SFR Picks—Week of Jan. 2

Readings and rockings, jobs and roses

A Window In

Reading series offers the public a glimpse at a world-class program

Most of you are probably already enlightened, but in case you aren’t aware: The old trope of the dour, melancholy writer in all black couldn’t be further from the truth. Readings, particularly poetry readings, are often riotous and joyful affairs, full of laughs and poignant insights and intellectual connection virtually unparalleled in other types of performance.
Accordingly, a master of fine arts program in creative writing like that offered by the Institute of American Indian Arts isn’t a bunch of people poring over books in solitude; it’s the basis of a firm, friendly, supportive community of writers who love sharing their work and encouraging their comrades.
“The Native literary community is very close,” says Jennifer Foerster (Muscogee Creek), interim director of IAIA’s low-
residency program. “People know each other very well, know each other’s work, follow each other, teach each other.” The MFA program, now in its sixth year, is borne on that camaraderie. “Non-Native authors too, of course, are close-knit within that community and circled around and came on board, and what was born was a pretty great collection of writers to teach as mentors.”
Those mentors, as well as a few visiting poets brought in with the support of the Lannan Foundation, take eight days and evenings to teach, read, lecture, and mingle with the IAIA literary community. Each semester, the public is invited to evening readings in all genres (including film) from the likes of Tommy Orange, Luci Tapahonso, Brandon Hobson and many more, as well as current IAIA MFA students. We can’t possibly list everyone involved here, so check out SFR’s calendar (starting on page 20) for each day’s events; readings happen daily from Jan. 5-12.
Cool tip: If you can’t make the readings but are still intrigued by the IAIA MFA, head to iaia.edu/mfa and check out the school’s Vimeo channel, which includes nearly 500 videos of lectures and classes, free for public viewing.
(Charlotte Jusinski)

IAIA Winter Readers Gathering
6 pm daily Saturday-Saturday Jan. 5-12; student readings Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 1 pm and Saturday at 3 pm. Free.
IAIA Library and Technology Center,
83 Avan Nu Po Road,
424-2351

Good Jorb!

One of the cruelest things society ever did was convince everyone that working hard and going to school means there's a job just waiting for them. And while there are certainly aspects of that which ring true, a work ethic and a degree aren't enough. This is why the LaFarge branch of the Santa Fe Public Library welcomes professionals from a bevy of fields such as cartoonists, filmmakers and firefighters to monthly gatherings at which they speak openly with teens about setting and working toward their career goals. An idea of how the real world actually works is always helpful to young folks, and those who attend might even learn a thing or two about jobs they didn't even know exist. For example, they'll pay me for this blurb later. Score! (Alex De Vore)

Career Talks for Teens
4:30 pm Wednesday Jan. 2. Free.
Santa Fe Public Library LaFarge Branch,
1730 Llano St.,
955-4860.

Rock Degree

The School of Rock programs that have exploded across the nation in recent years have been some of the most important and invaluable resources for budding musicians probably ever. By teaching the up-and-comers that they can not only learn to play music well but also rock out all hard—and that's OK—such programs build confidence, teach that creating is a worthwhile endeavor and provide the world with an ever-expanding batch of talented musicsmiths. Albuquerque's School of Rock ABQ is one such place, and when the students from various programs within the school take the Meow Wolf stage this weekend, they'll have learned that music is valid, emotional outlets are necessary and that pretty much everybody everywhere loves a good concert. (ADV)

School of Rock ABQ
7 pm Sunday Jan. 6. $15.
Meow Wolf,
1352 Rufina Circle,
395-6369.

By Any Other Name

Once upon a time, circa the mid-1800s, rose aficionados cultivated and adored such flowery-named blooms as the Pearl of Gold, the Marchionesse of Lorne and the Autumn Damask. But as time went by, hybrid tea roses became all the rage due to their hardiness and ease of care, and the OG types of flowers were all but lost. Author Thomas Christopher finds this fascinating (because it really kind of is), and thus wrote the book In Search of Lost Roses, an oddly gripping tale of the old roses and those who are aiding in their comeback. The Santa Fe Botanical Garden's monthly Botanical Book Club invites discussion of Christopher's work over cookies, tea and friendship. (ADV)

Botanical Book Club: In Search of Lost Roses
1-2:30 pm Tuesday Jan. 8. Free.
Stewart Udall Center,
725 Camino Lejo,
983-6155

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