CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Oregon State University Contemplative Studies Initiative and School of Writing, Literature, and Film present “Interrogating the Spirit” with Oregon poet laureate Anis Mojgani at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15.

Mojgani will share poems and facilitate conversation about what it means to be in dialogue with the seen and unseen. The virtual event is free and open to the public. For more information or to join the event visit: beav.es/Jw6.

Mojgani was appointed Oregon’s 10th poet laureate in spring 2020 by Gov. Kate Brown. He is a two-time individual champion of the National Poetry Slam and winner of the International World Cup Poetry Slam, and has performed at hundreds of universities and festivals across the U.S. and worldwide, including in Australia, Jamaica and South Korea.

The Portland-based poet has written several books, including “In the Pockets of Small Gods,” “The Pocketknife Bible” and “Songs from Under the River.” His work has appeared on NPR, HBO, and in journals such as Rattle, Platypus, Winter Tangerine and Bat City Review. He has been awarded residences at the Oregon Literary Arts Writers-In-The Schools program, the Vermont Studio Center, AIR Serenbe, The Bloedel Nature Reserve and The Sou’Wester.

The reading is part of the 2020-21 Visiting Writers Series, which brings nationally acclaimed writers to OSU. This series is sponsored by OSU’s MFA Program in Creative Writing with support from the School of Writing, Literature, and Film, the College of Liberal Arts and Kathy Brisker and Tim Steele. This event is funded by the James Blumenthal Contemplative Studies Fund.

Mojgani’s books are available locally through Grass Roots Books and Music.

College of Liberal Arts

About the OSU College of Liberal Arts: The College of Liberal Arts encompasses seven distinct schools, as well as several interdisciplinary initiatives, that focus on humanities, social sciences, and fine and performing arts. Curriculum developed by the college’s nationally and internationally-renowned faculty prepares students to approach the complex problems of the world ethically and thoughtfully, contributing to a student's academic foundation and helping to build real-world skills for a 21st century career and a purposeful life.

Story By: 

Zachary C. Person, [email protected]

Source: 

Katelin Rose Gallagher, [email protected]

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