Clatsop Community College showcased how the college brings community and students together with a presentation at the recent Raymond Carver and Tess Gallagher Creative Writing Festival held in Port Angeles, Washington, from April 25th to 27th, 2024.
CCC’s Associated Student Government President and Creative Writing Major Asher Finch, along with Writing Instructor Kama O’Connor, shared CCC’s commitment to literary excellence and community engagement through a compelling presentation at the writing festival held at Peninsula College. The presentation highlighted the work put into Rain Magazine, CCC’s annual literary publication, shedding light on the pivotal role literary magazines play in bridging communities and academic institutions.
This marks Asher Finch’s inaugural conference presentation in the world of literary conference and festivals. “The Raymond Carver and Tess Gallagher Creative Writing Festival was an amazing experience, educational, uplifting, and welcoming to writers of all levels. I am excited to seek more opportunities like this and continue to connect and network in the writing world,” expressed Asher Finch, “After giving my first presentation, I am so excited to seek more opportunities like this and continue to connect and network in the professional and academic side of the writing world. I was able to personally gift a copy of Rain Magazine to Tess Gallagher, an award-winning and world-renowned poet and writer. I couldn’t have asked for a better first conference and would not have given this chance without the support of CCC. It was an honor to represent our college.”
Joined by adjunct writing faculty Marianne Monson, whose reading from her novel, “Opera Sisters,” captivated the audience, the CCC delegation actively participated in various conference activities, including academic panels, plenary talks, and special events. Over the course of the three-day event, they engaged in discussions with English faculty from colleges across the Pacific Northwest, exploring avenues for potential partnerships and collaborations.
Clatsop Community College looks forward to building upon the success of its participation in the festival and continuing to enrich the literary landscape through meaningful collaborations and endeavors.
