Utah Arts Festival 2019
Join the SLCC Community Writing Center and the Utah Arts Festival for four days packed with fun writing activities for all. From workshops for kids and adults to the Wasatch Iron Pen competition, there’s something for everyone!
Wasatch IronPen Literary Marathon and Ultra Marathon!
Artists of the written word face off in a 24-hour writing competition. Adult and Youth writers can participate in one of three categories (Fiction, Non-Fiction and Poetry) or can take on the Ultra IronPen challenge and write in all three! Winning writers will receive prizes and have a chance to read their work on the Big Mouth Stage!
Writers of all genres and experience levels can register for the marathon beginning on May 1st, 2019 at the Community Writing Center (located at Library Square) or at www.slcc.edu/cwc. After receiving the prompt on Friday, June 21st at 5:30 pm, writers will have exactly 24 hours to write. Submissions are due Saturday, June 22nd at 5:30 pm.
- Youth and Adult competitions judged separately and anonymously. Awards are subject to change based on submissions and judges’ discretion.
- Registration fees: IronPen: $10.00 and Ultra IronPen: $15.00 (Registration opens on May 1st and closes on Friday, June 21st at 5:30 pm.)
- Submissions must be delivered to the CWC or submitted online no later than 5:30 pm, Saturday, June 22nd.
Winners will be announced Sunday, June 23rd at the Big Mouth Stage (12:30-2 p.m.) Winners are encouraged to read from their submission. If you have any questions, call us at 801-957-2192 or email cwc@slcc.edu.
Please see the full rules here.
Register for Iron Pen Competition
Have Your Say!: Gigantic Magnetic Poetry Walls
Everyone can be a poet, especially with gigantic magnetic words! Come share your words on the CWC’s magnetic poetry walls.
Write Fest Activities
Stop by the Community Writing Center any time to participate in a variety of fun writing activities. Create a pocket zine, write a postcard story, and visit the Letter Box vending machine!
Events and Workshops held at the SLCC Community Writing Center
Come early, as space is limited!
Schedule
| Thursday, June 20 | |
|---|---|
| 12:30 - 1:30 |
Kids Workshop: Pop-up Books Craft a story and make it spring to life in three dimensions with your very own pop-up book. Parents are encouraged to participate with their children. |
| 2:30 - 3:30 | Making Comic Books: Beginner Workshop
Learn the basics of how to combine words and images into a comic book story! In this intro-level workshop, artist Paul Guinan and writer Anina Bennett will help you collaborate on a story drawn by Paul or start creating your own comic book. |
| 4:30 - 5:30 | Comic Book Techniques: Intermediate Workshop
For comic makers who already know the basics. This workshop covers specific techniques for creating comic books, from inking and coloring styles to page layout and story structure. Artist Paul Guinan and writer Anina Bennett will also answer questions and give feedback on participants’ work. |
| 6:30 - 7:30 | Workshop: Creative Letter Writing
Practice the art of letter writing with an artistic twist. You’ll create a personalized card or letter to send to a loved one or friend. |
| Friday, June 21 | |
| 12:30 - 1:30 | Workshop: Paper Circuits
We’ll make paper light up with LEDs, copper tape & a little creativity. Simple paper circuits can be integrated into greeting cards, journals and more. |
| 2:30 - 3:30 | Making Comic Books: Beginner Workshop
Learn the basics of how to combine words and images into a comic book story! In this intro-level workshop, artist Paul Guinan and writer Anina Bennett will help you collaborate on a story drawn by Paul or start creating your own comic book. |
| 4:30 - 5:30 | IronPen Writing Workshop
This workshop will introduce you to the IronPen writing contest. Learn tips for writing competitively, and discuss elements of our three competition options: Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry. |
| 5:30 | Wasatch IronPen Literary Marathon and Ultramarathon START!
Get to the CWC for submission guidelines and the prompt to start writing your 24-hour masterpiece! If you can't make it to the CWC, the prompt will be posted on Facebook (@CommunityWritingCenter) and Instagram (@slcc_cwc) at 5:30 p.m. |
| 6:30 - 7:30 | Youth Open Mic
If you’re 18 or younger and have something to say, take the stage at our youth open mic! Share your art and inspiration! No need to sign up first. |
| Saturday, June 22 | |
| 12:30 - 1:30 | Workshop: Making Simple Books
Practice simple folding and stitching techniques to create a variety of books that can house your own writing or be shared as gifts. |
| 2:30 - 3:30 | Making Comic Books: Beginner Workshop
Learn the basics of how to combine words and images into a comic book story! In this intro-level workshop, artist Paul Guinan and writer Anina Bennett will help you collaborate on a story drawn by Paul or start creating your own comic book. |
| 4:30 - 5:30 | Comic Book Techniques: Intermediate Workshop
For comic makers who already know the basics. This workshop covers specific techniques for creating comic books, from inking and coloring styles to page layout and story structure. Artist Paul Guinan and writer Anina Bennett will also answer questions and give feedback on participants’ work. |
| 5:30 | Wasatch IronPen Literary Marathon and Ultramarathon ENDS!
All submissions are due by 5:30 pm on Saturday, June 22. Participants can deliver paper copies to the Community Writing Center or can submit online. |
| Sunday, June 23 | |
| 12:30 - 2:00 | Wasatch IronPen Winners Reading at Big Mouth Stage
We’ll announce competition winners and celebrate everyone who participated in the Wastach IronPen and Ultra IronPen! |
| 2:00 - 3:00 | Workshop: Making Comic Books
Comic book artist Paul Guinan and writer Anina Bennett will help you collaborate on a story drawn by Paul or get started on creating your own comic book. |
| 4:30 - 5:30 | Workshop: Flash Fiction for Change
Flash Fiction’s incredibly fast storytelling blends narrative depth with poetic imagery in 1,500 words or less. We'll learn to distill imagery, characterization, theme, point of view, and tone into just a few pages or paragraphs to craft very, very short stories with important messages about the human condition. |
| 6:30 - 7:30 | Open Mic
Calling all musicians, poets, spinner of tales, comedians, and lovers of the same. Join us at the Community Writing Center to share your words in any medium. |