In collaboration with the Creede Arts Council
Step into the pages of this year’s Willow Creek Journaland experience the art, poetry, and stories of Creede: LIVE and in person, with the creators. After we wrapped last year’s first ever event of this kind, we received so much positive feedback that our organizations collectively decided to continue on and make this an annual show, AND that we needed to move it to a bigger venue.
The Willow Creek Journalwas established in 1993 by the Creede Arts Council to showcase the literary and visual Artists of the Creede community, and is still going strong today, 30 editions later, now in full color!
Part dramatic reading, part open mic, part gallery show, Willow Creek Journal Live brings the published works of this year’s journal to the stage. Local authors, poets, and artists will share their work aloud, and some of Creede’s iconic storytellers-actors will be on hand to read pieces on behalf of those who prefer not to step up to the mic. Visual artists featured in the journal will also present their published pieces (they are encouraged to bring the original piece & this year we will experiment with projecting the works onto the large white walls of the Creede Hotel Tent), offering insight into their creative process and inspiration. We begin at page 1 and go in order…
The event will also feature a group of live backing musicians providing mood-setting music to accompany select works, adding another layer of atmosphere and emotional resonance to the evening.
This year’s event is also a potluck picnic. So bring a picnic to enjoy under the tent, or a snack to share with everyone and they will be running a cash bar too (NOTE: b/c it’s a Monday, the Hotel kitchen will be closed, so please plan accordingly).
At the heart of it all is a shared connection to Creede, its landscapes, its people, its history, and the stories we carry. Whether joyful or reflective, deeply personal or universal, each piece in this year’s journal is rooted in the spirit of this special place.
You’ll be able to pick up your very own copy of the journal at the event, and some of the creators might even be willing to sign their work!
Whether you’re a contributor, a friend of the arts, or a curious listener, this is your chance to gather in celebration of Creede’s vibrant creative community.
Basic evening flow
Event begins @ 5pm
community arrives, settles in, ground rules rundown & we jump into the journal asap
Act 1, pg. 1-29
15 minute intermission
Act 2, pg. 30-48
END by 8pm
Please note
Please plan to come a bit early to find a seat, set up your art (CAC will have extra easels, but please bring one if it’s possible), check in if you plan to read your piece, share a snack, purchase a drink etc.
The Creede Hotel Kitchen is CLOSED (Monday is their day off). Please bring a picnic dinner for you & your crew or a snack to share on the community potluck table.
Free to attend, & all donations will go toward the publication of next year’s WCJ.
Monday, June 22, 5-8 PM, Creede Hotel Tent
Featured performers:
Orators: John Arp, Mo Bentz, Logan Ernstthal & Shannon Longfield
The Improv Underscore Band: Courtney La Zier (guitar), John Goss (guitar) & Tommy Speake (bass)