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| Photo- Henri Sider/Jumping for Joy-This is how Musehouse makes me feel. |
* Source -Musehouse Indiegogo Campaign
Short Summary
Musehouse is a non-profit Center for the Literary Arts located in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia. Musehouse is quickly becoming known for its smart but unpretentious, warm and welcoming environment where writers of all ages and levels can hone their craft and share their work publicly. It was founded in September 2011 by Kathleen Sheeder Bonanno, an award winning poet and teacher. Bonanno’s book, Slamming Open the Door, was among the 10 best-selling books of poetry in America in 2009. Based on the true story of her daughter’s murder, the book and Bonanno’s subsequent book tour reminded her that creative writing can and does change lives for the better, which is what led her to found Musehouse. Founded just one short year ago, Musehouse already offers a roster of 20 creative writing courses for authors of all ages and levels of experience in poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and playwriting. Instructors include published and prize-winning authors and seasoned teachers from local colleges and other literary organizations.While Musehouse has created a comfortable and nurturing space, the true magic comes from the writers who arrive for class each week… Elizabeth, 83 years old, always the first to arrive for her poetry class, carrying her respirator and waving a bag of carefully-crafted earrings that she donates as our weekly door prize … Lola, a homeschooled 12-year-old, feisty, talented, who wants her book of poetry published now … Tim, scooting in late, carrying his hefty memoir about his life on the battlefield during the Vietnam War … and Veronica, quiet, uncertain, here for the Grief and Loss Writing class where, for the first time, she will write about her son’s death.
To learn more about Musehouse, please follow this link (http://video.whyy.org/video/2230315865) to the May 4, 2012 episode of Friday Arts, a monthly television program on local arts, food, and culture produced by WHYY, Philadelphia's PBS station.
What We Need & What You Get
What we need:- $5,000 by October 1, 2012 in order to meet our matching grant
- Funds allow us to pay our teachers, our staff, and our rent
- All contributions will be doubled by the match
- Signed, original artwork and poetry in notecard, book, and poster form ($25, $50, and $100 contributions)
- Book title of your choice immortalized in an original painting created for and permanently displayed at Musehouse ($100 contribution)
- Dinner and conversation with nationally renowned, award winning, best-selling authors in an intimate restaurant environment ($500 and $1,000 contributions)
The Impact
Musehouse supports writers, helping them overcome a variety of obstacles to creative expression and self-sharing, work that enriches the world and changes lives for the better. By providing quiet time and space, the encouragement and feedback of peers and audience members, and instruction from authors and teachers of distinction, Musehouse helps writers to work and to maximize their talent and the impact of their voice on both themselves and the people with whom they connect.Musehouse provides a full roster of classes on a wide range of writing forms, from poetry and fiction to journal writing and memoir, along with related activities, such as book making and story-telling. Specialized genres such as writing for children and young adults, grief and loss writing, and playwriting have also been covered. Students range in age from young children to senior citizens, and in experience from first time writers to seasoned authors. We also sponsor free readings, performances, and additional special events on a regular basis.
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