Literary Salons: Looking Back and Forward

by Chloë Moore ’24

Last semester, the English department premiered our new event series, Literary Salons. The Salons are a faculty-inspired project that bring local professionals in English-related careers to give a presentation and engage with students during the extended Coffee House hour. Last fall, we had visits from people including the acclaimed poet Claire Wahmanholm, filmmaker and anthropologist Laura Kunreuther, and feminist scholar Dr. Elaine Auyoung. We also had panels led by our own faculty members about death and dying and the ins and outs of literary fashion.

The range of topics we covered, and of people whom our English faculty invited to campus, made it clear how much the Twin Cities literary community has to offer, which is why we’re so excited to continue the Salon series this semester! While our first few Coffee Houses this semester were our regular blend of socializing and smaller events, we will kick back off with the Salons in February. Without giving too much away, we have a lot of really exciting topics lined up, including poetry, graphic novels, video games, and more!

The Salon showflow, for those who haven’t been yet, is a combination of a Coffee House with a presentation by our guest and a discussion afterward. From 4:30-5:00, we have time to fuel up on coffee, tea, and snacks, and to mingle with all our departmental friends. From 5:00-6:00, our Salon guest will present, usually some combination of a talk, presentation, or reading with some participatory element like a Q&A or group activity. We hope that as many people as possible show up, and that they arrive engaged and hungry for both yummy treats and new knowledge!