THE WELLSPRING LITERARY SERIES
who? what?
The Wellspring Literary Series is an annual reading series in downtown Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Founded, facilitated and hosted by Robert Fanning, poet and Central Michigan University Professor of English, the series features Michigan writers or regional writers with Michigan ties. Since 2008, the series has brought some of the finest poets and writers to Mount Pleasant from across the state. Thus far, some of Michigan’s best emerging and established poets have been featured from Detroit, Traverse City, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Holland, Midland, Marquette and several other Michigan cities, including good old Mt. Pleasant. Hosted by ArtReach of Mid Michigan, the series has been supported by the Russ Heron Poetry Fund of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation.
when? where?
Currently, four readings take place annually (October, November, March and April) typically on the first or second Monday evenings of the month at 7pm (when schedules make it possible). Readings are hosted by the Art Reach Center of Mid Michigan (111 E. Broadway).
why?
Wellspring Literary Series audiences normally feature a diverse community of CMU students/faculty, as well as community members, often numbering over one-hundred in attendance. Readings are frequently standing-room only events, as the community has come to recognize the Wellspring Literary Series as one of the premiere social, cultural, entertainment events in the area.
Each reading, the crowd is treated to not only readings by some of Michigan’s most prominent voices reading poetry, fiction and non-fiction along with Central Michigan University students, but these evenings also feature music by local musicians and students and faculty of the School of Music. It has become a local tradition that local favorites Daryl and the Beans, featuring Robert Fanning and his CMU writing colleagues Darrin Doyle and Jeffrey Bean, play at the final Wellspring in April, featuring their signature diverse array of covers and original musical stylings.
Beyond the art, the poetry, and the music: complimentary food is served, courtesy of Max and Emily’s restaurant, which donates a complete spread of food for the events–so everyone leaves well-fed and nourished by good food along with music, art, and poetry!
Come on out and experience these tremendous evenings of art.
For the latest news about the Wellspring Literary Series, click here for the NEWS page.
If you’re hunting for upcoming/past readings, click here for the Schedule & Archive page.
Further inquiries? Contact Robert Fanning at: fanni1rj@cmich.edu.
The Wellspring Literary Series 