Marc Harshman, the Poet Laureate of West Virginia since 2012, will present an evening of poetry, storytelling, and music at Marietta College on Thursday, February 6. The event will take place in the Alma McDonough Auditorium, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the performance beginning at 7 p.m.
The event is part of the Esbenshade Series, funded by the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund, which brings diverse cultural programs to Marietta College and the surrounding Mid-Ohio Valley community. All events are free and open to the public.
During the evening, Harshman will read from his latest poetry collection, Following the Silence, alongside other selections from his work. The event will also feature piano music by Bob Thompson, a West Virginia Music Hall of Fame inductee.
Harshman, who was recently named the 2024 Appalachian Heritage Writer by Shepherd University, is known for his children’s books Fallingwater: The Building of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Masterpiece and The Storm. His poetry collections include Woman in Red Anorak and Believe What You Can. His works have earned several honors, including the Blue Lynx Prize, the Weatherford Award, and the Smithsonian Notable Book for Children.
In addition to his poetry readings, Harshman will reflect on his decade as West Virginia’s Poet Laureate and share his experiences as both a children’s author and poet. The event will conclude with a discussion, allowing the audience to engage with Harshman directly.
The event is open to the public, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
