Booklovers alert! World Book Night Party on 5th March!

Don’t forget World Book Night Party at The Ewart Library, Dumfries, Saturday 5th March 5pm to 7pm.

Rab Wilson, Vivien Jones, Gwen Kirkwood, Giancarlo Rinaldi will read short excerpts from their favourite World Book Night Titles.

There will also be the Balliol Consort performing “Scotland at Night”.

Anne Rinaldi says 'Free books, free wine, supporting your library and friendly neighbourhood Librarian - then off to the pub!! Should be a grand night out.'

Can't argue with that. Hope to see you there!

Meet Alan Temperley TONIGHT

Do come along to the Midsteeple at 7pm this evening to meet famous children's author Alan Temperley, who just happens to live in Galloway.

His books have been translated into 18 languages, and have won many awards, including a shortlist for Whitbread Children's Book of the Year for 'Harry and the Wrinklies', which also won the Prix Chronos.

His most recent book is 'Scar Hill', about which The Telegraph enthused: 'This is real edge-of-the-seat stuff'.

Free admission, bring the kids!

Andrew Forster and Jean Atkin read at Roncadora Launch on 16th

Come along to Gracefield Arts Centre Café Bar on Wednesday 16 February at 7pm as Roncadora Press launches new pamphlets in the form of Hugh Bryden’s increasingly admired artists’ books. Poets Andrew Forster and Jean Atkin will read from 'Digging' and 'Lost at Sea'. Admission free.

‘Digging’ has been written by Andrew Forster, Literature Officer for The Wordsworth Trust in Grasmere. Gorgeously illustrated and designed by Roncadora, the collection focuses on Andrew’s experience of living and working in the Lake District. Andrew’s first collection, Fear of Thunder, published by Flambard, was shortlisted for the Forward First Collection Prize in 2007. His second book, Territory (2010) is about his time in the former mining village of Leadhills in South West Scotland. ‘His descriptions of country life through the seasons offer an evocative perspective on living amidst the forces of nature…’ Poetry Book Society

Jean Atkin’s new pamphlet ‘Lost At Sea’ revolves around her exploration of the lives and experience of her Shetland forebears, and her own first visit to the islands. Jean has been a winner in several poetry competitions, including the Ravenglass Poetry Press Competition, which resulted in her short collection ‘The Treeless Region’, being published in 2010. ‘The Treeless Region is a small book but a fine one. Northwords Now

Alongside the readings, well known Dumfries artist Hugh Bryden will be exhibiting illustrations, covers and designs for his Roncadora Press books at a new exhibition at Gracefield Arts Centre until 12 March. Hugh's also running a series of workshops, including an evening workshop on 9 March from which you will emerge with your own design for a poetry pamphlet - tremendous opportunity to extend your practice and have a great time. To book a place contact Gracefield Arts Centre on 01387 262084.

Andrew McNeillie at Rutherford McCowan

On Thursday 24 February, The University of Glasgow in Dumfries will play host to Andrew McNeillie, poet, Professor of Literature at the University of Essex, and editor of one of Britain’s most renowned literary magazines, Archipelago.

Andrew will give a talk on the birth and development of Archipelago magazine, founded in 2007 ‘to provide a home for the new archipelagic art, and to inspire and embody a return to the land - and seascapes - of these islands’ (Robert Macfarlane). Featuring contributors from Seamus Heaney to Les Murray, Roger Deakin to Robin Robertson, Archipelago represents an invigorating re-engagement with the environment and culture of the British Isles. A new edition of Archipelago is due to be published in February 2011. Andrew hopes to bring a haul north with him.

The event will take place in Room 127 of the Rutherford-McCowan Building on the Crichton Campus at 3pm on Thursday 24 February. Entry is free and open to all of the region’s writers and celebrants of archipelagic culture. Q and A will follow Andrew’s talk.

Further information from Dr David Borthwick, Lecturer in Literature, University of Glasgow, Dumfries Campus, david.borthwick@glasgow.ac.uk; 01387 702024

Sheila Mullen talks poetry

Sheila Mullen completes her series of artist's talks at the Rutherford McCowan building, Crichton Campus, University of Glasgow on Saturday 12 February by sharing how her love of modern Scottish poets inspires her paintings.
Hugh MacDiarmid, Alasdair Maclean, Hamish Henderson, Will Neill and our very own Rab Wilson are all represented in the accompanying exhibition.

Time: 11-12.30, £5/£3 including refreshments.

Roncadora Poets Tonight!

Get down to Gracefield this evening for the first in a series of three Roncadora Press Poetry Readings. 7pm and free admission.

To coincide with a very beautiful exhibition in Gracefield Gallery Cafe/Bar, featuring Hugh Bryden's work with his Roncadora imprint, tonight Paisley poet Graham Fulton will read his new pamphlet Black Motel alongside Hugh McMillan, who will be introducing us to Cairn. (At least I think it's called Cairn, it's so new its stones are probably still subject to glaciation).

What's in no doubt is that this will be an evening where exacting craft meets sardonic charm. Or vice versa. And what's on the walls will brighten your week.

Take a look at this link - a great cartoon strip by M. Contraband Esq -
http://www.artdesigncafe.com/Writers-copyright-lawyer-ADP-2-3-2010

It just so happens that M. Contraband resides in Dumfries and Galloway. Are any of you interested in Carolyn setting up some workshops for writers on intellectual copyright?
Let her know on carolyn@dgarts.co.uk.