English Professor to present poetry broadsides, “Silent Specimens”
Event Details:
Swing Barrel Brewing Company
Moorhead, MN
Wednesday, October 23, 6-8:30pm
Free and open to the public
21+ Only
Poet, writer, and MSUM professor, Kevin Zepper, will be reading from his latest series of works, collectively entitled “Silent Specimens”. These works have been written about periphery, the things we notice in the moment and memory.
In addition, there will be a short panel discussion with invited guests, Jeff Knight, and Thom Tammaro, about how these works were translated into broadside prints as part of a cross-state, and cross-college, collaboration. Knight, a professor of Graphic Design and Printmaking, at NDSU, enlisted his design history class to take on the challenge of translating the works into a collection of letter-pressed broadsides. The prints resulted in a better understanding of the physical nature of an older printing process using the university’s letterpress equipment. With the assistance of Knight, students designed the layouts and Knight printed them this past summer. The final prints will be displayed and sold at the event.
The project doesn’t end there. The collection of broadside prints has been assembled into a very limited edition of specimen boxes containing various items from Zepper’s poetry, Items such as a black and white photo from the small town of Lund, MN, a dog collar, zebra-striped puzzle pieces, along with other “specimens.” These items complement, and create a physical connection to, each of the prose poems that Zepper has written. A handful of these premium art boxes will also be on display and sold at the event.
Also on hand will be Thom Tammaro who will discuss the more contemporary history, and collectability of broadside prints. Tammaro has presented on the topic of broadsides at several events and occasions. He has collected many examples of broadsides.
The event is FREE to attend and is held one night only at Swing Barrel Brewing Company, from 6pm-8:30pm. Kevin Zepper will be selling limited edition prints of his Silent Specimen works along with a small edition of specimen boxes.
This is a non-sanctioned event featuring MSUM & NDSU faculty. 21+ Only