Rogersville: Exploring Poetry & Storytelling

The Rogersville Arts Council presents “Exploring Poetry & Storytelling” featuring
Professional Poet, Jane Hicks of Kingsport, and Professional Storyteller, Marjorie
Shaefer, of Johnson City. This stimulating two day event will take place on Saturday,
September 8, & Sunday, September 9 at Cherokee High Schools’ Little Theater, 2927
TN-66, in Rogersville.

The Arts Council presents a “Poetry and Storytelling” concert in September to honor
nationally recognized, local storyteller, Doc McConnell. The popularity of this event
has encouraged us to expand it by bringing in professional artists to conduct workshops,
and enhance the concert performance.

Ms. Hicks is a prolific published writer, and workshop leader. Her newest poetry book,
published by the University Press of Kentucky, titled Driving with the Dead, won the
Appalachian Writers Association Poetry Book of the Year in 2015. Ms Hicks retired
after 30 years teaching in Sullivan County schools.

Ms. Shaefer holds a Master of Storytelling from ETSU; and is in constant demand as a
performer, workshop leader; and recording teller. She is working with the Johnson City
Library, and has helped Rogersville Arts Council’s Senior Citizens recollect and craft
family stories. She retired after 30 years teaching the Michigan school system.
Both workshops are scheduled on Saturday and each workshop is appropriate for
educators, high school and college students, aspiring artists, professionals, and
hobbyists. The Storytelling workshop runs from 9:30am-12:30pm; and the Poetry
workshop runs from 1:30-4:30pm, on September 8.

Admission fee for 1 workshop is $15, or attend both for $25. To allow the artists to
prepare the proper amount of material and handouts, prepaid admission is required,
through our website, or by mail.

A public performance is held Sunday, September 9th at 3pm, featuring local artists,
including Poet Tata Andres, and Storyteller Hannah Gillenwater. Ms. Hicks and Ms.
Shaefer are featured in the second half. After the official concert, there is a session
showcasing students from the workshops. Admission for the public concert is $5 to
create more opportunity for the community. This may be paid online, or at the door.
Please find more information about current events on facebook,
www.rogartscouncil.org, or by phone- 423-293-0882.