating gala in Seattle last year. This fall, the poet laureate is taking part in the Spokane edition of the annual literary into art.” Bridge Press poetry-publishing house, event (see details on pages 14-15). | Photo by Tracey Salazar

6 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine Fall/winter 2013 One tree represents a thousand — no, a million — beyond your view. One stump a million stumps. And one tumbleweed —

but there’s never just one tumbleweed.

And who can live off this tractor, this truck?

How many soft ice cream cones I -90 SEattle pass hand to hand through the drive-up window? You pass at 70 a crude white cross erected as a memorial, TO SPOKANE caught in the rooster-tail splash of a semi. Pull in for gas and a half-flat of strawberries By Kathleen Flenniken | Washington State Poet Laureate and a child’s face peers from behind a hip as her father makes change wishing each in turn a safe journey.

Tufts of cheat grass punctuated with political signs, leaning left or right.

Fields of wheat on rolling loess plains, smoothed by wind into patterns like buttercream frosting.

Water tower. Bare brown hill. Old snow. The 30-foot-high emblazoned letter “O” or “C” or “R” and the fierce — remember it — pride. Bomber pride. Bulldog pride. Blue Devil pride. Driving a basketball down the lane. Drawing a shooting foul. For the game. For the game …

You unfold a lawn chair in your mind on that knoll, on those green velvet foothills. You’ve baited the hook of childhood and your future. Once, no a thousand times, staring out a backseat window.

Fall/winter 2013 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 7 In the Field

INNV O AtiVE DISCUSSION PROGRAM BRINGS ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA, CAREGIVERS CLOSER TOGETHER here:now at the Frye Art Museum combines gallery discussion with art making to bring participants into the present moment and out of the disease

By Abby Rhinehart | Humanities Washington communications officer

man in his 60s struggles to articulate who all participate as equals. During the early mornings in his youth, when A why he thinks a hat in a painting is the first half of the program, they talk he was an avid hiker. It reminds another old. “It’s … it’s all messed up. It’s crumpled about two pieces of art in the gallery; in of her trip to Mt. Rainier. and dirty and it’s on the floor.” the second half, they create their own art inspired by those discussions. After the discussion, the here:now group Another man chimes in “Yep. It’s just … moves to the studio. Their teaching artist, it’s spent.” During a recent visit by Spark magazine, Tamara Keefe (from the Elderwise center), participants talk about The Condemned in an reads the poem Sunrise by Mary Oliver; a They’ve gathered around a painting called open-ended conversation led by one of the few of the participants smile delightedly The Condemned as part of the here:now Frye’s educators. They think about what and tell Tamara how beautiful the poem program at the Frye Art Museum in the two men in the painting may be feeling was. Then, based on what they have seen Seattle. here:now is a program for adults and what their relationship might be like. in the gallery and a few helpful tips from with young-onset or early- to middle- They examine how the artist Keefe about painting with light, they stage dementia and their care partners used a contrast of light and darkness to put watercolor to paper, as they all paint that allows participants to put aside their set the scene. sunrises inspired by the poem. conditions and connect around art and discussion. Then they move on to another painting, Some of the participants blend colors an impressionistic image of snow around a together skillfully, creating landscapes. Participants in the program include mountain stream. One participant says it Some come out with figures rather than a parents and children, husbands and wives, reminds him of the way the snow looked in landscape, painting distinct shapes. All of

8 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine Fall/winter 2013 Adults with dementia and their caregivers engage in lively discussion while gathered around a work of art in the Frye Art Museum in Seattle. | Photos courtesy of the Frye Art Museum the participants talk about their art with tour, a studio art experience and social their companions. “We invite participants time, and a monthly, discussion-based gallery tour that lasts about an hour and a here:now is an art program built on to ‘step outside the disease’ half. Both programs are free, but advance discussion. “Conversation encourages through conversations about works registration is required as space is limited. a lively exchange about art, culture, life and family that can kindle new of art that bring joy, excitement, “The program has been enthusiastically connections between the care partner curiosity and reflection.” received, so much so that we have a waitlist and the person with dementia and to participate,” said Knecht. “However, – Mary Jane Knecht, manager of adult with the Humanities Washington Spark build a renewed understanding and programs, Frye Art Museum appreciation of their relationship,” said Grant we’re excited to double the capacity Mary Jane Knecht, manager of adult of the program. We’ve found it difficult to programs at the Frye. “These discussions through conversations about works of ask people to wait, especially considering the progression of dementia.” explore how the works of art relate to art that bring joy, excitement, curiosity participants’ own experiences, how themes and reflection.” The program has attracted the attention of art inform participants’ lives and how of medical professionals, particularly works of art help us interpret historical here:now offers two programs: A series doctors at Virginia Mason researching and contemporary culture. We invite of six two-hour classes (like the one dementia. Dr. Lee Burnside, physician participants to ‘step outside the disease’ described above), which include a gallery at Virginia Mason and medical director

Fall/winter 2013 SParK { Humanities Washington Magazine 9 of the retirement community Horizon House, is currently studying the impact of Partner SPOtliGHt here:now on participants’ lives and their relationships with their caregivers. The Frye Art Museum Frye Art Museum hopes this study can serve as a resource for other museums Established: 1952 looking to create similar programs. Serves: Approximately 80,000 annually Care partners have noted that here:now Mission: participants with dementia often come “The Frye Art Museum is a living legacy of visionary patronage and civic responsibility, committed away from the program more focused and to artistic inquiry and a rich visitor experience. A catalyst for the Frye Art Museum’s engagement less anxious, and with renewed energy. In return, the care partners can take a chance with contemporary art and artists is the Founding Collection of Charles and Emma Frye, access to relax. One commented, “I love this time to which shall always be free.” when there is nothing to do but think about a painting and create art. I can’t tell you how great it is to see the Alzheimer’s to-do list TO LEARN MORE: take a back seat to art!” Visit fryemuseum.org or, to participate in the here:now program, contact [email protected] or call (206) 432-8265. here:now also creates a shared experience

between caregiver and patient and Conversation during here:now focuses on works connects them with others who are going of art rather than dementia, offering participants through similar experiences. a much-needed respite. “We emphasize what people are able to do, and draw upon their strengths as individuals, regardless of their diagnosis,” said Knecht. “When we witness participants sharing in basic aspects of human experience — community, self-expression, joy — we know these programs are resonating.”

Left: In the studio, participants are invited to let their imagination run wild. The art projects spark additional conversations between dementia sufferers and their caregivers.

10 SParK { Humanities Washington Magazine Fall/winter 2013 5 Questions

Stories in Sounds ans d Song Mapping the migrations of Latino music with educator Antonio Davidson-Gómez

By Jefferson Robbins | for Humanities Washington

Antonio Davidson-Gómez leads a conversation on Mapping Latino Musical Migrations at Whatcom Community College earlier this year. The interactive presentation utilizes several instruments popular in Latin music. | Photos by Adam Knight

ntonio Davidson-Gómez wants you to He should know, having explored Latin Antonio Davidson-Gómez: There are Ahear the music he explores … but he music traditions as both a performer and actually dozens of musical forms that also wants you to hold it in your hands. scholar. A former schoolteacher, he connect with Latino and Latin-American crafted curricula, including the online cultures. Some of these musical styles The veteran percussionist makes the teacher course for the EMP Museum’s migrated from Latin America (cumbia, instruments part of his presentation as he American Sabor exhibit, which explored the merengue, tango, etc.), others were traces the roots of Latin music as it’s same territory as his Speakers Bureau talk. already here as the United States expanded known — in its many, many forms — in As a musician, he plays regularly with the westward (corridos), and still others (salsa, America today. In Davidson-Gómez’s Touché jazz sextet, a Gypsy jazz ensemble reggaetón, etc.) have evolved recently engaging talk for Humanities in the style of the Hot Club of Paris, and among Latinos in the United States or as Washington’s Speakers Bureau, Mapping has performed on record with flutist a dialogue between Latinos, Latin Latino Musical Migrations, he makes his Gerald Beckett. He’s now the educational Americans and others. audience part of the orchestra in a services manager at Seattle public hands-on performance session. television station KCTS. It’s also important to note that Latinos have been very much part of the evolution “Truly, there is no one instrument that is Humanities Washington: There seem to of other American music forms not always omnipresent across Latin genres,” be two main sources of Latino music as considered “Latin.” For example, it was Davidson-Gómez says. “There are, it’s known in America today: Afro-Latin the Cuban musician Mario Bauzá who however, instruments that are integral and ranchera. How did those paths helped propel a young Dizzy Gillespie, to various styles.” diverge to create two distinct styles? which in turn helped spur the evolution

Fall/winter 2013 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 11 Latin musical ideas became part of the “Identity and heritage are intensely political United States much earlier — perhaps when Mexican vaqueros (cowboys) shared and personal at the same time.” the sung poetry of corridos, accompanied – Antonio Davidson-Gómez, educator by a lonely guitar by a campfire, with Anglo cowboys who were learning from them how to bring cattle up through Texas into Kansas and beyond. Just as the lariat some of the Latin music (and) dance comes from the (Spanish word) lariataand crazes that have passed through the United chaps come from chaparrales, I think there is States. This includes everything from Begin a deeper connection to the United States’ the Beguine to the mambo and cha cha fads of love affair with the guitar. 1950s New York (to) Santana (to) Miami Sound Machine and so on. HW: Ranchera and its offshoots are Participants make music during Davidson-Gómez’s commonly heard in the United States presentation at Whatcom Community College. But in order to really answer this question, today, but for a long time they took a we have to ask ourselves what we mean back seat to Afro-influenced Latin when we use the term “Latin music.” For of jazz from swing to bebop. Similarly, styles — samba, bossa nova, salsa and me, the answer has to do with music that is Ritchie Valens and other Latinos so on. Why is that? created by people or cultures that have contributed to the early sound of rock origins in Latin America. The great thing Davidson-Gómez: Música ranchera has while the members of ? and the about music that fits into the broad always been popular in the Mexicano Mysterians, Alice Bag and others helped category of Latin music is that it is the and Mexican-American ranching propel punk. Similarly, Lee Quiñones music of intersecting lives and stories. communities. It has its own evolution and Richard “Crazy Legs” Colón Most of the musical forms that emanate which existed outside the mainstream. contributed to the early aesthetics of from Latin America are wonderful and Meanwhile, other Latin styles like tango, hip-hop. In Washington, we’re very unique blends of the African, indigenous mambo, cha cha chá, boogaloo, samba fortunate to have some top scholars and European influences that shape the and bossa nova were appropriated as fads uncovering these stories, including region. In some, one element is more in Hollywood or New York over the past Marisol Berrios-Miranda, Michelle present than another. Like jazz, Latin century. As such, they became much better Habell-Pallan and Shannon Dudley, who music is only possible when diverse people known in American popular culture. The curated the EMP Museum’s American Sabor, and musical ideas come into contact, react strong ties between New York, Cuba and which is now touring under the auspices of to each other and continue to reinvent. Puerto Rico are not lost in this process. the Smithsonian. But, this type of success can be a mixed bag So, going back to the question of when and HW: How did Latin music first arrive for these art forms and the people who love how Latin music comes to the United in the United States, and how did it gain them. Some see it as success, others may States, the answer depends on how you its first popularity with non-Latino see it as the commercialization of their approach the question. One might point audiences? beloved Afro-Caribbean traditions. to the first musical fad in the United States Ranchera, on the other hand, continued Davidson-Gómez: A preliminary way to that was framed as “Latin,” but I think that to cater to its own community, off the answer this question might be to consider you could also make the argument that Top 40 radar. Over recent decades there

12 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine Fall/winter 2013 have been a number of factors that have question. These pressures do not seem as propelled this style. From Selena to MORE ONLINE overt as they were a generation or two ago, the growth of Mexican-American and pop culture is beginning to reflect communities to the expansion of Bring Davidson-Gómez to your that. Still, identity and heritage are community: Mexican-dominated Spanish language intensely political and personal at the same humanities.org/speakers media, música ranchera and other time. Some artists want to proclaim their “música regional mexicana” have grown Check out the sounds of heritage and others are concerned they in popularity and market share. American Sabor: americansabor.org will be pigeonholed by it. Race, racism and ethnocentrism are still around, but At the same time, a whole new aesthetic is generally speaking, our society has become developing which I find really exciting: What I really (like) is how new and more open to its own diversity. In my Young people are picking elements of traditional instruments are coexisting side parents’ childhood there was pressure to rural and urban identity (such as ranchera by side in new iterations of Latino music conform to what was perceived as and hip-hop) and creating their own and identity. This is found in the “American.” Thankfully, now what is blend. It reminds us of the fluidity and popularity of Mexican son jarocho (style) “American” seems to conform more to vivacious nature of culture — as expressed along the West Coast and the coexistence who we are — and that is deliciously through music, art, language and dress. of bandoneón and turntables in nuevo complicated. Sometimes it has blue tango. eyes, sometimes it has curly black hair, HW: Is there a single instrument that sometimes it speaks with an accent, you think of as being essential to Latin HW: Latinos have come to the forefront sometimes it covers its hair. as performers in United States pop, but music, be it a type of drum, a stringed often with pseudonyms. Baldemar instrument or something other? Huerta became Freddy Fender. Richard Davidson-Gómez: This is a great Valenzuela became Ritchie Valens. ? question! It allows us to remember the and the Mysterians were all Mexican by diversity of Latin musical forms. It’s hard way of Michigan. Why have Latinos so to imagine música tejana or cumbia often had to smuggle themselves into without an accordion, but you’d be hard the musical mainstream? pressed to find one in a Cuban conjunto Davidson-Gómez: Latinos in music, like or salsa band. Congas and bongó have many other entertainers, have often felt been adopted from the Caribbean into that they should hide their ethnicity to be many styles, but there are many styles that successful. From Anthony Quinn and call for harp, horns or flute and eschew Rita Hayworth to Ritchie Valens, many percussion. The guitar is fairly universal, Latinos have found success by another but only in concept. The guitar had not name. Particularly in the mid-20th fully evolved before Latin-American century, people of Latin-American, cultures took shape. As such, you’ll find Italian, Greek, Jewish and other heritages distant cousins of the guitar — like the were told or chose to change their public Congas have been adopted from the Caribbean into cuatro, jarana, bandola, laúd, tres and identities. People of color had the added many styles of Latin music. vihuela in various traditions. layer of racism on top of the assimilation

Fall/winter 2013 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 13 Cover Story BeDtiMe StOrieS tUrnS 15 witH ‘PillOw talK’ taleS

By Andrew Wahl | Humanities Washington communications director

n 1999, a celebrated Northwest Ambaum and Bill Barnes (Unshelved comic iauthor helped write a new chapter for “The event has raised nearly $1 million strip) and the honorary co-chairs are Garth Humanities Washington. to support humanities programming (The Art of Racing in the Rain) and Drella Stein. Bedtime Stories, the brainchild of around the state.” The Seattle gala will also see Johnson National Book Award winner Charles honored with the Humanities Washington Johnson (see story, Page 20), brought – Julie Ziegler, Award in recognition of his outstanding together local authors to craft original Humanities Washington’s executive director and exemplary achievement in the public short stories to debut at an annual humanities. dinner gala benefiting the state’s flagship humanities organization. The fun gets underway with Bedtime Bedtime Stories is a fundraiser supporting Stories Spokane, taking place Sept. 20, Humanities Washington’s efforts to “From its inception, Bedtime Stories 2013, at the Spokane Club. This year’s spark critical thinking and conversation, has been an amazing success,” said writers are Washington State Poet Laureate nurturing thoughtful and engaged Julie Ziegler, Humanities Washington’s Kathleen Flenniken (Plume), Sharma communities across our state. Our executive director. “Over the years, Shields (Favorite Monster), Shawn Vestal programs — from Family Reading to attendees have heard inspired new works (Godforsaken Idaho) and Jess Walter (Beautiful Traveling Exhibits — bring high-quality from more than 50 Northwest authors. Ruins). The emcee is Gary Stokes, executive cultural programs throughout the state. And the event has raised nearly $1 million director of Friends of KSPS. to support humanities programming For information on becoming a sponsor or around the state.” Bedtime Stories Seattle returns to the purchasing a table for either event, contact Spanish Ballroom at The Fairmont Wendy Stauff at [email protected] or The Seattle Bedtime Stories literary gala Olympic Hotel Oct. 4, 2013. The (206) 682-1770 x109. A limited number turns 15 this fall. It is joined again by evening’s writers are Erica Bauermeister of individual tickets are also available. Bedtime Stories Spokane, which debuted (The Lost Art of Mixing), Rebecca Brown in 2012. This year, authors will unveil (American Romances), Charles Johnson (Middle original short works inspired by the event Passage) and Harold Taw (Adventures of the theme, Pillow Talk. Karaoke King). The event emcees are Gene

14 SParK { Humanities Washington Magazine Fall/winter 2013 JONS! I U

2013 Bedtime Stories Spokane authors (left to right): Kathleen Flenniken, 2013 Bedtime Stories Seattle authors (left to right): Erica Bauermeister, Sharma Shields, Shawn Vestal and Jess Walter. | Provided photos Rebecca Brown, Charles Johnson and Harold Taw. | Provided photos Bedtime Stories Spokane Bedtime Stories Seattle Wh en: Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 Wh en: Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 Where: Spokane Club, 1002 W. Riverside Ave., Spokane Where: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel’s Spanish Ballroom, 411 University St., Seattle SPOKANE SPONSORS Esteemed Professors: SEATTLE SPONSORS Hagan Foundation Center for the Humanities Literary Legend: PEMCO Insurance (Statewide Sponsor) The Spokesman-Review Renowned Critics: The Boeing Company PEMCO Insurance (Statewide Sponsor) David and Catherine Skinner

MORE ONLINE No te: For information on becoming a sponsor or purchasing a table for either event, contact Wendy Stauff at 5 Questions interviews with this year’s Bedtime [email protected] or (206) 682-1770 x109. A limited Stories authors: SparkMag.org/tag/fall13-bedtime number of individual tickets are also available.

Fall/winter 2013 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 15 tHe PeCUliar intelliGenCe OF ParrOtS By Garth Stein | author of The Art of Racing in the Rain

then deliver his punch line: “That’s when of the reason that my dad is living in you can come stay in my condo in West West Seattle and my mom is dating her Seattle after the divorce.” Pilates instructor. I’m pretty much in charge of Joby, because That’s funny, right? But then one weekend my mother isn’t really good at the whole Have you bolted your house to its I found myself sitting in my divorced “mother thing.” Her words. So one foundation yet? dad’s condo in West Seattle, and I realized afternoon I put a couple of frozen burritos that sometimes when people make jokes, Read the newspapers. Turn on the TV. in the microwave, and I turned on the they’re actually foretelling the future. Like “A megathrust quake is inevitable.” “It’s local news to check the weather – and Cassandra, who could tell the future but just a matter of time before the Cascadia there was a feature about a gang of feral no one would believe her. Imagine you fault lets loose.” “The ocean floor will parrots, maybe two hundred of them, could tell the future, but you didn’t even rise; volcanoes will erupt; low-land soil living in Seward Park. Parrots squawk a believe yourself. That’s my dad. The shape will liquify.” lot, a scientist said, and people get sick of of an “L” on his forehead. the noise, so they set them free and they I repeat: have you bolted your house to its somehow find each other in Seward Park. My name is Trevor and I live in Seattle foundation yet? So after we ate our burritos, I put Joby in near Seward Park, and I’m in sixth grade. his Chariot and took him down to the My dad had this line he thought was really I have a little brother who’s pretty cool. park to look for them. funny. If he and my mom were fighting, His name is Joseph Benjamin, so we call he would say, “Every other weekend, two him Joby. He’s only five. Which means my I didn’t think we’d find them, but it weeks over the summer and Christmas parents didn’t have sex very often. Like seemed like an adventure. We went up every other year.” He would pause, and once every seven years or so. Which is part the hill and deep into the woods and the

16 SParK { Humanities Washington Magazine Fall/winter 2013 city faded away, and, up in a tree, Joby saw But they do read. one right away. Like it was expecting us. It was dark and scruffy and had a long tail. And one day, when Joby and I went to It had the distinctive curved beak, and a visit our parrot friends, they brought us a whole bunch of newspapers, which I didn’t auditorium round head and upright stance, and when or some I looked at it I was mesmerized. A parrot in think was totally weird initially. I mean aunt’s house Seward Park. I realized the trees were full they live in a busy park in the middle of the where my mother of them. We had found their home. city. People leave their papers around and the parrots steal them, right? And I might has dumped us for a “Polly want a cracker?” I asked, and I took have thought it was random, the papers weekend so she could go to out a box of Ritz crackers and tossed one they brought us. Except they were all from an ashram with her boyfriend of them high into the air. None of them different months and different years, even. because my dad refused to take us budged. Not even a blink. And they all featured one of three things: because “it wasn’t on his schedule,” a story about a potential earthquake, a Joby can sit down and play that song. “Polly want a peanut?” I asked, and this drawing of an old-fashioned hot air Beautifully. Straight out of his head. time I fired a roasted unsalted peanut at balloon, or an ad for a rubber raft. Like – bang! Elton John or Billy Joel. one parrot’s head, and I swear to God, And, sure, it’s corny like, New York State of that parrot reached out with its foot and “What do you think?” I asked Joby as we Mind. But he can play it so it makes you snatched the peanut out of the sky, cracked studied the papers. cry. That’s what pisses me off about all it open with its sharp beak and ate the nuts He said: “An earthquake balloon boat.” this. Joby should be famous. He should out of it. Then he looked at me – right at be on America’s Got Talent, or something. me – wondering if I might have more. I love Joby. Five years old and he plays the He shouldn’t be lost to anonymity and I had more. I fired another peanut at the piano like a crazy piano genius. Not like mediocrity because his parents are same parrot and got the same result. And a little kid who’s been taking lessons for losers. (Did I tell you about the “L” on my soon, Joby and I were covered with parrots. years and can play some Chopin Étude mother’s forehead? It’s bigger than my that’s been pounded into his head by a father’s.) Parrots don’t talk, they imitate. They can $40-an-hour piano teacher. Joby, who has sound like they’re talking, but they don’t never taken a piano lesson in his life, can Look, I’m busy. I’m in sixth grade. I’ve really form sentences. They’re like Xerox hear a song on the radio and then sit at an got tons of work to do all the time. And machines made out of feathers and blood. empty piano at a shopping mall or school my parents are screw-ups. So while I was

Fall/winter 2013 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 17 impressed by the newspaper collection (possibly a Jewish mafia kill, my dad says). to the foundation, by the way – has slid presented to me by the feral parrots of Water purification tablets I got with my down the hill and is resting neatly in Seward Park, and while I was moved by mom’s REI dividend because she never the street. The world is full of people in my brother’s assessment of those articles, uses it. Water bottles for me and Joby. pajamas. They’re all standing outside of I guess, like any adult figure, I ignored Jalapeno beef jerky from Leschi Market. their houses – or what’s left of their houses, the signs. Underwear and socks for me and Joby. as many are in rubble. They’re scratching their bleeding heads. Some of them are It was a few weeks after the newspaper That’s what’s in my earthquake screaming in pain. But the ones who aren’t incident that the next strange thing preparedness kit. What’s in yours? in pain are silent, like zombies. happened. My dad was bringing me home from West Seattle one morning and he My mother was over at Jake’s house when stopped abruptly in the middle of 31st it started. Jake lived nearby, and my mom And there’s a terrible sucking sound, Avenue. A family of five raccoons was said I was big enough to watch Joby and I like the earth is taking one long, deep crossing the street. should call her if anything went wrong. wet breath. “I’ve never seen raccoons in the day before,” If you’ve never been in one, let me tell you: I put Joby in his Chariot and pedal as fast I said to my dad. It’s scary as shit. It starts as a deep rumble. as I can down Lake Washington Boulevard. And the dogs start barking, and then the The world is devoid of electric lights, but “Neither have I,” he admitted. “They’re car alarms go off, and it’s a cacophony full of light from the moon and from fires probably rabid. Stay away from them.” of sound. But when the shaking doesn’t that have ignited from broken gas lines. stop right away and it grows into an earth But they didn’t look rabid. We snake our way through the carnage of dance, and when you can picture these fallen trees. That night I was taking the compost to the huge tectonic plates ramming against each bin in the back alley, and I saw a coyote other twenty miles below the ground, you I look back at Joby. He’s in his bicycle run by. Really! In Mount Baker. Raccoons realize your scale is tiny compared to what stroller scared to death. “We’ll be okay,” in the street. Coyotes in the alley. Parrots is happening. Titans are clashing. And I reassure him, though I’m not so bringing newspapers. you? You are a speck on one of their swords. sure myself. I’m no genius. But I’m not a dumb ass, When the electricity goes out and the dogs We make it to Seward Park, and I blow either. I got myself ready. are so afraid they’ve stopped howling but up our raft with the foot pump. I throw the wave is still going even though you’ve a couple of peanuts into the air. Nothing. A blow-up raft and foot pump. Two counted to twenty a bunch of times. That’s Maybe our parrots have already fled. I hundred feet of nylon rope cut into when it gets really scary. When it keeps tie the lengths of nylon rope to the safety five-foot lengths. Aluminum paddle. Five going beyond that. rope that encircles our raft. I don’t know bags of roasted, unsalted peanuts. Seventy- if it’s going to work, but those parrots were nine dollars of accumulated cash gifts, The first thing I do is make sure I’m alive, trying to tell us something when they excluding coins (too heavy). My dad’s grill and I am. So the next thing I do is make brought us the newspapers: an earthquake lighter. Survival radio my Uncle Lester sure Joby is alive, and he is. And that is balloon boat. I grab a handful of peanuts gave me before he vanished mysteriously very good. Our entire house – not bolted and throw them high into the air.

18 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine Fall/winter 2013 “Polly want a peanut?” I yell. I point south and the birds turn our I don’t know if it’s going to work, but those craft; we follow I-5, which looks like a They appear out of nowhere. They don’t river. Everything is dark. The entire coast, it take the peanuts; they’re just as afraid as we parrots were trying to tell us something seems. I turn the crank generator on my little are. I hold one of the ropes in the air. God when they brought us the newspapers: survival radio and tune for a station, but I get I hope this works; it was their idea! One an earthquake balloon boat. only static. Finally, I find a weak signal. of the birds flies over me and grabs the “… devastation is absolute. The entire West rope with his talons and lifts it into the air. Coast has fallen into the sea. If anyone can Others follow his lead. Joby and I climb hear us, please help. Please. Send help …” into the boat and the birds start flapping Both floating bridges are gone. We like mad, and suddenly we’re flying. clear Mount Baker ridge and get a view We continue flying through the night of downtown. Columbia Center is with no known destination and just the Parrots are exceptionally smart, the TV gone, as is the building that looks like a kindness of a rag tag group of feral parrots show said. They are also exceptionally giant circumcised penis. Everything is to depend on. Joby looks up at me. strong fliers. They take turns on the ropes, glowing orange from fires. Puget Sound “When are we going to get there?” he asks. doing a neat little rotation, so we always has surged, maybe a tsunami. Harbor have about a hundred birds flying in a Island and SoDo are submerged under I don’t have the heart to tell him I’m not cloud around us, forty of black water. The West Seattle Bridge has sure there’s even a there to get to. them holding onto our ropes. Like this, collapsed. I wonder where our dad is. I we fly through the night at about three wonder about our mom. But there’s no “Soon, Joby,” I say. “We’ll get there real soon.” hundred feet. room for them in our raft anyway.

About the Author Garth Stein is the bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain and two other novels. He is the co-founder of the nonprofit organization Seattle7Writers and currently lives in Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood with his wife, three sons and their dog Comet. Stein debuted “The Peculiar Intelligence of Parrots” in 2010 at Humanities Washington’s annual Bedtime Stories literary gala in Seattle. He returned to Bedtime Stories as emcee in 2011 and as a guest reader in 2012. This year, he and wife Drella are serving as honorary co-chairs of the Seattle event. To learn more about Stein, visit garthstein.com.

Provided photo

Fall/winter 2013 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 19 C hharles Jo nson Honored With Humanities Washington Award Celebrated author, teacher makes lasting impact on state’s literary scene

By Jefferson Robbins | for Humanities Washington

Charles Johnson | Photo from the Humanities Washington archives

harles R. Johnson sees storytelling as something from Charles,” Miller says. “He Cproblem-solving. Fifteen years ago, he MORE ONLINE is a master teacher and mentor to many.” helped give Washington writers a new riddle An Illinois native, Johnson has lived in to answer. 5 Questions interviews with Charles Johnson: Seattle since 1976, when he arrived to teach Johnson, 65, was among the founders of SparkMag.org/tag/fall13-johnson at the University of Washington. In that time, Humanities Washington’s annual Bedtime he has proved to be a force in the local arts Stories gala, in which writers from around Johnson reading of “Night community while producing a torrent of the state develop an original story based on a Hawks” at Bedtime Stories 2008 stories, essays and other media projects. theme, then present them live at a dinner SparkMag.org/tag/fall13-johnson-video Bedtime Stories had its origins in 1998 with event. Fitting, then, that when Johnson Johnson’s problem-solving aesthetic, when he receives the organization’s Humanities suggested that Humanities Washington’s Washington Award Oct. 4, he’ll do so as part distinguished and diverse people … who’ve then-president Margaret Ann Bollmeier of this year’s Bedtime Stories readings at the all made very selfless contributions to the stage authors’ readings with fresh works Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle. humanities, to culture, to literacy.” created from a seed concept — “bedtime” — rather than existing stories. Johnson The Humanities Washington Award is That describes Johnson, too, though he penned a story for the inaugural event in presented annually to “extraordinary shrugs off the suggestion with a laugh. The 1999 – and for every Seattle event since. individuals and organizations working Seattle author, scholar and illustrator has won throughout Washington state to ensure the National Book Award, MacArthur and “For me, it’s been a joy to participate every that the humanities are a part of our lives.” Guggenheim fellowships, and numerous single year, for the simple reason that I love It was initiated in 1995 in memory of other honors for his work — not least his 1990 storytelling, and I like to be given a challenge Yakima’s Heather C. Frank, who was an novel Middle Passage, an odyssey into the 1830s as a professional writer,” Johnson says. “… It ardent supporter of the public humanities slave trade. isn’t writing for money, and it isn’t writing for throughout her lifetime. attention. It’s writing to solve a puzzle that E. Ethelbert Miller, a fellow writer and you’ve been given. And I think that’s what the “It’s very humbling,” Johnson says. “I was just academic who created a one-year blog project creative process is really all about.” looking over the past recipients of this with Johnson as its focus, considers his subject particular award, and they’re very, very a Renaissance man. “I’m always learning

20 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine Fall/winter 2013 Why the Humanities?

‘ A GoOD Place to Live’ The humanities bring a rural Washington community together for a discussion

By John K. Roth | guest commentary

arlier this year, people from the Methow said of Twisp and many other places in EValley in rural Washington came Washington state, including its cities, together for a conversation. About hate and where space is not wide open rural-style “Such content helps people deepen respect forgiveness. Ignorance and understanding. but still vast and rich with possibilities. for one another, strengthens awareness And what it means when tragedy leaves a community forever changed. Humanities Washington supported the of where we have been and where we need Merc’s production and discussion of The to be going, and shows why it is essential The occasion was a production of The Laramie Project because its mission is to spark Laramie Project, a play about the murder conversation and critical thinking to help to take nothing good for granted.” of Matthew Shepard, a gay university make Washington’s communities good student who was robbed and beaten to places to live. The theater gatherings in death just outside Laramie, Wyo., in Twisp serve as a perfect example of that October of 1998. Supported by a grant mission in action. Actors explored not from Humanities Washington, the two- only a script but also questions prompted show production drew more than 200 by the events that led to the play, and the people to The Merc Playhouse in Twisp, audience responded. That conversation a town of fewer than 1,000. I was honored — its agreements and disagreements, its to facilitate the insightful discussion that doubts and hesitations as well as its followed the show both nights. convictions and passions — nurtured the inquiry, insight and inspiration needed to The murder of Matthew Shepard left The cover to The Laramie support and sustain all that is good in the Project, a play inspired its mark on Laramie. Nevertheless, the civic life we share. by the 1998 murder of University of Wyoming people of that community continued to student Matthew Shepard. affirm what one of the play’s characters Active for 40 years in places small and | Provided photo says about the town: “It’s a good place to large all across this state, Humanities live. Good people, lots of space.” Even Washington believes passionately in the when tragedy strikes, the same can be transformative power of humanities

Fall/winter 2013 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 21 Rose Weagant, Joe Marver and Morgan Tate, three of the actors from The Merc Playhouse’s recent production of The Laramie Project. | Photo by Mark Wenzel (courtesy of The Merc Playhouse)

programming. Such content helps grassroots programs that advance literacy, in its activities gives all Washingtonians an people deepen respect for one another, awareness and appreciation of the history opportunity to advance that worthy cause. strengthens awareness of where we have Americans share, and understanding of been and where we need to be going, and the significant and often difficult issues shows why it is essential to take nothing that face our country and world in the John K. Roth, professor good for granted. In public places like 21st century. emeritus of philosophy The Merc Playhouse, the humanities at Claremont McKenna bring people together in these ways. Given our international and College, is a resident of interconnected circumstances, the Winthrop, a member With resources from the National United States needs to be increasingly of The Merc Playhouse Endowment for the Humanities, innovative, competitive and strong. If board and a trustee of augmented and leveraged by its own our country is to sustain that vitality, Humanities Washington. fundraising, Humanities Washington is individual Americans have to be creative, He also chairs the notably part of a national network of 56 well-educated and capable of making Federation of State state and territorial humanities councils. complex decisions that are strategically and Humanities Councils. Throughout the United States, in libraries ethically sound. Making the world a good and museums, classrooms and parks, place to live depends on those ingredients. pubs and malls, these independent Humanities Washington exists to grow, nonprofit organizations champion sustain and expand them. Participation

22 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine Fall/winter 2013 News & Notes

Compiled by Humanities Washington staff

Prime Time Family Reading MOE R ONline: For more information about • Omak: Wenatchee Valley College at Program to Expand Humanities Washington’s Family Reading program, Omak - Mourning Dove Symposium and visit humanities.org/reading Celebration STATEWIDE – A combination of demon- More information about each of these strated need and strong support from both Humanities Washington programs is available at SparkMag.org/tag/ public and private funders has led to an Moves to New Office fall13-grants. expansion of Humanities Washington’s Family Reading program in 2013-14. SEATTLE – Humanities Washington Grant recipients will roll out their programs recently relocated to Seattle’s South Lake over the next several months. A ll of these Using the Prime Time Family Reading Union neighborhood. The new address is: programs will be open to the public. Look curriculum developed by the Louisiana Humanities Washington for more information, as details become Endowment for the Humanities, Humanities available, at humanities.org/calendar. Washington partners with local libraries to 1015 8th Ave. N., Suite B deliver services to educationally and econom- Seattle, WA 98109 MOE R ONline: To learn more or apply to one ically at-risk families across the state. Each Email addresses – including the main address, of Humanities Washington’s Grants programs, visit six-week series, led by a scholar and storyteller, humanities.org/grants builds reading skills, nurtures familial [email protected] – and phone numbers bonds and helps participating children – including the front desk, (206) 682-1770 – remain the same. Community College Leaders become stronger readers and thinkers. Join Humanities Washington Board Following a 2012 pilot program in Office hours: Mon –Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lynnwood, Prime Time expanded to STATEWIDE – Humanities Washington Shoreline and Spokane earlier this year. Four Organizations Earn welcomed two new members to its Board Thanks to generous support from The Paul Summer Spark Grants of Trustees in 2013: G. A llen Family Foundation, the National • Mary Carr, of Spokane, is executive Endowment for the Humanities and the STATEWIDE – Humanities Washington recently awarded $28,500 during the director of Library Services for the Wockner Foundation, Prime Time is set to Community Colleges of Spokane. return to Spokane and expand to Mukilteo summer round of its revamped Spark Grants and Walla Walla this fall. program. The awards went to four innovative • Joan Penney, of Mount Vernon, is the programs around the state aimed at encour- dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at In addition, Prime Time series in Port aging community dialogue: Edmonds Community College. Townsend, the Tri-Cities and other areas are planned for 2014. • Bellingham: W hatcom County Library Carr and Penney joined the board in January Foundation - W hatcom Reads! 2014 and are each serving an initial term of three “We’re thrilled that additional support is • Seattle: Short Run small press fest - Read/ years. Both also serve on the organization’s allowing us to meet needs in other areas Write Fund Development Committee. around the state,” said Julie Ziegler, executive director of Humanities Washington. • Spokane: KYRS - Thin Air Community MOE R ONline: For more information about Radio Humanities Washington’s Board of Trustees, visit humanities.org/board

Fall/winter 2013 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 23 Calendar Join Us! A selection of upcoming Humanities Washington events

9.16-9.17.13 10.10.13 10.10–10.11.13 Hdeasid en Tr ures in T hINK & Drink: Arl Wo d of Sweets in Washington’s Museums Bit by Bit: The Digital Washington State Evolution of the NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON Neighborhood CENTRAL WASHINGTON – From – Journalist Harriet Baskas presents a bienenstich to bánh xu xê, marzipan to fast-paced, photo-filled and, at times, TACOMA – Humanities Washington’s mochi, the diverse range of sweets we offbeat tour of Washington history through popular Think & Drink discussion series enjoy across Washington state reveals the stories of museum artifacts that are expands to Tacoma! Join technology much about our shared history and culture. rarely – if ever – shown to the public. Four journalist Alex Alben and University of Anthropologist Julia Harrison leads this pair conversations over two days, visiting Entiat, Puget Sound Professor Amy Fisher at of sweet conversations in Moses Lake and Chelan, Manson and Wenatchee. the Pantages Theater for an enjoyable Yakima. evening of enlightening conversation and tasty beverages.

10.14–11.25.13 12.4.13 Pimeer Tim Family Reading IkS n - tAINEd Amazons and Cinematic Warriors: SPOKANE and WALLA WALLA – Superwomen in Modern The Prime Time program brings families together each week for a fun evening of Mythology food, storytelling and discussion. The next CENTRALIA – In this lively multimedia pair of free, six-week series get underway presentation, pop-culture historian Jennifer this fall, in partnership with the Spokane K. Stuller explores how the female hero County Library District and the Walla Walla in modern mythology has broken through Public Library. the boys’ club barrier of tradition. This conversation invites participants to think Note: This program is not open to the deeper about popular culture, media, general public. Mochi at the Panama Hotel Tea & Coffee gender images and storytelling. House in Seattle’s International District. | Photo by Abby Rhinehart

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

24 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine Fall/winter 2013 2012 ANNuAL REPORT HuMANITIES WASHINGTON

2012 ANNuAL REPORT

Emcee Nancy Pearl sparks conversation at Bedtime Stories in Eager learners at Prime Time Family Reading in humanities.org Seattle. | Photo by Tracey Salazar Lynnwood. | Photo by Adam Knight

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

or Humanities Washington, 2012 was • Traveling Exhibits found a new partner Thank you for your continued support. Fa year of tremendous evolution. in the Washington State Historical The work we do would not be possible Society, leading to a tour of the state- without you! Through the lens of our recently refined centric Hope in Hard Times: Washington During mission statement (see above), we got to the Great Depression exhibition. work retooling long-standing programs to better reflect our new focus: Along with newer programs – from Think & Drink to the Washington State Poet • Family Reading piloted Prime Time Laureate – these revamped offerings better John A. Baule Family Reading, a humanities-rich positioned Humanities Washington to Board Chair literacy curriculum that brings families bring people together to discuss, think together with the transformative power about and celebrate our differences and of story. common ground. • Grants now include Spark Grants, Humanities Washington is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit In this 2012 Annual Report, we share the organization in Washington state. which support cultural programs that highlights from this past year – and thank bring people together to discuss issues the supporters who made those successes important to their community. possible. As we move into the new year – MORE ONLINE • Speakers Bureau introduced a our 40th serving Washington state – I’d diverse new group of presenters, all like to extend a personal invitation to join Extended version of this eager to travel the state and engage us: Visit our website (humanities.org) Annual Report and reports Washingtonians in conversations about a and online magazine (SparkMag.org) from previous years: wide range of topics. for the latest on our upcoming programs humanities.org/annualreports and events.

SParK { Humanities Washington Magazine 25 Humanities Washington 2012 Annual Report

Administration Making it Happen: $84,594 (8.2%) 2012 Supporters Fundraising $139,024 2012 total (13.6%) EXPENSES: Thank You to Our Contributors! $1,025,883 Programs $802,265 Our friends and supporters help Humanities Washington (78.2%) nurture thoughtful and engaged communities by ensuring we can continue to provide very low-cost or free programming in all corners of the state.

$35,000 and above Lucia & Leo Huntington* Shaun O’ L. Higgins & Ann Glendening $500 to $999 The Boeing Company Larry Kinner & Dolores Hecht* Debra & Chuck Holland* Mark & Patty Anderson National Endowment for the Humanities Dan Lamberton & Linda Andrews* Inland Northwest Council of Libraries Michael Bauer Wockner Foundation Edward Marquand & Sandy & Steven Kernerman Liz Burroughs Michael Longyear* Nancy Ledeboer Margot Kahn Case & Scott Case $15,000 to $34,999 Karen Munro* Reba McIntyre Kathleen Day & Pacific Continental Bank* Jack & Debbie Moore Amazon.com Christopher Farnsworth Judy Pigott Nancy Nordhoff & Lynn Hays Norcliffe Foundation Bill & Patty Degroodt Mary Pigott Ned & Susan Palmer State of Washington Ellen Evans & Sandy Melzer Bridget & Paul Piper* Mary Pembroke Perlin & David Perlin Megan Hurley Dr. David Powers* Suzanne Poppema & John Cramer William Jaback $5,000 to $14,999 Jane & Jay Reich* Tom & Anna Rudd Kristi Kosmata The Hugh and Jane Ferguson John & Lyn Roth* Dale & Susan Smith* Eric & Christine Larsen Foundation Safeco Insurance Spokane County Library District Susan McNab* Kongsgaard-Goldman Foundation The Spokesman-Review Sterling Bank Marshal McReal Hazel Miller Foundation Garth & Drella Stein* Vijay & Sita Vashee Tammy Miller OneFamily Foundation Union Pacific Foundation Village Books Beth Morgan National Endowment for the Arts/ArtsWA Meredith & Peter Wagner* Cynthia & Roger Petrie PEMCO Insurance $1,000 to $2,499 Jan Walsh* Faith & Phil Pettis Red Lion Hotels Corporation* John Baule* Wells Fargo John & Cynthia Purdy David Skinner & Catherine Eaton Skinner Addi Brooks & Bob Pennell* Dr. Elizabeth Welty Elizabeth Romney & Jim Giles Anne & Jess Walter* Carol & Jonathan Buchter Bob & Diahann Witter Eric Sanders Cynthia Wells & Tim Kerr* Bruce Burgett & Brenda Majercin* Annette Woolsey & James Shiflett Sam & Rosemary Selinger Marité Butners* Erin Younger & Ed Liebow Patty & David Shelledy $2,500 to $4,999 Diane Douglas & Steve Perlmutter* Julie & Bryon Ziegler Cyndi & John Upthegrove Avista Foundation Jane Dudley Marcia & Klaus Zech Kenneth and Marleen Alhadeff Shann & Jennifer Ferch* BMO Private Bank Ellen Ferguson Debbi & Paul Brainerd Foster Pepper PLLC A.J. Epstein* David & Janet Freece* If we have inadvertently omitted you from this list or Hagan Foundation Center for Garde Capital miscategorized your contribution, please contact the Humanities at Spokane Joanne Gordon Development Director KayLee Jaech at (206) 682-1770 x103 Community College David Green or [email protected]. Denise & Thomas Harnly Andrea Hannon

* Denotes a combination of cash and in-kind support. 26 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 2012 Annual Report Humanities Washington

$250 to $499 Misti Birkmann E. Richard Hart Jeff & Eileen Nave Anonymous (4) Kristin Blalack & Gerald Suzawith Robert & Renee Hazen Brooke Nicholson Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Peg & Darrell Blue Heinz Hecht & Sue Nelson Hecht Russell & Diana Nickel Matching Gifts Betty Bostrom Helen Hepp Jo Ann Nielson Joyce & Donald Joy Cynthia Bostwick Maureen & Patrick Herward Jill Novik Greater Everett Community Foundation Michael Boudreaux Virginia Hislop Kevin O’Brien Mary Anne & Chuck Martin Helaina Boulieris Ellen C. Hofmann Joyce Ogden Karen Westwood & Peter Jepsen Marian Boylan Wim & Carol Hol Colette Ogle John & Patsy Burgess Steve & Marti Brown Donna Horn Therese Ogle & John Draper Jim & Lew Gilchrist Sylvia Brown Natalie & Larry Humphrey Jeff & Ruthanne Parker Phyllis Hatfield Peggy Bryan Dan & Mary Huntington Ruth Pelz Cyndy & Tom Israel Ginny Butler Tim & Priscilla Ice Anne Phelps Susannah Malarkey* Andy Cahn Anne Jacobson Sarah & Jake Pinkerton Marilyn Gilbert Mary Carr Chris Jahrman & Lisa LaBard Brenda Price John Braseth Robert & Eleanor Carriker Jean Jelinek Marilyn Raichle Laurie Byrd Tony Case & Betsy Hale Scott Jensen Angela Rasmussen Margaret & Tom Easthope Jenny Cassel & Jim Fuller Gwen Johnson Andrea Reid Dr. George Girvin Amy Chasanov Carla Jonientz Renton-South King Retired School Lora & Parker Mason Chase Clancy Krista Jordan Employees Association Stephen McLaughlin Marianne Connelly Sherry & Hikojiro Katsuhisa Abby Rhinehart Nancy Szofran David & Ann Cordero Bryan & April Kelley Rebecca Rhodes Jeanne Thorsen & Tom Mayer Christine Cote Margaret Kelly Jean & Alice Ritchey Ann Wyckoff Garry & Kathryn Crane Sheila Kelly John Rochford Gary & Mariesa Stokes Jeanne & Tom Crisp Grey Key-Clark Richard & Melvina Romanelli Battelle Matching Gifts Stephanie Dallas & Krista Mann Dr. Betty Kiemle Jennifer & Larry Roseman Christopher Beer & Laurie Rinn Joan Daugherty Rod King Nancy & John Rossmeissl Cathy & Phil Davis Robin Dearling & Gary Ackerman Erin & John Kinney Wayne Roth & Kathleen Alcala Julie Davis & Daniel Malarkey Deborah J. DeMars Bharti Kirchner Colleen Rozillis Ruth & Alvin Eller Kris & Andy Dinnison Allen & Kristie Kirkpatrick Steve & Billie Ruark Robert & Deborah Fleming Wayne Dodge & Lawrence Kreisman Gray Kochhar-Lindgren Jeanne Ryan Charisse & John Flynn Barbara Dolby & Mark Hadley David Kulisch Andrea & Eli Sanders Peggy Lewis Peter Durkee & Tessa Matthey Steven Lee Pierre Savoye Pamela McClaran & Don Evans Harris & Evelyn Dusenbery Sam & Kim Ligon Larry & Neomah Scharps Eric & Marina McVittie Dennis Eatman Donald W. Logan Dr. Judith Schoepflin Rona Pryor Fadel Erian Betty Lukins Seattle Foundation Helen Stusser & Ed Almquist Kasey Essex Joan Machlis Seattle University Kathie Werner Eckhard & Susan Fischer Bill & Judy Matchett Kevin Sell Rick Williams Kathleen Flenniken Patrick McEvoy Scott & Linda Severs Jane Floyd Sharyn & Jack Merrigan Marilyn Severson Up to $249 James & Frances Ford Mary Metastasio Boyd Sharp Jr. & Mikki Sharp George & Marlene Fox Miriam & Phillip Meyerson Andrea Sharps & Chuck Horgan Zaki Abdelhamid Peggy Frazier Linda & Larry Milsow Mary Jane Shea Summer Acharya Brad Furlong Thomas Moak Rand Simmons Jennifer Albright & Stephan Lothspeich Melissa Gaetano Karen Mobley Grant & Lelia Smith Nancy & Carl Andrews Stephen Gattis & Sue Nevler Amy Moore Elizabeth Smith Karen Brandvick Baker & Ross Baker Lee Ann Gekas Peter & Megumi Morrill Jo-Ellen Bois Smith & Gregory Smith Catherine Bambico Michor & Jody Gentemann Janet Mueller & Jerry Magnoni David Stasney Kim Barnes & Robert Wrigley Irene Gleason Dawn Mullarkey Wendy Stauff Miriam Bartha Beverly Gunstone Mary Ann Murphy Mildred & Kenneth R. Stenehjem Astrid Berg Hamalainen Charitable Trust Edward Murray & Michael Shiosaki Iona Stenhouse & David Otto Ella Berg Kathryn Hamilton Wang & Steve Wang Ran Nahmais Judy Stone Brandy Bippes

SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine 27 Humanities Washington 2012 Annual Report

Norma Straw Mary Suhm Making it Happen: 2012 Partners Amanda Swain Delma Tayer Katy Terry Patrick Tewson Collaborating to Engage Communities in Every Jeanne & Donald Tomlinson Corner of the State Joan & Keith Tracy Mel Trenor & Deborah Nedelman 100 Thousand Poets for Change • 1st United Methodist Women of Olympia • 826 Seattle • Alder Creek Pioneer Marci & Dave Utela Carousel Museum • Aljoya-Mercer Island Continuing Care Retirement Community • Anacortes Public Library • ArtsWA • Asotin County Library • Associated Students of Lower Columbia College • Bainbridge Island Arts & Nick Utzinger Humanities Council • Bainbridge Public Library • Ballard Historical Society • Ballard Northwest Senior Center • Shawn Vestal Bayview Retirement Community • Beverly Elementary School • Black Box Theatre at Edmonds Community College Martha Walton • Book-It Repertory Theatre • Bryant Elementary School • Cascade Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group • Carly Thanes Watkins Cascade Park Community Library • Cashmere Museum and Pioneer Village • Central Washington University • Central Washington University Foundation • Centralia Library • Chehalis Library • City Arts Fest LLC • City of Jen Werdell & Eric Krieger Edmonds • City of Redmond • Clallam County Historical Society • Clark County Historical Society & Museum Debra Westwood & Arthur Morrill • Clymer Museum of Art • Columbia Basin College • Confluence Gallery and Art Center • Contemporary Arts Whidbey Island Writers Association Alliance • Cornish College of the Arts • Coupeville Elementary School • Coupeville High School • Coupeville Marcy Wynhoff Library • Covington Library • Cowlitz County Historical Society & Museum • Cutter Theatre • Douglas County Historical Society • Eagle Harbor Books Co. • Eastern Washington University • Edmonds Community College • Edmonds Heights K-12 • Edmonds Library • Ellensburg Public Library • Entiat Public Library • Era Living- Ida Culver IKnn- i d House Broadview • Era Living, the Lakeshore • Everett Community College • Everett Public Library • Everett Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. Woman’s Book Club • Fairhaven Library • Fairwinds Redmond Retirement Community • Fort Vancouver Regional Chateau Ste. Michelle Library • Friends of Lacey Timberland Library • Friends of the Coupeville & Freeland Libraries • Friends of the Library - Pomeroy • Friends of the Port Townsend Public Library • Friends of the Prescott Public Library • Friends Kim Barnes of the Richland Public Library • Friends of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge • Frye Art Museum • Gig Harbor Kathleen Flenniken Library • Gilbert Cellars • Goldendale Community Library • Goldendale Middle School • Goldendale Primary Graywolf Press School • Greater Everett Community Foundation • Hands for a Bridge • Hanford Challenge • Harbor History HarperCollins Publishers Museum • Harrington Opera House Society • Harstine Island Community Club • Historical Society of Federal Way • Horizon House • Issaquah History Museums • Issaquah Library • Jack Straw Productions • Jefferson Charles Johnson County Library • Jefferson Elementary School • Jewish Family Service • Kent Library • Key City Public Theatre • Kensington Books Kirkland Library • Kittitas County Historical Museum • Kron • KUOW-FM • Lake Chelan Historical Society • Lake Jim Lynch Hills Library • Langley Library • Larson Gallery Guild • Last Tuesdays Poetry Group • Learning Is ForEver • Lewis Mighty Tieton County Historical Museum • Libraries of Stevens County • Life Care Center of Kirkland • Lincoln Elementary Naked City Brewery & Taphouse School • LitFuse • Logan Elementary School • Longview Public Library • Lopez Island Historical Society • Lopez Island Library District • Lynden Pioneer Museum • Lynnwood Library • Maryhill Museum of Art • Meredith Kevin O’Brien Mathews East Madison YMCA • Methow Valley Interpretive Center • Mint Valley Elementary School • Mirabella Nancy Pearl Seattle • Moses Lake Museum & Art Center • Mount Vernon High School • Mount Vernon Public Library • Mt. Providence Health & Services Baker Community Club • Museum of Glass • Museum of History & Industry • Naked City Brewery & Taphouse • Rain City Projects National Association of Postmasters of the United States • Naval Undersea Museum • Newport Public Library • Newport Way Library • Nisqually Tribal Library • No-Li Brewhouse • North Cascades Institute • North Central Random House Regional Library • North Spokane Library • Northwest African American Museum • Northwest Film Forum Riddell Williams P.S. • Northwest Indian College, Lummi Library • Northwest Renaissance Poets • Oak Harbor Elementary • Oak Salesforce Foundation Harbor High School • Okanogan County Historical Society • Olympia Library • Open Books: A Poem Emporium Sasquatch Books • Orcas Island Public Library • Out There Poetry Camp • Pacific Lutheran University • Panorama Retirement • Scribner Parkplace Books • Pierce College • Plateau Area Writers Association • Poetry Out Loud • Points Northeast Historical Society • Pomeroy Elementary School • Presbyterian Retirement Communities Northwest • Prosser Seattle Met Magazine Library • Redmond Historical Society • Redmond Library • Renton Historical Society • Renton/South King Retired University of Washington Press School Employees Association • Richard Hugo House • Richland Public Library • RIDGE • ROCKiT Community Nance Van Winckel Arts • Rotary Club of Seattle Northeast • Rotary Club of Columbia Center • Saint Martin University Society of Amy Wheeler Fellows Honor Society • Sammamish Library • San Juan Island Library • Seattle Asian American Film Festival • Seattle Genealogical Society • Seattle Parks and Recreation • Seattle Public Library • Sequim Library • Shadle Branch • Shaw Island School • Shoreline Library • Skagit River Poetry Festival • Skamania County Senior Services • Smithsonian Institution • Snohomish Library • South Hill Branch • SPLAB • Spokane County Library District • Spokane Folklore Society • Spokane Is Reading • Spokane Valley Heritage Museum • Stafford Creek Corrections Center • Stevenson Community Library • Tacoma Public Library • Take Back Your Time • Tapteal Elementary School • Tasveer • TEDxRainier • The Creekside, A Merrill Gardens Community • The Elliott Bay Book Company

For a complete list of our partners, visit humanities.org/about/annual-reports/partners2012

28 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine tHanK YOU tHanK YOU

for your support of the for your support of Humanities Washington Bedtime Stories and other Speakers Bureau Humanities Washington programs

tHanK YOU WOCKNER FOUNDATION for your support of Family Reading

Fall/winter 2013 SParK { Humanities Washington Magazine 29 Aboum t Hu anities 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, critical thinking and the democratic process.

Baro d of Trustees Safft C oNTACT Us John Baule, Chair Julie Ziegler, Executive Director Humanities Washington Bruce Burgett Eric W. Sanders, CPA, Associate Director 1015 8th Ave. N., Suite B Mary Carr Seattle, WA 98109 A. J. Epstein Kaylee Jaech, Development Director 206.682.1770 David Freece Ellen Terry, Program Director Debra Holland Zaki Abdelhamid, Program Manager humanities.org Larry Kinner Abby Rhinehart, Communications Officer Dan Lamberton SparkMag.org Susannah Malarkey Ed Marquand Humanities Washington Sue McNab @HumanitiesWA Karen Munro Joan Penney Humanities Washington is a Bridget Piper 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Jane Reich in Washington state. John Roth Dale Smith Jan Walsh Cynthia Wells

30 SPARK { Humanities Washington Magazine Fall/winter 2013 Ois ur M s ion Humanities Washington sparks conversation and critical thinking using story as a catalyst, nurturing thoughtful and engaged communities across our state.

Orga ur P o r ms BEDTIME STORIES is an annual literary THINK & DRINK brings hosted conversations celebration featuring critically acclaimed on provocative topics and new ideas to pubs Northwest writers unveiling new short stories and tasting rooms around the state. Each event created specifically for dinner galas in Seattle features topical experts sharing information and Spokane. National Book Award winner and stories, then engaging audience members Charles Johnson has called it “the region’s in lively conversation. premier literary event.” TRAVELING EXHIBITS tours museum- FAMILY READING uses storytelling and quality exhibits and dynamic programming discussion to explore cultural and ethical to underserved areas and surprising venues themes in children’s literature and emphasizes around the state. The 2013-14 exhibit is the importance of families reading together. Hope in Hard Times, a look at Depression-era The program partners with local libraries Washington. (In partnership with the to serve economically and educationally Washington State Historical Society.) vulnerable families. WASHINGTON STATE POET LAUREATE GRANTS assist local organizations in creating serves to build awareness and appreciation of opportunities for their communities to come poetry – including the state’s legacy of poetry – together to discuss important issues using the through public readings, workshops, lectures humanities. Funds have gone to organizations and presentations throughout the state. large and small, supporting programs that (In partnership with ArtsWA.) increase and enhance community dialogue. SPEAKERS BUREAU draws from a pool of leading cultural experts and scholars to provide free conversational lecture events for MORE ONLINE community partners to offer local audiences throughout the state. Speakers present on Additional information about any of our programs: topics ranging from history to culture to humanities.org/programs current events.

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