Writers in the Gallery 2026
Description
Writers in the Gallery meets on the first Wednesday of each month with different hosts conducting experiential workshops to inspire writers (and nonwriters) of all genres – fiction, nonfiction, memoir, poetry, storytelling, etc. – to improve the quality of their work. Learn more: studiochannelislands.org/writers-in-the-gallery
Free admission, bring a treat to eat and share!
Upcoming
Oct 7: Heartbeats: A Contemplative Writing Experience with Crow Daughter (Ga'agé Taya)
Nov 4: Form, Frequency, and the Shape of Words with Don Harper
Dec 2: What the Image Knows: Look, Listen, Remember, & Write with Raquel Baker, CSUCI professor of English
Previous
Feb 4: Writing the Unspeakable: Words that Mend, Poems that Heal - With Friday Gretchen & Improvisational Dulcimer by Diane Ippel
When we turn our turmoil into a short poem or micro-story – using metaphor and embodied awareness – and then share it with others, it brings insight, renewal, and restoration. We free ourselves from unwanted emotions and strengthen our neurological resilience to stress. This workshop, led by renowned Ventura County poet Friday Gretchen, will guide you through exercises that demonstrate the power of using writing and poetry. Accompanying Friday, performance artist Diane Ippel will play improvisational music on the dulcimer as we compose and share our stories with each other.
Mar 4: Every Picture Tells a Story – Drawing Literature from Art, with Nancy Spiller
How do you transform “looking” into “inspiration”? What memories and stories can be found within a painting, sculpture, or photograph. Using the current exhibit in the art gallery where we meet, you’ll be guided through exercises to strengthen your powers of observation, interpretation, and imagination to expand your creativity and writing skills. Nancy Spiller is an exhibiting visual artist and a published novelist and memoirist. She is an instructor for the UCLA Extension Writers' Program.
Apr 1: Survivors of Human Trafficking: Turning Silent Voices into Prose, with Tess Cacciatore
Sex trafficking, labor trafficking and 21st century slavery have been proliferating, including here in Ventura County. How can we use our writing skills to help bring more attention to these issues and their survivors? In this workshop, we will be joined by some survivors of trafficking and hear about their experiences, with performance assistance from some of our Ventura County poets. Please note: The material in this workshop will be highly sensitive and potentially triggering for some attendees.
May 6: Black, Write, & Wrong: Writing Through Sound, Memory, & Emotion, with Tony Maddox
This evening will be a catalyst of creative expression, and tonight we’re going to explore writing in a different way—not from the mind, but through feeling. Music has always been one of the most powerful storytelling tools in Black culture. Long before many of our stories were written down, they were sung. They carried pain, joy, resistance, love, survival—and truth. The songs I’ll be sharing tonight come from artists who are no longer with us, but whose voices still speak. Artists like Billie Holiday, BB King, and Bobby “Blue” Bland, who didn’t just sing songs—they lived them. As I perform each piece, I want you to listen beyond the lyrics. Listen for what’s underneath—the emotion, the history, the weight, the beauty. After each song, you’ll have a few minutes to write. Don’t overthink it. Don’t try to be perfect. Just respond. Write what you feel, what you see, what the music unlocks in you. It isn’t about being right or wrong – there is no right or wrong way to write – it’s about being honest, vulnerable, and authentic. That’s why I call this exercise. ‘Black Write and Wrong.’” Tony Maddox is a dynamic vocalist and his style is a soulful blend of jazz, Motown, and classic favorites. Tony weaves storytelling with humor, emotional depth, and connectivity. The Tony Maddox band is a family of skilled musicians who have shared the stage and recorded with such greats as Tina Turner, Katie Perry, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby, Patti Labelle, Celine Dion, Nancy Wilson, Bobby Caldwell, Natalie Cole, The Jacksons, and many others. Tony is also an artist, author, poet, photographer, designer, and producer.
Jun 3: Lily Sumida
Lily Sumida, a spectacular poet whose work was included in the Emergence poetry event last February. We’ll be practicing “Hokku”, a group writing experience based on the art of Renga, the original form of Haiku which flourished in the 12th-16th Centuries. This collaborative form of poetry was embraced by the Samurai of ancient Japan, so bring your contemplative pen and swords! Lily will also perform a solo chain of her Haiku, accompanied by a live improvisational pianist.
Jul 1: The State of Publishing in 2026: Opportunity and the Power of Independence, with Kathleen Kaiser
Book publishing has always moved in cycles, responding to shifts in the economy, culture, and technology. But the changes happening now are unusually fast and overlapping. For independent authors and small publishers, the key question is where to invest limited time and money to reach readers most effectively. By staying flexible and paying attention to emerging trends in 2026, author-publishers can adapt quickly and build sustainable growth. Kathleen Kaiser was named Publicist of the Year in 2016 by the Book Publicists of Southern California. She helps authors launch and market their product and master the book marketing process. She is President of the national nonprofit “Writers & Publishers Network”. Kathleen produces webinars and co-hosts the podcast “Talking Book Publishing”, and is the co-founder of ProBookLaunch, an AI marketing assistant for authors and small publishers to maximize their presence across all media.
Aug 5: Choreography, Comedy, & Creative Writing with Katie Malia
If you haven’t experienced Katie’s spectacular dance performances, you are in for a special treat because her writing workshops include a combination of movement and improvisation. Her short-form scripted comedy series, “Almost Asian”, was selected for thirteen film festivals, and was nominated for “Outstanding Writing” at 2016 Raindance Film Festival. Her resume includes a long list of tv shows, iconic commercials and films, and she has worked with renowned choreographers throughout the country.
Sep 2: Turning Poetry into Song with Julia Marley and Rob Carlson
Where does a song begin? For many composers, it starts out as a spontaneous poem! Join singer/songwriter Julia Marley for an inspiring hands-on workshop designed to take your creativity to a new level. Julia will share her own journey to highlight the secrets for turning words into award-winning songs. You’ll have dedicated time to draft a few short stanzas, using the surrounding gallery art as inspiration. For those who want to share, she’ll show you how to transform your words into musical arrangements that will then be performed by Julia and Rob Carlson on strings. Or bring one of your finished poems and Julia will sing it – it’s an amazing experience to witness! Julia Marley is a singer/songwriter, actress, dancer, and special needs advocate. She played Nina in The J Team (Nickelodeon), was a dancer in Dead to Me (Netflix), and performed alongside Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman in The Prom (Netflix). Julia writes and performs for several nonprofits that bring entertainment to children who are battling life-threatening diseases and for adults who are struggling with homelessness and abuse. She also mentors artists with disabilities. Rob Carlson is a guitarist, bass player, singer, and songwriter. He was a member of The Grateful Dudes band in the late 1980s and early 90s. He then joined the Hilonesome Band with Suzie Glaze, a bluegrass band that later changed over to American folk. His song “Hurricane” was nominated for Best Bluegrass Song of 2006. In the Spring of 2007, Rob will also host a songwriting workshop for “Writers in the Gallery.”
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