Rosie Chapman AKA Ms. Rozie -

February 18, 2010

Chapman, a visual and performance artist will recreate the life of Sojourner Truth based on her known writings. Sojourner Truth is a former slave and women’s rights activist with ties to Battle Creek, Michigan. Chapman is a speech and drama teacher in the Detroit area. She also makes dolls and fabric postcards some of which are collectible.

 Todd and Brad Reed Photography

March 4, 2010

Todd and Brad Reed a father-son outdoor photography team based in Ludington, Michigan will present a visual presentation of their work followed by a question and answer period.  Father, Todd has been recording Michigan scenes for over 35 years. The winner of dozens of industry awards for his photos Todd Reed is considered one of the leading photographers in the Midwest. He is a photojournalist for the Ludington Daily News. Son, Brad began carrying his father’s gear on photo shoots throughout the region as a young boy and learned to “see” what makes a good photo great.  After a brief time pursing a degree in social work, Brad followed his heart and went into photography.  The Reeds have collaborated on two books and DVDs Lake Michigan Point to Point and Ludington State Park: Queen of the North.  In addition Todd published Ludington Point to Point in 2000.

Gary D. Schmidt

 March 15, 2010

Gary D. Schmidt, award winning children’s novelist and Calvin College professor will a give a talk based on his work. Schmidt writes fiction and non-fiction for both children and adults. His award winning books for young people educate and entertain.  Wednesday Wars uses the Vietnam War as its backdrop and incorporates intolerance, the anti-war movement, and a few of Shakespeare’s plays.  A little known incident in Maine’s history serves as the story for Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy in  which race and class come into conflict with property rights. Wednesday Wars and Lizzie Bright and The Buckminster Boy both are Newbery Honor Books.

 Marc Sheehan

April 13, 2010

 Poet Marc Sheehan will give a poetry reading on April 13th 2010.  Sheehan has two poetry collections  his first is called Greatest Hits.  His second collection, Vengeful Hymns, was published by Ashland University Poetry Press where it won the Richard Snyder Prize.  Sheehan is an active member of the Michigan literary community, serving as a  writing center coordinator,  reviewer, and interviewer. Sheehan works at Ferris State University in communications and is a life long Michigander.