NEA 'Big Read' grant brings graphic storytelling to life
Thanks to a recent “Big Read” grant award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Athens can enjoy a series of literature events next summer. Launched in 2006, the Big Read is a community-wide reading celebration.
As part of the $15,000 grant—in addition to funding from entities such as the Congregation Children of Israel, Athica Gallery, UGA’s Willson Center, and Athens-Clarke County Library—Melisa “Misha” Cahnmann-Taylor, a professor in the Department of Language and Literacy Education, will launch a series of readings, lectures, and events focused on the works of famed American cartoonist Roz Chast.
“We want to trigger community interest in readings and book discussions,” she said. “But also, we will do so by coupling the book with other art forms.”