Educational Events - Newberry Library
As the Manager of Public Programs at the Newberry Library I have curated conversations with some of the nation’s foremost historians, authors, and thinkers in the humanities, and presented world-class performing arts, music, and dance performances. Each event was developed in alignment with the Newberry’s mission to “deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.”
During my tenure I have produced:
over 60 public programs
over 30 livestream events
outdoor festivals with 1000+ attendees
community partner programs with the Universidad Autónoma de México, Alliance Francaise, Instituto Cervantes, Chicago Opera Theater, National Museum of Mexican Art, among others
bi-lingual events
hands-on events for learners of all ages
Skills employed in event production:
Contract Negotiation
Budget management and development
Fundraising
Staff and volunteer management
Digital and print marketing, social media campaigns
Logistics Planning
Creative direction
Rebecca Makkai and Meg Wolitzer - Novelists on the Craft of Writing
In this event, Chicago author Rebecca Makkai (I Have Some Questions for You, The Great Believers) interviewed New York-based and New York Times bestselling author Meg Wolitzer (The Female Persuasion, The Interestings) about a life in books, her growth as an author, her film adaptations—including 2017's The Wife—and her new role as host of Public Radio's popular Selected Shorts podcast.
Event page link: https://www.newberry.org/calendar/rebecca-makkai-and-meg-wolitzer-storystudio-presents-at-the-newberry
A Close-Up of the Opera "Albert Herring"
At this “Close-Up” event at the Newberry, Michael Pecak, Dame Jane Glover DBE, and Stephen Sposito from Chicago Opera Theater discussed COT’s production of Albert Herring, the Newberry’s Stuart Fraser drew connections with the library’s extensive opera-related collection, and COT singers performed excerpts to illustrate points of the conversation.
Event page link: https://www.newberry.org/calendar/a-close-up-of-the-opera-albert-herring
Try Your Hand at Calligraphy: A Calligraphy Fair with the Chicago Calligraphy Collective
A collaboration between the Newberry and the Chicago Calligraphy Collective this Calligraphy Fair was an interactive and family-friendly event focused on the history of handwriting. Demonstrations were enjoyed of different lettering styles, attendees could participate in hands-on lettering activities, and tour the exhibition, A Show of Hands: Handwriting in the Age of Print.
Event page link: https://www.newberry.org/calendar/try-your-hand-at-calligraphy
The Year the Stars Fell: Toward a Continental History of a Very Few Hours - D’Arcy McNickle Distinguished Lecture with Philip Deloria
The 2022 D’Arcy McNickle Distinguished Lecture featured historian Philip Deloria who discussed how a historical astrological event called into question assumptions about faith, reason, and nature. Making connections across time and place, Deloria explored how these stars can help us understand an unknowably broad geography in the narrowest of historical moments.
An Italian Renaissance Diva’s Take on Love, Marriage, and Philosophy
Actors from the Shakespeare Project of Chicago performed excerpts from Andreini’s Lovers’ Debates. In these excerpts, elegant lovers exchange witty, heated, and amorous lines on topics ranging from the nature of love and marriage to slander, sexual violence, and philosophy. The actors performed parts of Andreini’s Letters, which touch on many of the same topics in her own voice.
Following the performance, a roundtable discussion with scholars Pamela Allen Brown, Julie Campbell, Paola De Santo, Caterina Mongiat Farina, and Eric Nicholson explored the recent translation and analysis of Andreini's work.
Event page link: https://www.newberry.org/calendar/an-italian-renaissance-divas-take-on-love-marriage-and-philosophy
Chicago Storytelling in Bughouse Square
The inaugural Chicago Storytelling in Bughouse Square (2022) celebrated the power of storytelling and its role in shaping the city of Chicago.
People from across Chicago were invited to listen to a series of authors and storytellers, and even share their own stories.
The festivities also included the presentation of the Newberry's first annual Pattis Family Foundation Chicago Book Award. The award was presented to Dawn Turner, author of Three Girls from Bronzeville.
Make Music Chicago 2022 in Bughouse Square
Make Music Chicago 2022 in Bughouse Square was a celebration of Chicago Blues with performances by Mississippi Heat and John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band. Inspired by the Newberry's spring exhibition Crossings: Mapping American Journeys, this outdoor concert presented Chicago Blues songs with southern roots.
Event page link: https://www.newberry.org/calendar/make-music-chicago-2022-in-bughouse-square