On Oct. 5, the inaugural Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest, will connect local readers and writers of all ages with poets, authors, publishers and bookstore owners. From a reading with former Indiana poet laureate Adrian Matejka to writing workshops with authors including Tamara Winfrey-Harris and Thomas Kneeland, Proof has a dizzying number of events planned – including a book fair and storytimes for young readers.
Here are five things you won’t want to miss at Proof, hosted by Indiana Humanities:
Anne Laker in the AM
⏰ 10-11 a.m.
📍 Dream Palace Books and Coffee, 111 E. 16th St.
Poet, diarist and WQRT radio host Anne Laker will be joined by Mirror Indy westside reporter Enrique Saenz, writer and public service librarian Stephanie Flood and Pernell from Pike, a musician and spoken word performer. The conversation will center on writers and how they interact with their communities. Breakfast will be provided.
Indiana Authors Reading: Brian Leung, Rebecca McKanna and Brando Skyhorse
⏰ 11 a.m.-noon
📍 Harrison Gallery at the Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 N. Delaware St.
Three recipients of the 2024 Indiana Authors Award will read from their latest works. Brian Leung will read from “A Terrifying Brush with Optimism.” Rebecca McKanna, an associate English professor at the University of Indianapolis, will read from her debut novel, “Don’t Forget the Girl.” Brando Skyhorse, who teaches English and creative writing at Indiana University, will read from “My Name is Iris.”
Reflections on 38 Years as a Children’s Bookseller with Shirley Mullin
⏰ 1-2 p.m.
📍 Indiana Humanities, 1500 N. Delaware St.
Shirley Mullin, founder and owner of Kids Ink Children’s Bookstore, will talk about publishing with Suzanne Walker, director of the Indiana State Library’s Indiana Center for the Book Indiana Young Readers Center. Mullin will also share stories from her nearly four decades as a bookstore owner.
Instructions for a Writer’s Life: Writing Workshop with Tamara Winfrey-Harris
⏰ 2-3 p.m.
📍 Underground at the Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 N. Delaware St.
Tamara Winfrey-Harris, author of “The Sisters Are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America” and “A Black Woman’s Guide to Getting Free,” will lead a writing workshop followed by a book signing.
Space for this workshop is limited, so be sure to register.
Proof Open Mic
⏰ 6-8 p.m.
📍 Rooftop at Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 N. Delaware St.
Writers and readers can share their work and hear from other creatives at this event hosted by artist Corey Ewing, poets Januarie York and Mariah Ivey, and DJ Rusty Redenbacher. Proof Open Mic is presented by VOCAB and That Peace Open Mic.
Mirror Indy reporter Breanna Cooper covers arts and culture. Email her at breanna.cooper@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on Twitter @BreannaNCooper.
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