outreach in Our community
Our Guild is active on many levels within the broader community, working with schools, libraries and arts organizations. We also offer many opportunities for members to share their work and gain greater exposure. Examples of our community involvement include:
* Local Authors Bookshelf: The Elsie Quirk Library in Englewood has two dedicated shelves for local authors. Once one of our member’s books has been accepted, it is entered into the library system where patrons can discover their work.
* Local Author Book Displays: Our members have been afforded opportunities to promote their books through special displays at libraries in Venice and in Englewood.
* Island Walk: Art in the Afternoon Program: Island Walk, a private community in Venice, FL, offers our members the chance to participate in their program. Artists create works of art; writers compose a story about the art piece and read it to a live audience.
* Charlotte County edition of Florida Weekly Newspaper: Many of our authors participate in this newspaper's annual writing challenge, frequently winning awards. Read one of the award-winning stories, "Gonna Find Her."
* School Poetry Contests: To encourage young poets we give financial prizes to the Lemon Bay High School Poetry Shout Out winners. Our members also work as volunteers for the events.
* Art Fusion: an event that features art, stories and poems by our members, music by Venice Musicale and explanations by the artists about the inspiration for their piece.
* The Hermitage Artist Retreat: One of our members serves as a liaison to this organization, which hosts award-winning writers, musicians and authors.