FAIRMONT, WV (LOOTPRESS) – It was announced Thursday that Fairmont State University will host local author, Anna Pishner Harsh, at the Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center on Saturday, May 14 as part of its Second Saturday event series.
During her appearance, Harsh will engage in the presentation of a writing workshop and book signing which will take place at 11:00am and 1:00pm.
She will also provide advice and guidance for young writers wishing to create their own work.
A Fairmont State release details Harsh’s own journey to pursuing her dreams.
“A native of Clarksburg, Harsh made a vision board in the sixth grade about dancing professionally, traveling to Italy and meeting the Pope. Her senior thesis project catapulted her on a journey to fulfill that vision. Her book, La Danza – Conflict, Passion, and Healing is a travel memoir of her life-changing adventure.
With more than three decades of research and teaching experience, Harsh offers a unique and refreshing voice in the Italian American community on how to preserve Italian traditional dances for the next generation. She has traveled extensively throughout Italy to research and study dances from various regions. Her adventurous personality and passion for her Italian heritage have taught her unique life lessons.”
Harsh’s credentials include a Master of Arts in communication from West Virginia University, a Bachelor of Arts in dance from Slippery Rock University and an RYT200 in yoga. She is also a certified Pilates instructor.
“What a joy it is to host Anna as she talks about writing, art and life,” said Fairmont State University President, Mirta M. Martin. “The Folklife Center celebrates a wonderful mixture of cultures found in Appalachia, and Anna’s work is infused with her adventurous spirit and her passion for her Italian heritage.”
While the Second Saturday events are underway, guests are welcome to view the Trunk of Traditional Tunes Museum Exhibit on the second floor of the Ruth Ann Musick Folk Gallery.
At this exhibit, guests will be able to take in information, audio and video about West Virginia’s old-time music and musicians. Artists featured in the exhibit include Melvin Wine, Ernie Carpenter, Annie Jennie Wilson and Phyllis Marks. The exhibit was prepared by Folklife Center staff and students enrolled in the Fairmont State museum studies program.
The permanent exhibit in the Great Room of Culture will also be made available for viewing, and details information about early immigrant groups, as well as industries that shaped the cultural mix within the state of West Virginia. This exhibit will include artifacts, audio and video recordings.
All Second Saturday events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact (304) 367-4403, or see the event announcement here.