The Language Arts and Humanities Division at Seminole State College will host Dr. Jeanetta Calhoun Mish, Oklahoma Poet Laureate, and Jason Poudrier, Purple Heart recipient and writer, at its annual Howlers and Yawpers Creativity Symposium on Nov. 8 and 9.
The free symposium will be held in the Jeff Johnson Fine Arts Center on the SSC campus. The event is open to the public, and area high schools and middle schools are welcome to bring their students to enjoy two days filled with an eclectic mix of musical performances, creative writings, dramatic readings, artistic presentations, and dances by both professional and emerging Oklahoma artists and scholars.
Dr. Jeanetta Calhoun Mish, Oklahoma Poet Laureate
Dr. Mish will serve as the event’s keynote speaker, taking the stage at 10 a.m. on Nov. 9. Dr. Mish’s most recently published work is her 2016 poetry collection, “What I Learned at the War.” Dr. Mish received the Oklahoma Book Award for her 2009 poetry collection, “Work is Love Made Visible.” She is currently the director of the Red Earth Creative Writing MFA program at Oklahoma City University. She was named the state’s Poet Laureate for 2017-2018.
Jason Poudrier, Purple Heart recipient and writer.
Jason Poudrier, novelist, essayist, poet, and Purple Heart recipient of the Iraq War, will be the event’s special guest. He will present at 9 a.m. on Nov. 9. Poudrier has published two poetry collections, “Red Fields” and “In the Rubble at Our Feet.” He has also published a number of short stories and flash fiction pieces.
The Howlers and Yawpers Creativity Symposium was established by the faculty of the SSC Language Arts and Humanities Division in the spring of 2011 as a free, fully accessible celebration of Oklahoma creative expression, in all of its diverse forms.
“We hope this symposium will encourage all those who attend and participate to continue to find passion in their creative arts and appreciate the role the fine arts play in education and in Oklahoma culture.”
Jessica Isaacs, Symposium Director and Professor of SSC Language Arts and Humanities
High school and middle school teachers or counselors wishing to bring students to the event, or anyone wishing to bring large groups to enjoy the Symposium, should contact Isaacs for information about bus parking and other necessary arrangements at 405-382-9209 or by email at j.isaacs@sscok.edu.