“Lyrica Poetry & Stories,” a new, free, monthly program at the Nevada Historical Society debuts this Saturday, September 11. The premier performance will feature a group of University of Nevada students from 2:00 to 3:00 pm in the Society’s Reno Gallery.
The highlight of this performance is Gnahore Zaddy Firmin, a story teller, teacher and lecturer from Africa whose stories are for children. In addition the event features Matt Sherer, Ross Cooper, Eleni Sexton, T.R. Puolson and Arian Katsimbras.
“This new poetry recitation and storytelling series is designed to provide an entertaining and diverse cultural experience,” said acting museum director Sheryln Hayes-Zorn. “All the performances will take place on Saturday’s to be the most accessible for everyone.”
ABOUT THE POETS
Gnahore Zaddy Firmin is currently working on his Masters or PhD in Education at the University of Nevada , Reno. He has worked as a lecturer at the Ecole normal Superior in Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire) in Africa and as a Senior Advisor with in-service teachers in Korhogo, Abengourou and Sand-Pedro Regional Centers in Africa.
Matt Sherer is a student of writing at UNR. Before returning to graduate school and teaching composition English he spent many years working carpentry in the Truckee area. Now, he spends at least a little bit of each day wondering which is best.
Ross Cooper received his Bachelor of Sciences degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno, which lead to his current profession as an environmental scientist. His literary work has appeared in the poetry magazine The Inquisition and in the gallery presentations “Always Lost: A Meditation on War,” and “The Other Nevada.”
Eleni Sexton is a writer living in Reno. She recently graduated from the university with a degree in Psychology, and now works as a behavior technician in a local Jr. High’s Social Intervention Program. She hopes to see all seven continents before she turns thirty.
T.R. Poulson is a student at the University of Nevada. Her work has appeared in “Alehouse”,” Main Channel Voices,” and anthologized in “A Dream in the Clouds.”
Arian Katsimbras was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. He is currently an undergraduate at the University of Nevada, Reno actively pursuing a degree in English-Writing. He aspires simply to write, to pursue life with his son and wife at his side smiling, and to later teach writing to all those that desire to learn and live the impossible art of poetry. Arian has won a number of awards and prizes for his poetry and literary nonfiction and has recently had work published in the “Meadow” with a piece from that journal reviewed by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association at Columbia University. He is also currently serving as the assistant editor of University of Nevada, Reno’s literary-arts journal, the “Brushfire.”
The Nevada Historical Society, located at 1650 N. Virginia Street on the UNR campus, was founded in 1904 and is the oldest state museum. Programs include an active exhibition schedule, public programs and docent-guided tours. The Historical Society’s Research Library, with its extensive collection of Nevada information and photographs, is open to the public from noon to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. The exhibit galleries and museum store are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is $4 for adults ages 17 and over, children and members are free.
The Nevada Historical Society is one of seven museums managed by the State Division of Museums and History, an agency of the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs. The Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs serves Nevada’s citizens and visitors through cultural and information management, presentation and promotion of cultural resources, and education. The Department also includes the State Office of Historic Preservation, Nevada State Library and Archives and the Nevada Arts Council. For more information on the Department of Cultural Affairs, please call the Public Information Officer at (775) 687-8323 or visit the department’s website at www.NevadaCulture.org.
