Past Events
November 2023
Nov
19
19
November
2023
Palabra Pura: Marc Zimmerman Carlos Cumpian Book Launch + Open Mic
18th Street Casa de Cultura,
2057 W. 18th St.
Chicago,
Illinois
60608
United States
LACASA Chicago, Movimento Artístico Chicano (MARCH), 18th Street Casa de Cultura & Guild Literary Complex Invite you to Marc Zimmerman’s Pre-85th Birthday Book Launch of his most important Chicago Latino Publication on the rise of a literary movement: Mexican and Chicano Literature in Chicago: Transplanting Early Roots to the Barrios and Beyond. “Zimmerman a writer keenly sensitive to the vital literary, socio-cultural and ethno-communal nuances which his book explores and illuminates.” — Roberto Márquez. Latino Lit. Specialist. Schedule: 1:00—Book Display/Signing/ Sales.Photos by Diana Solís.Music: Negrete Sisters & Juan Corona.1:30— Key Writers in the Book, A Reading: Marta Ayala, CarlosCumpián, Raúl […]
Free
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Nov
16
16
November
2023
An Evening w/ Kathleen Rooney & Jeremy T. Wilson
Pilsen Community Books,
1102 W 18th St.
Chicago,
Illinois
60608
United States
Join us for an evening with two Chicago novelists to celebrate the release of From Dust to Stardust by Kathleen Rooney and The Quail Who Wears the Shirt by Jeremy T. Wilson! Kathleen Rooney is a founding editor of Rose Metal Press, and a founding member of Poems While You Wait. Her latest poetry collection, Where Are the Snows, won the XJ Kennedy Prize and was published by Texas Review Press in September of 2022, and her latest novel, From Dust to Stardust, was published by Lake Union Press in September of 2023. She lives in Chicago and teaches at DePaul. Jeremy T. Wilson is the […]
Free
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Nov
09
09
November
2023
Exhibit B | A Literary Variety Show
Pilsen Community Books,
1102 W 18th St.
Chicago,
Illinois
60608
United States
Exhibit B’s November reading at Pilsen Community Books will feature poetry, prose, and a piano as authors Willie Lin, S.L. Wisenberg, and Michael Dean, will be joined by pianist Marissa Kerbel for a special evening.
Free
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October 2023
Oct
27
27
October
2023
Chile—50 Years of Protest and Change: A Reading and Discussion with Kathleen Osberger
Haymarket House,
800 W. Buena Ave.
Chicago,
Illinois
Author, Kathy Osberger will read from her new book I Surrender: A Memoir of Chile’s Dictatorship, 1975, which chronicles her experiences in Chile two years into the violent authoritarian reign of General Pinochet. A discussion, with the author, on the political situation in Chile today will immediately follow featuring Mario Venegas (human rights activist and torture survivor from Chile) and Danny Postel (Politics Editor of New Lines Magazine). Moderated by Mary Hawley (writer and literary translator). This is event is brought to by the Guild Complex and sponsored in part by the Chicago Network for Justice and Peace.
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Oct
13
13
October
2023
30th Anniversary of Always Running with Luis Rodriguez
Chicago History Museum,
1601 N. Clark St.
Chicago,
Illinois
60614
In collaboration with the Chicago History Museum, The Guild Complex celebrates 30 years of AlwaysRunning—the debut novel by author, poet, and founder/publisher of Tia Chucha Press, Luis J Rodriguez. There will be some special performances followed by a special reading with Luis Rodriguez along with an interview and discussion with Hector Chavez, PhD, Loyola University Chicago (Director, Latin American and Latino/a Studies Program) and Lit & Luz Festival Board member. Book signing and reception immediately following.
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Oct
13
13
October
2023
Lit & Luz Festival | 10th Anniversary Celebration
This year’s theme is “TEN,” –celebrating 10 years of remarkable programming. This October, join us for more than a dozen bilingual programs throughout Chicago. This year’s festival kicks off on October 13th with an exhibition of work from Lit & Luz Collaboration Cohort artists from the past decade at Chicago Art Department and closes on October 21st with the Live Magazine Show at Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Lit & Luz Festival is a one-of-a-kind series of events featuring renowned authors and visual artists from the US and Mexico in cultural exchange and conversation.
Free
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Oct
11
11
October
2023
Generative Multilogue: Artful Protest
South Asia Institute,
1925 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago,
Illinois
60616
Creative Iranian Women Digital Projection and Immersive Experience Invited Artists: Shaghayegh Mohajeri, Alemeh Bagherian, Hedie Javani, Saba Soleimani, Pouye Peyman, Sara Rahanjam Opening reception with musical performances and poetry recitation.
$55
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September 2023
Sep
28
28
September
2023
2023 | Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards
The Den Theatre,
1331 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago,
IL
Congratulations to the 2023 GBOMA winner: Myron Stokes! Come out and support the 2023 finalists for the Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards (GBOMA) as they perform their works live! GET TICKETS NOW 2023 finalists: Fadia AntabliJóse Bono RovirosaJanet BurrowayMars CaultonMorgan EklundKat FreezeAllison JosephKhloe KammerzellChuck KramerRobert LawrenceIrene MartinezMiguel MarzanaDavid MathewsFrancesca MoroneyHilesh PatelTimothy David ReyMyron StokesKira TuckerCrystal Vance GuerraArne Weingart All Ages Event Doors open at 6:00pm, with performances starting at 7:00pm. Get tickets through The Den Theatre.
$12
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Sep
10
10
September
2023
A Literary Mash Up at Printers Row Lit Fest
Come to the Printers Row Lit Fest’s Center Stage for a joint reading presented by the Guild Literary Complex, Hypertext, and RHINO Poetry, with two readers each from Chicago’s three long-standing literary institutions. Featured readers include:Cheryl Dyer (emerging writer)Nazifa Islam (Forlorn Light – Shearsman 2021)Sahar Mustafah (The Beauty of Your Face – W.W. Norton & Company 2020)Timothy David Rey (poet/playwright/performer)Luis Tubens (poet/writer/performer, a.k.a.“Logan Lu”) (Stone Eagle – Bobbin Lace Press)Jameka Williams Emceed by Andrea Change of The Guild Literary Complex @ Printer Row Lit Fest’s Center Stage
Free
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Sep
10
10
September
2023
Going the Distance: A Printers Row Reading with Ana Castillo + Reginald Gibbons
Printers’ Row Lit Fest – Feinberg Foundation Stage,
Chicago,
Illinois
Two writers—Ana Castillo, Doña Cleanwell Leaves Home and Reginald Gibbons, Sweetbitter—read from their latest work and talk about finding longevity in creative writing and the arts. Conversation moderated by Richard Guzman. Presented by Hypertext and The Guild Complex. 1:00 PM @ Feinberg Foundation Stage, Printers Row Lit Fest
Free
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Sep
09
09
September
2023
Exhibit B @ Printers Row Lit Fest
Printers’ Row Lit Fest – 731 S. Plymouth Ct.,
731 S. Plymouth Ct.
Chicago,
Illinois
60647
Exhibit B will be back at Printers Row Lit Fest! Faylita Hicks, Daniel Borzutzky, Nakiyah T.M. Jordan, and Exhibit B’s very own, James Stewart III, are going to bring it! Catch them on Saturday, Sept. 9th, 4 PM at 731 S. Plymouth Ct.
Free
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Sep
08
08
September
2023
End of Summer Mixer with Guild Complex + Jose Aleman Sasieta
Epiphany Center for the Arts,
201 South Ashland Ave.
Chicago,
Illinois
Join us for a mixer and artist chat at Epiphany Center for the Arts’ Golden Hour. First 50 can have a drink on us! Artist talk with Jose Alemain Sasieta begins at 6:30pm.
Free
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Sep
07
07
September
2023
Transvengence feat. C. Russell Price and Trinity Sapphire (+ Open Mic)
Clash on Clark,
4416 N. Clark St.
Chicago,
Illinois
60640
Join your host Joss Barton for Transvengence on Thursday, September 7th! This month features performances by C. Russell Price and Trinity Sapphire, followed by a discussion and open mic.
Free
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July 2023
Jul
30
30
July
2023
Exhibit B @ Comfort Station | Social Justice Festival
Comfort Station/Logan Square Park,
2579 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago,
Illinois
60647
Exhibit B, Comfort Station, and the Guild Literary Complex are coming together to host a free outdoor festival in the heart of Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. This special event will feature live music, poetry, free food, and a book drive, along with non-profit organizations tabling to share the incredible work they’re doing in and around Chicago. Full List of Participants Below: Partners: The Guild Literary Complex Comfort Station Non-Profit Organizations: RefugeeOne Life Span Chicago Community Bond Fund 826Chi Surviving The Mic Books4Cause Lucky Jefferson Performers: Atena O. Danner Caroline M. Watson Flor Flores Katie Prout Rabha Ashry Matt Harper Mondeaux […]
Free
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Jul
26
26
July
2023
Palabra Pura: One Poet, One Poem
La Bruquena Restaurant,
2726 W. Division
Chicago,
IL
60622
United States
Palabra Pura is back! Come join us with a poem or your favorite text for a community reading in English and Spanish, featuring guest host Crystal Vance-Guerra! Have a drink, say hi to old friends, and enjoy some bilingual poetry. This event is free, open to the public, and anyone can bring a poem.
Free
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Jul
20
20
July
2023
“Black Fire: This Time” | A Reading
Blanc Gallery,
4445 South King Drive
Chicago,
Illinois
Black Fire: This Time, Volume 1 from Willow Books (a division of Aquarius Press) celebrates the roots and legacy of the Black Arts Movement featuring the works of over 100 poets and writers. Published last spring, perfectly captures the spirit of sankofa, a word from the Akan people of Ghana that roughly translates to “it is not taboo to fetch what is at riskof being left behind.” Black Fire This Time serves up generous portions of essays and plays, but poetry is the main entrée. The Aquarius Press anthology pays tribute to Black Fire, a 1968 anthology edited by Amiri Baraka […]
Free
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Jul
19
19
July
2023
“…Advice at the beginning of the revolution” with Michael Warr + Tongo Eisen-Martin
Haymarket House,
800 W. Buena Ave.
Chicago,
Illinois
As part of our Press Room series, join us for a reading and discussion with Bay Area authors, Michael Warr and Tongo Eisen-Martin (San Fransisco Poet Laureate) about their work, the nature of protest, and how the historical acts of revolution during the heyday of the Black Power Movement in the Bay Area have influenced literary activism in a post-George Floyd era of radical social change. “. . .Advice at the beginning of the revolution” is a line from Tongo Eisen-Martin’s poem “A Good Earth” and serves as a framework for this important conversation. **We ask that all attendees wear […]
Free
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June 2023
Jun
26
26
June
2023
A Night with Ana Castillo
Asmus/Hilton Gallery (Morgan Arts Complex, Bridgeport),
3622 S. Morgan St.
Chicago,
Illinois
United States
In partnership with Hilton/Asmus Galleries, the Guild Complex will host a special reading with Ana Castillo from her new book, Doña Cleanwell Leaves Home. Joining her will be special guest, IL Poet Laureate Angela Jackson. The event will take place on Monday, June 26th, from 6:30pm – 8:30pm at the Hilton/Asmus Gallery, Bridgeport location (3622 S. Morgan St. at the Morgan Art Complex). Items from her current exhibition, The Many Loves of Ana Castillo, will be available to view. There will be a brief reception along with a book signing immediately following the reading. Beer provided by Sketchbook Brewery. // […]
Free
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Jun
20
20
June
2023
TransVengence | Aza Greenlee, Noa/Nomi Micaela Fields, and Ava Mirage Wanbli on June 20th
My Buddy’s (Upstairs),
4416 N Clark St.
Chicago,
Illinois
60640
United States
Join us for TransVengence with your host, Joss Barton! This month features readings by Aza Greenlee, Noa/Moni Micaela Fields, and Ava Mirage Wanbli. Doors open at 7pm upstairs at My Buddy’s! Featuring: Noa Micaela (Nomi) Fields is an echodeviant* (*trans poets with hearing aids) in search of transversal wildness in her one and only captionless life. Find her poems and other writing in Tripwire, Anomaly, Zoeglossia, Elderly, Tyger Quarterly, and Sixty Inches From Center. She is a programming curator at the Poetry Foundation and a 2022 Fellow at Disability Lead and Zoeglossia. Aza Greenlee is a body artist and co-conspirator at No […]
Free
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Jun
07
07
June
2023
10th Annual BrooksDay
South Shore Cultural Center,
7059 S South Shore Dr.
Chicago,
Illinois
60649
This year marks the 10th anniversary of BrooksDay! Join the Guild Literary Complex as we honor the legacy of poet Gwendolyn Brooks and celebrate the launch of One Poem, One Chicago, which starts with a reissue of Brooks’ 1987 poetry collection Blacks (Third World Press). One Poem, One Chicago is a collaboration of the Poetry Foundation, the Chicago Public Library, Third World Press, Brooks Permissions, and Northwestern University Press. Blacks will be reissued for the 2023 program and printed by Northwestern University Press; copies of the newly published edition will be available at all 81 branches of the Chicago Public Library […]
Free
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May 2023
May
25
25
May
2023
Exhibit B Reading: Chad Morgan, Crystal Vance Guerra, Parker Young, and Christie Valentin-Bati
Pilsen Community Books,
1102 W 18th St.
Chicago,
Illinois
60608
United States
Join us on Thursday, May 25th, as Exhibit B brings the show to Pilsen Community Books featuring performances from Chad Morgan, Crystal Vance Guerra, Parker Young, and Christie Valentin-Bati.
Free
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May
20
20
May
2023
TAKING ROOT: Poetry Event with the South Asia Institute
South Asia Institute,
1925 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago,
Illinois
60616
In honor of AAPI Month, the South Asia Institute and the Guild Literary Complex bring you TAKING ROOT. This arts event features an exhibition tour, poetry, music, book signing, and more… Poetry reading moderated by Faisal Mohyuddin, with poets George Abraham, Czaerra Galicinao Ucol, Samina Hadi-Tabassum, and Saba Keramati. Music by Maninder Singh. Documentation from the event: Images added 7/5/23
$5 – $10
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May
08
08
May
2023
Black Feminist Poetics: From the Dirt to the Delta
Pegasus at Chicago Dramatists,
765 N. Aberdeen (May and Aberdeen)
Chicago,
Illinois
60642
This program explores the poetics inspired by From the Mississippi Delta. Saunte Harden-Tate, Nikki Patin, Mojdeh Stoakley and members of the Guild Complex will perform works written by Nina Simone, Beah Richards, Gwendolyn Brooks and other Black feminist poets and then perform their own pieces written as response, resulting in a poetic conversation about and for Black women. This event is part of a series of community and post-performance events in support of Lifeline Theatre and Pegasus’ co-production of From the Mississippi Delta (April 27-June 18). Event co-produced by Guild Literary Complex and Surviving the Mic.
Free
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May
06
06
May
2023
Slam Diáspora @ Feria del Libro
The Pub – University of Chicago, Ida Noyes Hall (basement),
1212 E 59th St.
Chicago,
Illinois
60637
United States
¡Abierto a poetas de todos estilos y edades! Desde quien apenas esta empezando a escribir, a quienes llevan décadas escribiendo– todos están bienvenidos a participar. Sólo necesitas dos poemas Ubicado en El Pub, un bar en el beisman de la Universidad de Chicago Ida Noyes Hall. Se puede registrar en línea o el mismo día en persona: http://tiny.cc/feriaslam Recuerden: el punto no son los puntos, sino la comuna. Queremos crecer como comunidad poética, e invitar a nuevas personas a participar como audiencia, cómo poetas, y cómo amantes de la palabra. Creemos que la poesía le pertenece a todxs, y que […]
Free
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May
04
04
May
2023
Palabra Pura Poetry Pop-Up @ Feria del Libro
Ida Noyes Hall | University of Chicago,
1212 E. 59th St.
Chicago,
Illinois
60637
Palabra Pura Poetry Pop-Up featuring Carlos Cumpián, Inmagela Abreu, Beatriz Badikian-Gartler, and Jonny Fadez, with moderator Mary Hawley. This event is part of Feria del Libro (May 4-6).
Free
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Events & Programs
3.3.23 | Slam Diáspora ¡EN VIVO!
17 February 2023
Read More
January 2023
January 26 @ 7pm, online
Exhibit B: A Literary Variety Show – Season 4 Premiere
Join us on Thursday, January 26th, as Exhibit B features incredible performances from artists Shilpi Somaya Gowda, donia salem harhoor, I.S. Jones, alexandrine ogundimu, and Ryan D. Matthews.
Learn more here!
December 2022
December 8 @ a + c architects, 6-8pm
Battle Worn: Women, Life, Freedom
The Guild Literary Complex, along with Generative Multilogue, invite you to the opening reception for BATTLE WORN: Women Life Freedom, original artworks by Bagherian, Movahed and Korbakhsh.
Iran’s women are rattling the bases of power through creativity having been steeped in a culture and mythology that valorizes poetry and many female heroes and warriors.
Artist Alemeh Bagherian’s career has exemplified female figures in unexpected contexts. Whether she addresses issues such as beauty, heroism , death or even frivolity. In Roudabeh, Bagherian takes the archetypal image of a Persian warrior from Ferdowsi’s poems and has her wear a warrior’s vest to protect her from arrows to the heart. She’s a bit battle worn but seems to only be taking a break to exhibit her humanity. The takeaway could be to never count Iranian women out regardless of the task to be done.
Join us for food and drinks plus poetry from Andrea Change.
Learn more here.
November 2022
Nov 3 @ 18th Street Casa de Cultura, 7-9pm
Slam Diaspora
¡Abierto a poetas de todos estilos y edades! Desde quien apenas esta empezando, a quien lleva años escribiendo estan bienvenidos a participar. Sólo necesitas dos poemas 
Se puede registrar en línea o el mismo día en persona: https://www.tinyurl.com/slamdiaspora Open to poets of all styles and ages! From anyone who is just starting, to anyone who has been writing for years, are all welcome to participate. All you need is 2 poems You can register online or on the same day, in person:
https://www.tinyurl.com/slamdiaspora
Nov 10 @ Douglass Park Field House, 7pm
Musicality of Poetry: Women in Verse
The Guild Complex along with Working in Concert present the Women in Verse as part of the Guild’s Musicality of Poetry series. The program will include performances from Black Voices in Cabaret artists – Lynne Jordan and Arlene Armstrong as well as poet, singer, performer Nikki Patin and poet and performer Toni Asanti Lightfoot. Along with poetry performances, there will be a little Gershwin, a bit of Nina Simone and a lot of fabulous!! All in the amazingly beautiful backdrop of the Art Deco ballroom at the Douglass Park field house. This event is supported by the Chicago Parks District’s Night out in the Parks program.This one-hour program is free and open to the public.Doors open at 6:30 PM, street parking available.
Performance inside the fieldhouse at:
Douglass Park Fieldhouse
1401 S Sacramento Blvd
Chicago, IL 60623
Enter at Roosevelt and Sacramento. Learn more here.
Nov 16 @ My Buddy’s, 7pm
Exhibit B November Reading
Join us on Wednesday, November 16th, as The Guild Complex presents Exhibit B at My Buddy’s Chicago (4416 N. Clark). We wrap up our 2022 season with an evening of performances from Toya Wolfe, Ananda Lima, Anne K. Yoder, J. Howard Rosier, Joshua Bohnsack, and Alanis Zoe Castillo Caref.
Nov 17 @ Hopleaf, 7pm
Transvengence
Join Guild Literary Complex at Hopleaf Bar on November 17th for Press Room- Transvengence with trans artist Joss Barton who be our host for the night and featuring writer and author, Ames Hawkins. Open mic starts at 7:00PM.
September 2022
Sept 21 @ Pilsen Community Books, 7pm
Palabra Pura – Noche de Novelas
Colombian and Chilean authors Lina Munar and Antonio Díaz Oliva -ADO-, will talk about her novels Imagina que rompes todo and Campus, published by Himpar editores and Chatos Inhumanos recently. They will discuss their writing process, the themes of their books, and the implications of writing in Spanish as Latin American authors living in the US. The talk will be hosted by Héctor García Chávez, from MAKE Literary Productions. La colombiana Lina Munar y el chileno Antonio Díaz Oliva -ADO-, estarán conversando sobre sus novelas Imagina que rompes todo y Campus, recientemente publicadas por Himpar editores y Chatos Inhumanos. Hablarán sobre sus procesos de escritura, los temas que abordan en sus novelas y las implicaciones de escribir en español como autores latinoamericanos radicados en los Estados Unidos. La conversación será moderada por Héctor García Chávez, de MAKE Literary Productions. Find out more here.
Sept 29 – Oct 2, Time TBD, with Generative Multilogue
Global Intersectional Summit of the Literary and Visual
We aim to engage an interdisciplinary mix of creatives from around the world, as well as the creative communities of the Chicago area and break collaborative taboos by conceiving new Dialogue and Empathy-oriented digital projects. Our particular focus for some of the discussion will be on “Creativity & Displacement” as well as the emergence of a new sense of “The Self & The Other” emphasizing the creativities of the Refugees, Exiles, and Diasporas.
Our target dates for the first iteration are Sept 29 – Oct 2, 2022. Our plan will include public panels, recitations, and performances as well as private conversations among the participants for future projects.
An exciting list of the invited artists, as well as academic and institutional partners, will be announced in August 2022. Ideas welcomed. Learn more here
Sept 8 @ Hopleaf
Queer Poetry Night: A Pre-Printers Row Pop-Up
The Guild is hosting a Pre Printers Row Pop-Up on Thursday, September 8. We are happy to welcome poets C. Russell Price, Hannah Rebecca Gamble, Tim Jones-Yelvington, Jess Ranard, and Scott Strom to the stage for some wonderful performances. This event is free and open to the public. We’d love to see you this week, at the Hopleaf! You don’t want to miss Queer Poetry Night. Find out more here.
Sept 10 & 11 @ Printers Row
Printers Row Lit Fest 2022
2022 Printers Row Lit Fest will take place September 10th and 11th, 10am-6pm, on South Dearborn Street from Ida B. Wells to Polk Street in historic Printers Row.
More information to come about the Guild Literary Complex’s tent location.
Find out more about the fest here.
Sept 12 @ Impact House, 200 W. Madison
Press Room: Art and Accessibility
The Guild Complex Press Room series, along with Disability Lead, presents a conversation on Art and Accessibility. Four amazing artists from the disability community, each from varying disciplines come together to showcase their work and discuss how their individual disabilities inform their art. We will also try to break down how best to create art spaces and experiences that are inclusive for all from the wheelchair-bound to the visual and hearing impaired or other forms of sensory dysplasia.
Our artist panel includes: Azeema Akram (dancer), Noa/h Fields (artist and poet), Grismah Shah (visual artist/filmaker), and Revecca Torres (visual artist/filmmaker).
Learn more here, and get your free ticket here.
July 2022
July 24, 12:00 PM @ Comfort Station, Logan Square
Exhibit B @ Comfort Station
July 24
10:00 am
2579 N Milwaukee Ave
The Guild Complex presents Exhibit B and Comfort Station are coming together to host a free outdoor festival in the heart of Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. This special event will feature live music, poetry, food, and a book drive along with social justice, and arts organizations tabling to share the incredible work they’re doing in and around Chicago. Performers:
Storyteller – Lily Be
Poet – Marisa Tirado
Poet – Joss Barton
Poet – Dan Wright
Poet – Atena O. Danner
DJ – Fess Grandiose
Pianist – Joseph Patrone Social Justice/Arts Organizations:
Brave Space Alliance, Chicago Community Bond Fund, Young Chicago Authors, The Network, 826Chi, Books4Cause, Envision,
Northwest Mutual Aid View the event page here.
July 7, 6:00 PM @ Blanc Gallery
Tara Betts Book Release: Refuse to Disappear
Tara Betts premieres her third book Refuse to Disappear along with Faith Overall, poets Antoinette “Toni” Bush and Jasmeeen Babineaux, both from the South Side-based Write It Down Collective, and exhibiting artist Jalen Hamilton with a celebration at Blanc Gallery. Tara will be reading from the book and signing copies available at the gallery. Learn more here
June 2022
June 7 @ 4:00 PM CST, Gwendolyn Brooks Park
BrooksDay 2022
June 7, 2022 represents the 105th anniversary of the birth of Gwendolyn Brooks, Illinois’ first poet laureate and the very first African-American to win a Pulitzer Prize. Her work paved the way for today’s writers of color but this year’s BrooksDay event is dedicated to those African American, female writers based here in Chicago, the daughters of Gwendolyn. Learn more here
May 2022
May 28 @ 5:30 PM CST, Humboldt Park Boathouse Pavilion
New Latino Boom Series Launch & Celebration
The launch of our new series which celebrates the Chicago writers who are part of the New Latino Boom – Spanish language literature movement in the US. The night will include a reading and panel discussion, followed by a special performance from the band, Esso. Featuring Maya Pina, Raul Dorantes, Crystal Vance, Miguel Marzana, Margarita Saona, and Naida Saavedra. Presented with Northwestern University Program in Latina and Latino Studies, the Alice Kaplan Institute for the Humanities, and Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks. Learn more here
May 26 @ 7:00 PM CST, Chicago Mosaic School
Exhibit B #12
Join us on Thursday, May 26th, as The Guild Complex presents Exhibit B at The Chicago Mosaic School for an evening of performances from Courtney Cook, Alex Wells Shapiro, S. Yarberry, and the 2020 Chicago Youth Poet Laureate Nué. Learn more here
May 26 @ 12:00 PM CST, Northwestern University, Kresge Hall 1515
New Latino Boom Discussion
The Guild Literary Complex and Northwestern University have come together to bring to you a discussion on the New Latino Boom. The New Latino Boom is the 21st-century literary movement in Spanish in the US, and Chicago is one of its main spots. In this talk, Professor Naida Saavedra will present the main features of the New Latino Boom, as well as the website and book derived from her research. Afterwards, she will engage in a conversation and reading with Carolina Herrera and Antonio Díaz Oliva, representative authors of this movement in Chicago. Learn more here
May 6 @ 8:00 PM CST, 1650 W Foster Ave
Art. Heals.
Art. Heals. is a curated performance and visual art exhibition aimed to bring the arts and community together to help heal and reconnect from the past 2 years. The evening will feature music, dance, theater, poetry, multimedia and visual art for one immersive experience. CDE’s Founder and Artistic Executive Director will be presenting “Letters of Healing,” a danztheatre work about her journey of healing from domestic violence, commissioned by Between Friends. Partnering organizations:
Guild Complex, Circa-Pintig, REDance Learn more here
April 2022
April 20 @ 6:30 PM CST
One Poet, One Poem
¡Palabra Pura en vivo!
Palabra Pura returns to LIVE performance with our One Poet/One Poem event!
Past performers at Palabra Pura will return to read one poem or short text each. Come join us with a poem or your favorite text.
The night’s line-up includes Eduardo Arocho, Emmanuel Ayala, Beatriz Badikian Gartler, María Calderón, Rocío Ferreira, Gregorio Gómez, León Leiva Gallardo, Pedro Pablo Marín, Elizabeth Marino, Miguel Marzana, Elijah Ruiz, Margarita Saona, Johanny Vázquez Paz, Crystal Vance Guerra, Christian Vásquez and more!
April 21 @ 5:00 PM CST
Palabra Pura: Encontrarnos en las distancias
Acompáñennos a escuchar a las poetas colombianas Carolina Sánchez, Johanna Barraza Tafur, María Paz Guerrero y Tania Ganitsky en esta lectura virtual que se hará desde Bogotá, New Jersey, Zaragoza y Chicago. Tras el recital, conversarán con la poeta uruguaya Silvia Goldman sobre el viaje, el cuerpo, la pérdida y la exploración del lenguaje en sus obras.
—
Meeting Across Distances: A Poetry Reading Join us in listening to Colombian poets Carolina Sánchez, Johanna Barraza Tafur, María Paz Guerrero, and Tania Ganitsky in this virtual reading from Bogotá, New Jersey, Zaragoza, and Chicago. After the reading, they will talk with Uruguayan poet Silvia Goldman about the journey, the body, loss, and the exploration of language in their work.
March 2022
March 24 @ 7 PM CST
Fuller Award: Ana Castillo
The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame presents the Fuller Award for lifetime achievement to Ana Castillo, live at the American Writers Museum.
This event will also have an online broadcast.
March 31 @ 7 PM CST
Exhibit B #11
Join us on Thursday, March 31st, as The Guild Complex presents Exhibit B will feature performances from artists David Wright Faladé, Jody Chan, Cecilia Pinto, and Barbara Polster. WATCH HERE: https://youtu.be/vxpbadEuKb0
February 2022
February 11 @ 6 PM CST
Free Friday Reading: Small Presses
Hosted by David Welch and in collaboration with the Guild Literary Complex, this Free Friday Panel brings you readings and discussions from authors and editors of small presses.Readers include: Ignatius Valentine Aloysius, Cynthia Pelayo, C. Russell Price, Kathleen RooneyThe event can be found via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/…/tZUpduGvpjIqGNbMU3HeLUeeV9kKB
February 16 @ 5:30 PM CST
Palabra Pura – February
Columbian author Velia Vidal, and Dominican author Kianny Antigua, talk about their books and discuss the importance of on Afrolatinx representation in Spanish language children’s literature.
November 2021
November 1 – 6
Lit & Luz Festival of Language, Literature, and Art
The Guild is a partner for this year’s Lit & Luz Festival from MAKE Literary Productions. This year’s theme is “Structure,” with programs highlighting design, architecture, social structures, and more. The festival will be hybrid and include virtual events at noon and in-person programming in the afternoon and evening. Many programs will be recorded and posted online and all in-person programs will adhere to Covid safety protocols. Most programs will include live audio translation.
November 9 @ 6:30 PM CDT
Wandering the Body
Four female authors share their new books each telling their perspective stories of womanhood through poetry and prose. Featuring Ananda Lima, JoAnna Novak, Natania Rosenfeld, and Keli Stewart. The event will be virtual.
Register here!
November 12 @ 7:00 PM CDT
Exhibit XYZ
The Guild Complex and Exhibit B present Exhibit XYZ!!! Our ninth show and final performance of 2021 will be live and in-person from 7-8:30 PM at My Buddy’s Chicago. This show is guest curated by Robin Reid Drake and will feature performances by Kemi Alabi, Rexylafemme, C. Lofty Bolling, Atena O Danner, and Sylvie Boulette.
More info here!
October 2021
October 14, 6:30PM CDT
Palabra Pura Special Event w/ Ana Castillo
The Guild Literary Complex, along with Seminary Co-op Bookstores, Lit & Luz Festival, and Feria del Librio, presents a special Palabra Pura event with acclaimed author Ana Castillo. The night is a celebration of her latest book of poems, My Book of the Dead.
Register here!
October 16, 4:30PM CDT
Exquisite Crawl, with HOMEROOM, MAKE Lit, and the Guild Complex
An in-person crawl featuring exquisite corpse performances from Chicago-based writers, musicians, filmmakers, and interdisciplinary artists and performers. In Logan Square at Cafe Mustache, Galerie F, and the Whistler.
Mary Cerney, J. Howard Rosier, Logan Lu, Jenna Lyle, satan2000, Takashi Shallow, Alex Wells Shapiro, Crystal Vance-Guerra, and Ian Wojcikiewicz.
October 21, 7PM CDT
Exhibit B at the Martin
Exhibit B at The Martin hosts a reading and discussion with queer authors Alexander Cheves, Sophia Anfinn Tonnessen, and Carlo Matos as they launch bold new work from Unbound Edition Press. This event features each author reading from their new work, and a discussion and Q & A session. Attendees will be able to purchase and have each author sign copies of their book, which can be pre-ordered here now. Limited supply and one-touch ordering will also be available at the event. Get your free ticket here.
September 2021
September 11, 4:30PM CDT
Guild Complex Presents: Exhibit B @ Printer’s Row
The Guild Complex and the National Book Critics Circle present Exhibit B at Printers Row Lit Fest 2021! Our eighth show will be live and in-person at the center stage Saturday, September 11th, 5PM at the Midwest’s largest literary festival. It will feature performances from Mojdeh Stoakley, Ruben Quesada, Ignatius Valentine Aloysius, Sky Goodman, and Nick Ward hosted by NBCC Board Member J. Howard Rosier.
4:30 PM CDT @ AWM/Feinberg Stage
September 15, 6:30PM CDT
Palabra Pura
Palabra Pura returns with a night of poetry, featuring Luis Tubens (aka Logan Lu), Tarnynon Onumonu, and Crystal Vance Guerra.6:30 PM @ La Bruquena. Learn more here!
September 30, 6:00PM CDT
Fuller Award Celebration: Reginald Gibbons
The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame will be present its Fuller Award to Reginald Gibbons for his lifetime contribution to literature. The event is free, but remember to register beforehand to attend via Zoom. Register and get more info here!
July 2021
July 29, 8:00PM CDT
Guild Complex Presents: Exhibit B, July Reading
Join us on Thursday, July 29th, as The Guild Complex presents Exhibit B will feature incredible performances from artists féi hernandez, Darius Simpson, Allison Brooke Young, and Marina Cavadini.
July 21, 6:30PM CDT
Palabra Pura: 1 Poet/1 Poem
¡Palabra Pura en vivo!
Palabra Pura returns to LIVE performance with our 1 Poet/1 Poem event! Past performers at Palabra Pura will return to read one poem or short text each. The night’s line-up includes Beatriz Badikian-Gartler, Gregorio Gómez, Crystal Guerra, Carolina Herrera, Miguel López Lemus, Emilio Maldonado, Pedro Pablo Marín, Elizabeth Marino, Miguel Marzana, and more! Learn more here.
June 2021
June 17, 6:00pm
Guild Complex Presents: Exhibit B
In celebration of the post publication of Thea Matthew’s debut poetry collection, Unearth [The Flowers], Exhibit B and Red Light Lit bring you an evening of poetry, prose, and music. Hosted by James Stewart and and Ian Eric Wojcikiewicz, featuring writers Thea Matthews, Sophie Lucido Johnson, and Loria Mendoza. With musical Guest: The Moon and The Man.
June 22, 6:00pm, Virtual Event
Book Release: Wolf Lamb Bomb
Join us for a book release event, celebrating Aviya Kushner’s debut poetry collection, Wolf Lamb Bomb, followed by a discussion on religion, social empathy, and allyship with Hebrew translator Adriana X. Jacobs.
Watch the full recording of this event here!
May 2021
May 19, 5:30pm, Virtual event
Renditions with Reginald Gibbons
Book release and reading celebrating Reginald Gibbons’ latest poetry collection, Renditions, published by Four Way Books. The night will also feature readings from Ed Roberson and Illinois Poet Laureate Angela Jackson.
Watch the full recording of this event here.
April 2021
April 7, 6:00 – 8:00pm CDT, Virtual event
Applied Words: Transnational Voices
This reading is a part of the Guild Literary Complex’s Applied Words series of multidisciplinary events and conversations on contemporary social issues. The work of these writers is informed by backgrounds, experiences, and research that reach across national borders. The memories and histories of persecution, migration, exile, and assimilation threaded through these authors’ poetry and prose are a welcome reminder that American writing is always already global.
Featuring: Dipika Mukherjee, Ines Bellina , Michael Zapata, Sahar Mustafah, Frances de Pontes Peebles, Fabiola Werlang
poetry
transnational
prose
April 8th, 7:00 – 9:00pm CDT, Virtual event
Press Room: Surviving the Mic
In honor and recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation and the Guild Literary Complex present Surviving the Mic: Speaking Poetry to Power. Please join us on this night of poetry and dialogue, centering the voices and lived experiences of survivors of sexual harm. The evening will feature performances by Anjana Kirti, Cherlnell Lane, Nikki Patin, Jackson Santy, Mojdeh Stoakley, Saunte Harden-Tate, and Ona Wang.
poetry
sexual assault awareness
reading
March 2021
March 25, 7:00pm CST, Virtual event
Guild Complex Presents: Exhibit B
Join us on thursday, March 25th, for a surreal evening as The Guild Complex presents Exhibit B will feature incredible performances from artists Jose Hernandez Diaz, Emily Martin, Ian Wojcikiewicz, and Shailen Mishra.
Exhibit B is a performance series that highlights exciting text-based work in Chicago. Presented by the Guild Literary Complex, a 30-year-old grassroots literary arts organization based in Chicago, Exhibit B showcases prose, poetry, plays, music, and more. We want to create a space that showcases work that you don’t need an MFA to feel and that leaves the audience always wanting more. We want community. We want impact.
poetry
prose
reading
March 13, 7:00pm CST, Virtual event
Fuller Award: Sandra Cisneros
Sandra Cisneros, the poet, short story writer, novelist, essayist, performer, and artist whose work beautifully and profoundly explores working class lives and landscapes, will receive the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame’s Fuller Award for lifetime achievement.
award
ceremony
interview
February 2021
February 22, 6:30pm CST, Virtual event
Black History Month Reading
The Guild Literary Complex brings together some of the BIPOC writers from our 30 Writers to Watch to read a few of their pieces, chat about their work, and discuss how they’re charting their paths in an industry more embracing of their stories.
Featuring:
Justin Howard Rosier
Nate Marshall
Ciara Miller
Nikki Patin
Mojdeh Stoakley
poetry
prose
reading
February 17, 7:00pm CST, Virtual event
Palabra Pura: Fifteenth Anniversary Celebration / Celebración del Décimoquinto Aniversario de Palabra Pura
In partnership with the Poetry Foundation! Join us for a reading and moderated discussion celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Palabra Pura with readings by Francisco Aragón, Brenda Cárdenas, Miguel Marzana, and Johanny Vázquez Paz and moderated by Mary Hawley. Acompáñenos para celebrar el decimoquinto aniversario de Palabra Pura con una lectura de poesía y conversatorio con los poetas Francisco Aragón, Brenda Cárdenas, Miguel Marzana, y Johanny Vázquez Paz. Mary Hawley será la moderadora. Learn more about the event
January 2021
January 28, 6pm CST, Virtual event
Applied Words: Exhibit B
Exhibit B is a performance series that highlights exciting text-based work in Chicago. Presented by the Guild Literary Complex, a 30-year-old grassroots literary arts organization based in Chicago, Exhibit B showcases prose, poetry, plays, music, and more. We want to create a space that showcases work that you don’t need an MFA to feel and that leaves the audience always wanting more. We want community. We want impact.
January’s event will feature artists Abigail Chabitnoy, Thea Matthews, and Mary Cerney, and will highlight the work of Awakenings, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a physical and virtual artistic space that furthers awareness and understanding of sexual violence and promotes healing of survivors through the arts.
poetry
reading
prose
January 14, 6:30pm CST, Virtual event
Applied Words: A Reading with Nikki Giovanni
Please join poet, author, and activist Nikki Giovanni for a special reading of her latest chapbook, Standing in the Need of Prayer. The book, based on a traditional African American hymn written by James Weldon Johnson, is dedicated to all those left in the wake of a loved one taken away by violence.
Immediately following will be a discussion with the author, along with Emily Thornton Calvo, writer, artist, and one of the Guild’s 30 Writers to Watch, who served as the book’s illustrator. Also included in the discussion is Jordan Holmes, who wrote the book’s foreword.
Find out more about this past event
poetry
reading
December 2020
December 3, 7pm CST, Virtual event
Exhibit B: December Reading
Join us Thursday, December 3rd, as The Guild Complex presents Exhibit B will feature incredible performances from artists Rabha Ashry, Daniel Woody, Alex Wells Shapiro, and Caroline Cooledge McCraw. We will also have a Q&A with visual artist Vashon Jordan Jr. to discuss his debut photo book, “Chicago Protests: A Joyful Revolution.”
poetry
prose
November 2020
November 12, 7pm, Virtual event
Speaking Truths Series: Home, Homeland, and Belonging
Speaking Truths Series will return to the virtual space on Thursday November 12 at 7pm. This event is a collaboration between Speaking Truths Series, Guild Literary Complex, and the National Cambodian Heritage Museum.
Find out more about this past event
poetry
prose
music
November 20, 6pm, Virtual event
American Gun Book Launch
Join us for the virtual book launch of “American Gun: A Poem by 100 Chicagoans” a collective response to the individual suffering behind the statistics. Sponsored by Big Shoulders Books, the DePaul University Publishing Institute, the Guild Literary Complex, and the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame.
Find out more about this past event.
June 2021
October 2020
October 14, Virtual Event
Palabra Pura: In Conversation, Luis J Rodriguez with Logan Lu
Luis J. Rodriguez in conversation with Logan Lu discussing his most recent book, From Our Land to Our Land.
October 21, 7:00 CDT, Virtual Event
Exhibit B: October Virtual Reading
The Guild Complex presents Exhibit B will feature incredible performances from artists Elizabeth Marino, Sejake Matsela, SIFI + uuskhy, and Naomi Washer. Just weeks away from the election, we won’t shy away from politics.
September 2020
September 16, Virtual Event
Palabra Pura: Afro-Latina Voices
Three distinct Afro-Latina voices telling their stories and sharing perspectives in this time of revolution: Tiffanie Clark, Kianny N. Antigua, and Ilka Oliva Corado.
Part of the Guild’s Palabra Pura program.
poetry
bilingual
spanish
September 17, 7:00 pm CDT, Virtual Event
Book Release – Mike Puican’s Central Air with the Poetry Foundation
We are thrilled to host the book release for our own Mike Puican’s debut publication, Central Air. Join us September 17th for a reading from Puican and discussion with fellow author and poet, Mark Turcotte.
poetry
Chicago
reading
September 30, Virtual Event
PANEL: Black Men, Artist Voices – A One State 2020 Conference Event
Six local artists in discussion about art, the nature of protest and living with history of the continued assault on their lives. While the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and most recently, Jacob Blake have been featured in the media the history of violence against men of color is not new it is rare that there is an authentic conversation around the constant effort to live your life in survival mode. These artists share their truths in conversation.
Part of the One State 2020 Conference from Arts Alliance Illinois and the Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA).
September 2019
September 17th, 2019
26th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards
Live Finals @ The Promontory in Hyde Park
Submission deadline extended to Saturday August 17th
SUBMIT NOW!
July 2019
Submissions Open
July 8th, 2019
26th Annual GBOMA
Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Award
________
Voices of Protest
On view through August 11th
at Stony Island Arts Bank
________
Wednesday July 24th 7-9pm
Palabra Pura
Narraciones en Tiempos Distintos
// Narrations in Different Times
La Bruquena Restaurant
(2nd floor)
2726 W. Division, Chicago
$5 Suggested Donation ~ No one turned away!
June 2019
Friday – Satuirday
June 28-29th
Voices of Protest
Of Poetry and Protest
Exhibition Opening, June 28th, 5:30 – 7:30pm
Legacy of the Black Arts Movement, June 29th, 2-4:30pm
________
6:30 – 9:30pm, Wednesday June 26
The Guild’s 30th Anniversary Party + Benefit
Chopin Theatre
1543 W. Division St.
________
4pm – 4:30pm, Sunday June 9th
Powerlines 20th Anniversary Reading
Printers Row Literary Festival
Arts & Poetry Stage, 60 W. Polks
________
3-8pm, Friday June 7th
Gwendolyn Brooks Library, 4th floor
Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Drive
FREE
RSVP
May 2019
7:30pm, Thursday May 30th
Applied Words
Performing Identities On (& Off) the Page:
Queer Femme Artists of Color
Hairpin Arts Center
2810 N. Milwaukee Ave., 2nd floor
FREE
RSVP
________
3pm, Saturday May 18th
Voices of Protest
Stony Island Arts Bank
6760 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago
FREE
RSVP
April 2019
Saturday April 13th, 6:30=8:30pm
SPECIAL NIGHT
Palabra Pura en Poesia en Abril
Presented with Contratiempo, DePaul University + the MFA in Spanish Creative Writing at the University of Iowa
La Bruquena Restaurant
2nd floor
2726 W. Division, Chicago
$5 donation suggested ~ No one turned away
March 2019
7PM, Wednesday, March 20th
Applied Words
Creative Freedom: Writing In and Out of Prison
Curated by Michael Puican & Michael Fischer
Co Presented with UChicago’s Arts & Public Life and Chicago Torture Justice Memorials
7PM, Wednesday, March 20th
Green Line Performing Arts Center
329 E. Garfield Boulevard, Chicago
FREE
RSVP
February 2019
Wednesday February 20th 7-10pm
Palabra Pura
La Bruquena Restaurant
(2nd floor)
2726 W. Division, Chicago
$5 Suggested Donation ~ No one turned away!
November 2018
Wednesday November 28th 7-9pm
The 2018 Leon Forrest Prose Awards
Chopin Theatre
1543 W Division Ave, Chicago
________
Thursday November 1st 7-9pm
Poetry off the Shelf: French Slam Connection
Co-sponsored with One Poetic Voice, Ligue de Slam, and Poetry Foundation
Poetry Foundation
61 West Superior Street
Free Admission
October 2018
Wednesday October 24th 7-9pm
Palabra Pura
Voces nuevas en escritura y performance
La Bruquena Restaurant
(2nd floor)
2726 W. Division, Chicago
________
Sunday October 21st 2pm
Voices of Protest
Writing in a Climate of Fear
with Sanjuana Martinez
McCormick Lounge, Coffey Hall
Loyola University, Lake Shore Campus
Chicago, Illinois
Presented by the Chicago City of Refuge Initiative, a project of Chicago Network Network for Justice and Peace, the Ann Ida Gannon Center for Women and Leadership at Loyola University Chicago, the Guild Literary Complex, and PEN San Miguel Center.
________
Wednesday October 17th 7-9pm
Book Launch Party for Rosellen Brown’s The Lake On Fire
Women and Children First
5233 N. Clark St, Chicago
________
Thursday October 11th 7 – 9PM
Applied Words
Magnitude and Bond:
Three Generations of Gwendolyn Brooks’s Legacy
Presented by
Guild Literary Complex & Rebuild Foundation
Stony Island Arts Bank
6760 S Stony Island Ave
FREE
RSVP
September 2018
Saturday September 29th 7 – 9 pm
100 Thousand Poets for Change
“Temporary America”
Outer Space Studio
1474 N. Milwaukee, 3rd floor
Co-Sponsored with Red Rover Reading Series
________
Monday September 24th
Submissions open
________
Tuesday September 18th 7 – 9:30 pm
25th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards (GBOMA)
5311 S. Lake Park Avenue West, Chicago
TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE!
________
Thursday September 13th 7-8:30pm
Applied Words:
Performing Queerness On (& Off) The Page
Women & Children First
5233 N. Clark St. Chicago
Free
August 2018
Special Pre-GBOMA event:
Past Winners Feature Showcase
with Nicole Bond & Javon J. Smith
@ The 2018 National Poetry Slam Welcome Party
7pm Monday August 13th
The Chopin Theatre
July 2018
Tuesday July 31 2018 ~ 7 – 9 PM
American Authors, Transnational Voices
Chopin Theatre
1543 W. Division, Chicago
Free
June 2018
Wednesday June 20th 7 – 9 pm
A Night in Homage to Gamaliel Ramírez (1949 – 2018)
La Bruquena Restaurant
2726 West Division Street, Chicago, Illinois 60622
$5 suggested donation
________
Tuesday, June 19th, 7 – 9 PM
Mihbaj: a staged reading of a play by Riad Ismat
1543 W. Division, Chicago
$5 suggested donation @ the door
________
Thursday June 7th – 3-5pm
the Arts Incubator in Washington Park
301 E. Garfield Blvd.
Followed by the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame’s statue unveiling 6-8 p.m. in Gwendolyn Brooks Park, 4542 S. Greenwood Ave.
April 2018
April 4th ~ 7:00 – 9:00 PM
La Bruquena Restaurant
2726 West Division Street, Chicago, Illinois 60622
February 2018
February 21st ~ 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Palabra Pura, One Poet/One Poem
La Bruquena Restaurant
2726 West Division Street, Chicago, Illinois 60622
November 2017
November 5 ~ 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Special Event: Transnational Poetics with
Stuart Cooke, Natania Rosenfeld, and Toni Nealie
1543 West Division Street, Wicker Park, Chicago, Illinois 60642
________
November 16 ~ Doors and Art Viewing 6:00, Event 6:30 – 8:00 PM,
8:15 PM -9:15 PM Dinner and Panel Discussion
Each Other’s Harvest, an Applied Words Summit on Homelessness
935 West Wilson Avenue, Uptown, Chicago, Illinois 60640
October 2017
October 15 ~1:00 – 3:00 PM
Voices of Protest, Chicago City of Refuge Event
Gannon Center for Women and Leadership
Piper Hall · Loyola University, 970 West Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60660
________
October 18 ~ Doors 5:00, Event 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Brooks in Translation, a Palabra Pura Event
Harold Washington Library Center
Pritzker Auditorium, 400 South State Street, Chicago, IL 60605
September 2017
September 15-17, with multiple events, multiple locations
Wicker Park & West Town Lit Fest
Click here for updates and information
________
September 27 ~ 7:30 – 10:00 PM
Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards
American Writers Museum
180 N. Michigan Avenue, Second Floor Chicago, Illinois 60601
August 2017
The Guild Goes Dark in August,
But we look forward to seeing you in September for our Fall Season!
________
August 1
Submissions open for Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards
Click here for more information
July 2017
Applied Words
HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR FALL 2017
Nature and Neighborhoods
Featuring Moderator Matthew Shenoda
June 2017
June 7 ~ 6:00 – 10:00 PM
BrooksDay@Nite
A Centennial Celebration of Gwendolyn Brooks
The Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts
915 E 60th St, Chicago, Illinois 60637
________
June 22 ~ 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Applied Words
Gender and the Arts
Featuring Moderator C. Russell Price
1547 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60622
~&~
June 22 ~ 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Newest Poetry Society of America’s Norma Farber First Book Award winner Vincent Toro
and Dr. Grisel Acosta in from NYC
Discuss gentrification, neighborhoods, memory, and cultural appropriation
1547 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60622
May 2017
May 4 ~ 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Special Event with partner
The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame
Ring Lardner Induction Ceremony
Newberry Library, Ruggles Hall
60 West Walton Street, Chicago Illinois, 60610
________
May 8 ~ 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Cyrus Colter Trilogy, A Staged Reading
By Sandra Seaton
Evanston Literary Festival, Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60201
________
May 11 ~ 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Special Event with partner
The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame
Fanny Butcher Induction Ceremony
Newberry Library, Ruggles Hall
60 West Walton Street, Chicago Illinois, 60610
________
May 17 ~ 7:30-9:30 PM
Palabra Pura with curator Miguel Marzana
We are the Night: Poesía del “Santuario” | Poetry of the “Sanctuary”
La Bruquena Restaurant
2726 West Division Street, Chicago, Illinois 60622
________
May 21~ 14:00-16:00 PM
Special Guild Complex Event
Let the 50th Celebrations Begin: Guild Books Remembered, Lit Forward
Lunt Lake Co-op Community Room
1138 West Lunt Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60626-3520
April 2017
April 9 ~ 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Voices of Protest a Chicago City of Refuge Event
Featuring Riad Ismat and Osama Alomar
The Gannon Center for Women and Leadership
Piper Hall · Loyola University, 970 West Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60660
________
April 12 ~ 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Of the Cuban Diaspora: Venturous Journeys among gluttOny and sniFFs
Featuring Jesús J. Barquet and om ulloa
La Bruquena Restaurant
2726 W Division St, Chicago, Illinois 60622
________
April 24 ~ 6:00 – 8:30 PM
A Poet, An Essayist, and a Novelist Walk into a Bar – The Guild’s Annual Benefit
Featuring Nate Marshall, Barrie Jean Borich, and Christine Sneed
Lagunitas Brewing Company
2607 West 17th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60608
Please click here to get tickets or to donate to the Guild’s Annual Benefit
________
April 27 ~ 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Applied Words
Accessibility to the Arts, Class and Opportunity
Moderator Bess Williamson, Featuring Ladan Osman
filmfront, 1740 West 18th Street, Pilsen, Chicago, Illinois, 60608
March 2017
March 14 ~ 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Intersectional Women’s Issues and Representation in the Media
With Nicole A. Spigner and Jane Rhodes,
With artwork by Young Chicago Authors artists
Columbia College Chicago, Conaway Center
1104 South Wabash, Chicago, Illinois 60605
For more information or to join the Facebook Event, please click here.
February 2017
February 21 ~ 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Chopin Theatre
1543 W Division St, Chicago, Illinois 60642
________
February 19 ~ 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Chicago City of Refuge: Voices of Protest
Piper Hall, Loyola University
970 W Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60613
________
February 15~ 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Palabra Pura: One Poet/One Poem
La Bruquena
2726 W Division St, Chicago, Illinois 60622
________
February 9 ~ 6:00 – 9:00 PM
826 DC
3333 14th St. NW M120, Washington DC, 2001
________
February 2 ~ 6:00 – 9:00 PM
The Art Institute of Chicago, Rublof Auditorium
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60603
January 2017
January 11 ~ 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Leon Forrest Prose Awards
The Promontory
5311 South Lake Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60615
________
January 11 ~ 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Writers Resist: Generations of Resistance
La Bruquena
2726 W Division St, Chicago, Illinois 60622
December 2016
Happy Holidays to All
December 8 ~ 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Guild Literary Complex Thank You To You Party
Uptown Lounge
1136 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
November 2016
November 16 ~ 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Palabra Pura with David Rade of Swan Island Press
La Bruquena Restaurant
2726 West Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622
October 2016
October 6 ~ 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Fuller Awards at the Poetry Foundation
61 West Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60654
Celebrating the life and work of Rosellen Brown.
Hosted by The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame and The Guild Literary Complex
________
October 28th ~ 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Palabra Pura with Poet Martin Espada
Urban Theater Company
2620 West Division Street, Humboldt Park, Chicago
September 2016
September 15 – 18
West Town/ Wicker Park Literary Festival
Saturday, Sept 17th 10:oo AM Story Time with Quraysh Ali Lansana
Sunday, September 18th 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Book Swap at Wicker Park Farmers Market
Sunday, September 18th 7:30 – 10:30 PM Story Slam and Subterranean
Check out these and other events on Facebook
________________
September 27 ~ 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards is Back at Chopin Theatre
1543 West Division, Chicago, IL 60642
Please click here for more information
August 2016
August 1 – September 15th
Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Award Call For Submissions
Please click here for more information
________
The Guild goes Dark in August.
Be sure to check back for upcoming events.
July 2016
July 20 ~ 7:30 – 9:00 PM
PALABRA PURA: A Night of Corridos at La Catrina Cafe
1011 West 18th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60608
Hosted by Juan Díes, folklorist and co-founder of the GRAMMY-nominated Sones de México Ensemble. Palabra Pura promotes literary expression in more than one tongue through a bi-monthly bilingual poetry reading featuring Chicano and Latino artists.
Please click here for more information.