Ricketson Launches New Book with Poetry Reading July 31

    The Cherokee County Arts Council, 33 Valley River Ave, Murphy NC, will host an evening with local poet Mary Ricketson as she reads from her latest collection, Tall Flowers and Living Long.  The date and time for the book launch and reading is Thursday, July 31, at 6 p.m. at the Arts Council.

    "Rooted in the rhythms of her Appalachian home, Tall Flowers and Living Long reveals Ricketson’s lyrical devotion to the world around her—mules, dogs, birds, wildflowers, and creeks—through poetry that is both accessible and profound. The collection will resonate with nature lovers, spiritual seekers, and anyone seeking poetry that transcends the page to connect with the everyday joys and struggles of life," said David Vowell, director of the Arts Council.

    Ricketson’s newest work will appeal not only to poetry enthusiasts but also to readers of memoirs, lovers of the natural world, and those interested in the therapeutic power of storytelling. Her verse captures the movement of life—its grief, its glory, and everything in between.  Her work celebrates resilience, healing, and everyday beauty.

    This free community event offers a chance to hear from one of the region’s most authentic voices. Books will be available for purchase.

Hobkirk and Chaney Featured Readers at Literary Hour

Poet Marjorie Hobkirk and Writer Bethany Chaney are the featured readers for the July Literary Hour at the John C. Campbell Folk School’s Keith House Thursday, July 17, at 7 p.m.  Each month the Literary Hour invites a local poet and writer to the school’s Brasstown campus to read and discuss their work.  The reading is sponsored by the North Carolina Writers’ Network-West and is free and open to everyone.

Marjorie Hobkirk

Marjorie Hobkirk of Hayesville is a life-long journaler who recently began dipping her toes in the waters of verse.  Her mother was an English/creative writing teacher in her home state of New York so language and art were emphasized at an early age.

A nurse by profession, Hobkirk enjoys a diversity of artistic endeavors.  While raising a family in Fountain Hills, Arizona she became active in Telerana Weavers and Spinners Guild and went on to obtain a BFA in Fiber Arts at Arizona State University in1998.  “Textile language, metaphors and the tools of weaving and spinning are right behind nursing as a calling,” she said.

Bethany Chaney

Executive Director of the Campbell Folk School Bethany Chaney is also an award-winning writer and former North Carolina Arts Council Fellow.  She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and holds an MBA from Northeastern University.  Chaney makes her home in Brasstown, where she says her creative spirit is free to roam and grow.  At the Folk School she helps steward its nearly 100-year tradition of non-competitive, hands-on learning in craft, music, dance, cooking, writing and more.

Mary Jo Dyre of Murphy is the host of Literary Hour.  She is author of “Springheads” a novel combining elements of historical fiction, romance, mystery, adventure and fantasy to create a story of self-discovery.

The Literary Hour at the folk school is offered every third Thursday of the month through October and brings local writers to the campus to share their work with the community.  Students and faculty of the school are welcome to attend the readings.

The John C. Campbell Folk School offers classes in folk arts and crafts and storytelling.  For information about the school, you can find its webpage and contact information at https://www.folkschool.org/.