Studio 360 / MacDowell Colony et al

I enjoyed these podcasts about MacDowell & MacAlford Colonies

Poetry Mecca

I read yesterday of a young writer who won a university sponsored fellowship to live and work at the Frost Place for most of the summer. In the article, the Frost Home at Franconia is referred to as being seen by many as kind of a holy ground, "poetry's Mecca."

The idea of a physical space being a source of inspiration to writers and poets is not at all new. Nor is the thought that writing in a place where the presence of other poet & writer greats have created works in the past. Young writers for instance are often excited to be fortunate enough to attend a fellowship at say MacDowell Colony or say, Yaddo. Each with it's rich litany of great artists that have previously graced these places and worked their creative talents.

Sylvia Plath was drawn to the London flat at 23 Fitzroy Road (photo above) - in part because it had once been home to W.B. Yeats. It was here she ultimately created some of her most profound work before taking her own life.

So what is, or where is your poetry Mecca?

Artists Retreat into Solitude at MacDowell Colony

Happy 100th Anniversary to MacDowell Colony!

Heard this story last night on NPR and thought others might enjoy it. Especially some of you who have had the opportunity to experience the Colony yourself. I've hear some great stories... They scenery, the lunch baskets, Maple Syrup, cozy lodges to name a few things that come to my mind. Just thinking of some of the people and their work that has been inspired at MacDowell is awesome in itself.

MacDowell Centennial