“Exploring Magical Realism” – a generative writers workshop

In conjunction with Bemidji’s Monarch Festival, join local author Maureen Gibbon for a generative writers workshop on Tuesday, September 22 from 6 to 7:30pm in Watermark Art Center’s Education Studio.

Magical realism is a genre which allows us to explore how the impossible can break through into our everyday lives. In this generative writing class, we’ll look at a few short examples of magical realism, complete some in-class exercises, and consider the world through wondrous eyes. Be prepared to go home with a few pages of ideas for inviting the magical into your creative life.

Suggested reading before class: “Mermaid Fever” by Steven Millhauser, which is available for free online at https://harpers.org/archive/2009/12/mermaid-fever/ .

Class size: limited to 15. Intended audience: adults with some writing experience. Online registration IS required for this event at a sliding scale from $5 to $15. Register and Pay here →

Additionally Gibbon will host an evening of fiction reading and conversation about discovering Minnesota’s unique magical realism on Saturday September 19 beginning at 6:30pm at Watermark. There is no charge for this event.

Maureen Gibbon is a 2026 Minnesota Arts Board Recipient and author of four novels and a prose poetry collection. She also wrote a phenology column for the Park Rapids Enterprise for years. She lives in Bemidji. Author’s website https://maureengibbon.com/

Watermark galleries are accessible with no admission fee and open to the public Monday – Saturday from 10 to 5pm and located at 505 Bemidji Avenue N. in Bemidji, Minnesota. For more information regarding events, classes and exhibits visit watermarkartcenter.org or call 218-444-7570.