University hosts celebrated poet on US reading tour

Carson-Newman University welcomes poet Grace Wilentz for an Oct. 18 reading at the Appalachian Cultural Center on campus. The 4 p.m. event is free and open to the public.

“We are excited to welcome Grace Wilentz on her U.S. Reading Tour for the Limit of Light – as a poet so focused on place and experience, her work feels right at home in Appalachia, too,” said Dr. Wesley McMasters, C-N’s director of the Appalachian Cultural Center. “This is a great opportunity for our campus community and our students, some of whom have been reading Wilentz’s work, to experience the universality and comprehensive elements of poetry.” 

Born in New York City, Grace Wilentz grew up in Greenwich Village. A graduate of Harvard University, with postgraduate degrees from Oxford University and University College Dublin, she has published poems in such literary publications as “The American Poetry Journal,” “Cyphers,” “The Harvard Advocate,” “The Irish Times” and “The Seneca Review.” Her first collection, “The Limit of Light,” was published by The Gallery Press. She also published a chapbook, “Holding Distance,” and received a bursary from The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon. She has taught creative writing at University College Dublin and now lives in Dublin.

Along with her visit to Carson-Newman, Wilentz’s reading tour, sponsored by Culture Ireland, includes Emory & Henry College, Rockhurst University and Ottawa University. Wilentz’s visit is part of the Appalachian Cultural Center’s fall lineup of events.