Falling Into Place: Writings Inspired by Nature by poet Laurie Allmann and writer Marcia Bjornerud

The earth is rich in stories, from deep time to present day. The public is invited to an afternoon at Franconia Sculpture Park for readings by two writers whose works celebrate and illuminate these real-world stories. Local poet Laurie Allmann will share new works inspired by nature in the St. Croix watershed, followed by special guest Marcia Bjornerud, geologist and author, who will read from her new book, Turning to Stone: Discovering the Subtle Wisdom of Rocks. Marcia Bjornerud is professor of Environmental Studies and Geosciences at Lawrence University, WI. She is a contributing writer to The New Yorker, Wired, The Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times and the author of Reading the Rocks, Timefulness: How Thinking Like a Geologist Can Help Save the World, and Geopedia. Her books have garnered national acclaim, including but not limited to nomination for a PEN/E.O. Wilson Prize for Literary Science Writing for her book, Timefulness. This is a don’t-miss event for people who love to explore the intersections of art and science. Laurie Allmann is currently serving as writer-in-residence for the nonprofit North Woods and Waters of the St. Croix. Her collection of essays, Far From Tame, received a Minnesota Book Award, and her recent book, An Hour from Now, was awarded a gold medal in regional poetry from the Midwest Association of Independent Publishers (MIPA). Free and open to the public. Refreshments provided. Doors at 4, program from 4:30—6:00, book signing 6-6:30 (book sales cash and check only, please). Program will be held indoors, but come early to explore the wonderful outdoor contemporary sculptures of the Franconia Sculpture Park! This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the East Central Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.