Introducing: Elbow Grease Writer’s Guild

The Elbow Grease Writer’s Guild invites participants to join a workshop series aimed at amplifying the voices of femme and nonbinary artists in the Boston area. This series will provide a unique opportunity for writers to explore arts writing and create a collaborative zine featuring their work, inspired by direct connections with artists. 

Overview:

Throughout the series, participants will engage in creative writing exercises, discussions, and collaborative activities designed to deepen their understanding of arts writing. The series will culminate in a zine project that reflects the collective stories and perspectives of the artists participants connect with.

Session 1 | October 2 at 7:15 PM | RSVP Link

In our first session, participants will establish community guidelines, get to know one another, and engage in writing prompts that spark creativity. We will discuss various arts writing examples and explore art together, setting the stage for personal reflection and growth.

Session 2 | November 20 at 7:15 PM | RSVP Link

In session two, participants will employ mind mapping strategies to synthesize this information and read excerpts from influential women and nonbinary writers. The session  will serve as a launching pad for the writing process, with participants expected to bring a first draft to share in the next workshop.

Session 3 | December 4 at 7:15 PM | RSVP Link

In our final session, participants will share their writing contributions in a supportive workshop environment. Together, we will refine our pieces for inclusion in the collaborative zine, with a submission deadline of January 15. 

About the facilitator: Chenoa Baker (she/her) is a curator, wordsmith, and descendant of self-emancipators. She was the Associate Curator at ShowUp, an adjunct at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, teacher of African American Craft History at the James Renwick Alliance, and a consultant on Gio Swaby: Fresh Up at PEM and Touching Roots: Black Ancestral Legacies in the Americas at MFA/Boston. In 2023, she received the Association Internationale des Critiques d’Art (AICA) Young Art Critics Prize. Currently, she edits with Sixty Inches From Center, Pigment Magazine, The National Gallery of Art, Boston Public Art Triennial, and The Corning Museum of Glass, and writes for Hyperallergic, The Brooklyn Rail, Public Parking, Material Intelligence, and Studio Potter. 

About the Arts & Cultural Organizing Member Team: The Ujima Arts and Cultural Organizing member-led group offers community members a chance to enhance their creative skills. This group features a quarterly learning rotation with a self-determined syllabus. We will invite artists, creative community members, and scholars to share their work, inspirations, and technical expertise. Past facilitators include painter Shantel Miller, organizer Lyse Fedjanie Barronville, filmmaker Mercedes Loving-Manly, and many more! See past workshops on our Youtube.