Lake Erie Ink launches fall workshops

Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of communication, beginning as an oral tradition and eventually bringing us to a digital age in which stories are consumed through every possible media outlet. After all, who can resist a good story?

Cleveland Heights's Lake Erie Ink (LEI) kicked off its fourth fall session with a creative writing workshop on the power of storytelling, featuring Cleveland resident and author Jack Ricchiuto. This workshop is one of many that will take place throughout the year as part of Lake Erie Ink’s Weekend Ink program.

Consisting of monthly workshops, Weekend Ink focuses on genre-specific writing activities in collaboration with guest writers and artists. On Saturday, Nov. 22, LEI will host a story-driven sci-fi and fantasy workshop called Rewrite the World, which will enable participants to explore the world of science fiction and fantasy.

Ink Spot, a popular after-school program for fourth through eighth graders, is also underway at LEI this fall. Ink Spot offers homework help and creative writing exercises that encourage children to explore the elements of storytelling.

Ink Spotters recently collaborated with Cleveland Foundation’s Creative Fusion artist Pablo Serra Marino on a multimedia project combining story and art. Each child wrote a short story—less than 10 sentences—and created a DVD cover for his or her story. The finished products will be displayed as a part of Serra’s exhibit at the Cleveland Print Room on Nov. 20.

Peter, a fifth-grade student and Ink Spot participant, wrote the following story:

I was digging in my garden and found a map. I did some research and it was real! A man named Scar, a pirate, hid his treasure long ago where the X marked on the map. I went searching to find that treasure, so I took my bike and rode a good 20 miles to the biggest USA bank, which was in L.A. I went in and my map directed me to the bathroom. It then said make this rhythm by flushing the toilets and I did it and a hole appeared. I went in and found myself a real pirate ship. I took as much money as I could from the ship and left to go home. I showed my mom how much money I found. I took it to a jeweler and they said my whole find could have cost a trillion dollars.

LEI will also offer college essay workshops throughout the year to help students construct their personal narratives during the college application process.

LEI’s story began in 2011, when co-founders Cynthia Larson and Amy Rosenbluth decided to create a writing space for Cleveland youth to develop distinct voices through creative writing and to provide academic support. With the help of staff and volunteers, Lake Erie Ink hopes to continue to foster and encourage a new generation of storytellers. For more information about upcoming workshops, including dates and fees, go to www.lakeerieink.com.

  

Jessica Davids

Jessica Davids, a recent graduate of John Carroll University, currently interns at Lake Erie Ink.

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Volume 7, Issue 11, Posted 10:48 AM, 10.30.2014