Art Beat

When she was a student at Western Michigan University, Anissa Gray dreamed of making a living as a creative writer. But she soon realized that journalism was a more practical alternative.

When Pamela Hadley walks into a dark room, she sees things. A sliver of light. The curve of a shadow.

It was a shocking death. Retired Kalamazoo College professor Gail Griffin quietly maintained a long-distance relationship with her beloved Bob for 18 years. They enjoyed daily phone calls and traveled across the country to spend sabbaticals, vacations, and holidays together. Finally, they were both retired and could get married. But just four months and eight days later, Bob was gone.

People may know Jeanne Hess as the winning volleyball coach at Kalamazoo College. Or as a new Kalamazoo City commissioner. But Hess is also an author. Her newest book is MaxAbility: Who Are You? What Are You Here For? (2019) It’s the story of a 13-year-old boy adopted from Russia who is on the Autism spectrum.

The Kalamazoo Poetry Festival, a gathering of poets and poetry lovers, is in its seventh year. The festival takes place each year during National Poetry Month.