The Big Read

The Big Read The Big Read: Robinson Jeffers and the Ecologies of Poetry is a celebration of the poet and the natural environment from which he drew his inspiration. The great poet of the Western landscape, Robinson Jeffers celebrated the heartbreaking beauty of existence but also reminded humanity of its responsibilities to the natural world.
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest, designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment.

The Big Read: Light the Sky Poetry Series

The Metro Cafe, Eagle Rock Plaza
2700 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, 90041
Wednesday, October 21 - 7:00pm-10:00pm

Poets Brendan Constantine, Elizabeth Iannaci, Charlotte Innes, and Cathie Sandstrom read Jeffers poetry and add their unique and dynamic voices to Light the Sky at Eagle Rock Plaza. See Light the Sky Poetry Series website for more information.

The Big Read: Walking Tour of Jeffers' Highland Park

Location: Highland Park Heritage Trust
Saturday, October 24 (10:00am-12:00pm) and Sunday, October 25 (11:00am-1:00pm)

Neighborhood walking tour of the area around where Occidental was located when Jeffers was there. The tour will be led by Occidental alumni, Marilyn and Curt Robertson ('70, '68). The tour will begin at the band shell with a poetry reading and include two more readings at two of the houses. Refreshments will be served at Hillary Danner's house at the end at Avenue 50 Studios. Sign up online at the Heritage Trust website, donation requested. Meet at the band shell.

The Big Read: Art and Nature and Poetry, Debs Park

Location: Audubon Center at Debs Park
4700 North Griffin Ave., Los Angeles CA 90031
Saturday, October 24 - 1:00pm-3:00pm

Join artist Patricia González and an Audubon naturalist as we discover the nature of Debs Park through art and the poetry of Robinson Jeffers. Work on your own art and take it home. Families with children of all ages are welcome.

The Big Read: Jeffers at Occidental Day

Location: Occidental College Campus
4700 North Griffin Ave., Los Angeles CA 90031
Saturday, November 7 - 10:00am-2:00pm

Poetry readings, exhibits, family activities, bird watching and performances connected by a special walk to explore the natural world through the arts. Celebrate Jeffers with Oxy students, our community partners and local high school students. Open to all!

More info

Check website for more information.