West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) will host their quarterly “Lunch with Art” event for the public on Monday, February 10, 2025, from noon till 1 p.m. in the Community Room at the West Plains Public Library, 750 West Broadway, West Plains. Information on upcoming arts activities will be discussed by Arts Alliance members, then presenters will be Rebekah McKinney, Director of Library Services – MSU West Plains, representing Ozarks Heritage Research Center (OHRC), Kathleen Morrissey, President, West Plains Council on the Arts and Greg Carter, Director of West Plains Public Library.
Topic will be “African American Read–In (AARI),” a program sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English and features African American authors.
The National African American Read-In is a groundbreaking effort to encourage communities to read together, centering African American books and authors. It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. This initiative has reached more than 6 million participants around the world.
Two AARI events will be held locally during the last week of February. On Tuesday, February 25, at 10:00 am, one of the children’s books from the recommended list will be featured at the West Plains Public Library. At 6:00 pm on Wednesday, February 26, OHRC in Garnett Library will host a program with excerpts from the book James, by Percival Everett. The novel is the reimagining of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective that explores themes of slavery, identity and freedom.
The National African American Read-In is a new undertaking for the West Plains community. McKinney, Morrissey and Carter will discuss the program’s potential as an annual event for the region.
Cost of the luncheon is $10 for WPCA members, $15 for non-members. Reservations may be made online through the Lunch with Art Facebook event page, by texting Paula at 417-293-2325, or via email info@westplainsarts.org. Attendance is limited, so reserve your spot early.
