Visiting Artists
Cynthia Gustavson
Poet
Tulsa, Okla.
Biography
Cynthia Blomquist Gustavson was born in rural Minnesota to a jazz musician and a waitress in 1947. She grew up in Afton and later lived with her husband in Marine on St. Croix and Stillwater.
She is the author of five poetry collections, several poetry workbooks for therapists, has published in numerous journals, and is on the editorial board of Nimrod, an award winning international literary journal. She also produces a monthly podcast that is available from her Web site, www.cynthiagustavson.com.
Gustavson was educated at Gustavus Adolphus College, Boston University, Louisiana State University, United Seminary of the Twin Cities, and Oklahoma State University. She has taught at Northeastern State University in Tallequah, Oklahoma, and Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Louisiana, and has been an invited lecturer around the country.
In her 29 years as a therapist she has worked in drug prevention, practiced individual and group therapy, worked extensively with caregivers of the chronically ill and developmentally disabled.
A much acclaimed poet and author, the winner of a New Millennium Writings Award in 2002 and finalist for the Rita Dove Poetry Award from the Salem College Center for Women Writers in 2004, Gustavson lives and works in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her husband of 36 years.
Gustavson was a featured poet at the 2007 White Pine Festival. Her new poetry book, Forgive My Trespassing, is composed of poems inspired by her first White Pine experience and will make its debut at this year's festival.
Events
Senior writers of all experience levels are invited to learn from Cynthia Gustavson in this workshop. Nature and personal reflection are central themes in Gustavson's poetry, which is informed both by her childhood in Afton and by her extensive work with caregivers of the chronically ill and developmentally disabled. Gustavson has taught poetry at universities in Louisiana and Oklahoma, where she now lives, and has lectured throughout the country.
Join Cynthia Gustavson for engaging conversation and fantastic poetry by the side of the St. Croix River, continuing one of the festival's best-loved traditions. With its natural beauty and breathtaking river views, Arcola Mills is equally well suited for deep philosophical discussions or easygoing chats. Either way, the conversation's course will be determined by its participants. Breakfast pastries and coffee will be provided.
Join Cynthia Gustavson for engaging conversation and fantastic poetry by the side of the St. Croix River, continuing one of the festival's best-loved traditions. With its natural beauty and breathtaking river views, Arcola Mills is equally well suited for deep philosophical discussions or easygoing chats. Either way, the conversation's course will be determined by its participants. Breakfast pastries and coffee will be provided.
Join Cynthia Gustavson for engaging conversation and fantastic poetry by the side of the St. Croix River, continuing one of the festival's best-loved traditions. With its natural beauty and breathtaking river views, Arcola Mills is equally well suited for deep philosophical discussions or easygoing chats. Either way, the conversation's course will be determined by its participants. Breakfast pastries and coffee will be provided.
A St. Croix Valley native, Cynthia Gustavson has a special connection to the region that comes through in her writing, much of which touches on themes of nature and personal reflection. Her ties to Belwin are particularly strong, having literally grown up on land that has since become part of the conservation and environmental education center. In this very personal setting, Cynthia plans to read works about her childhood, some of which were inspired by her participation in last year's festival.
Selected students from Hudson area schools will be invited to share their writing at a special reading and reception at The Phipps Center for the Arts' third-floor River Room. Come to see the kids perform, then stay to admire the center's impressive view of the St. Croix River.
