NEA 'Big Read' grant brings graphic storytelling to life

Thanks to a recent “Big Read” grant award from the National Endowment for the Arts, Athens can enjoy a series of literature events this summer. Launched in 2006, “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, Torrance Festival of Ideas, 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.” An upcoming virtual event includes:

**On Not Aging Gracefully: A Poet’s Journey by Alicia Ostriker**
* **Date**: Thursday, May 13
* **Time**: 7 p.m.
* **Location**: [Attend virtually via YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anHLflTBECA)

[Read the full story on our website](https://coe.uga.edu/news/2021/03/nea-big-read-grant-brings-graphic-storytelling-to-life).