No Section

Minnesota writers and the Loft

August 15, 2015 at 7:00PM

Garrison Keillor was there at the beginning, doing readings at Marly Rusoff’s Book Loft and serving as emcee at the first Loft fundraiser in 1975. Title of note: “Lake Wobegon Days.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

It's rare for a Minnesota writer not to have some dealings with the Loft along the way, as student, teacher or featured author.

Here are four writers whose Loft roots run deep.

Kate DiCamillo’s career was bolstered by an early grant from the Loft, and she later taught classes, was keynote speaker at Loft conferences and wrote for the anthology “Views From the Loft.” Title of note: “Because of Winn-Dixie.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Patricia Hampl, a founding member of the Loft, conducted workshops at the Book Loft and hosted a Loft-sponsored radio broadcast about books with writer Carol Bly. Winner of one of the first Loft-McKnight Fellowships for Writers in 1982. Title of note: “A Romantic Education.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Alexs Pate, writer, performance artist, teacher and mentor for the Loft Inroads program. With writer David Mura, he created “Secret Colors,” a performance piece about being men of color, artists and friends. Title of note: “Amistad.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)