NEA Big Read 2018
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
Massillon Museum is pleased to announce that, for the eleventh consecutive year, we have been awarded the NEA Big Read Grant! A program of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Big Read elected the Massillon Museum as one of seventy seven non-profit organizations to promote a community reading program designed around a single book, and your Museum has been selected to receive the grant for 2018. This year's NEA Big Read program will be celebrating the famous fantasy novel, A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin.
MassMu is saddened by the recent news of Ursula K. Le Guin passing; This April, our NEA Big Read celebration of her pioneering book will pay tribute to the remarkably imaginative woman who crafted fantastical worlds.
The Massillon Museum has been selected to participate annually in The Big Read since 2008, and since that time, Massillon Museum has distributed more than 23,500 free copies of literary classics, offering dozens of free programs to enhance the reading experience.
Click here to learn more about this year's book selection, view media guides, and listen to audio guides.
NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
“But it is one thing to read about dragons and another to meet them.”
― Ursula K. Le Guin, A Wizard of Earthsea
Participate in the NEA Big Read Middle & High School Fantasy Art Poster Contest!
As part of its eleventh annual NEA Big Read, the Massillon Museum has organized a high school fantasy art poster contest. The competition will accent the 2018 book selection, A Wizard of Earthsea, a young adult fantasy novel written by the American author Ursula K. Le Guin.
Posters, which must reflect the original design and creation of the student, should engage a fantasy theme, in the spirit of A Wizard of Earthsea, but they need not be directly linked to the book itself.
The winning poster entrant and his/her art teacher will enjoy a private lunch at the Massillon Museum with award-winning illustrator Charles Vess, whose artwork is featured in the anniversary edition of A Wizard of Earthsea. The winner will also receive a matted print signed by Charles Vess.
For more details about the contest and to obtain the required submission form, download our guidelines as a PDF here.
The deadline for submissions is 5:00pm on March 9, 2018.
Rules for Entry:
- Posters should engage a fantasy theme, in the spirit of A Wizard of Earthsea, but need not be directly linked to the book itself.
- Posters must reflect the original design and creation of the student.
- Posters must meet the following guidelines:
- Can be no larger than 11” x 17”
- May be in color or black & white
- Any weight of paper is allowed, but artwork must be matted.
- Students must submit posters individually - no team posters are permitted.
- Computer graphics are allowed, as long as they are original designs of the student.
- Each student may only submit one entry.
- Student must be in high school within Stark County.
Submission Dates and Guidelines:
- Students may submit their own works directly to the Massillon Museum. Parents or teachers may submit works on behalf of students.
- Posters must be submitted to Massillon Museum by 5:00pm, March 9, 2018
- Posters should be delivered to Massillon Museum in person or via mail.
- If mailing via USPS, please do not fold the poster. The preferred mailing method is to send via envelope between two flat pieces of cardboard. Please be sure to adhere sufficient postage.
NEA Big Read 2018 Events!
First Friday Canton: Big Read Preview
Friday, April 6, 2018, 5:30 pm-8:30 pm
Visit Ikon Image Gallery during First Friday to preview events for Big Read 2018!
Ikon Images | The Illustration Gallery, 221 5th St, Canton. OH 44702
Free/Public/No Reservations
Do the Mu: Wizard Staffs with Gary Spangler
Saturday, April 7, 2018, 12:00 pm-2:00 pm
Help MassMu kick-off our NEA Big Read events by making your own wizard staff. Each staff can be uniquely designed to best serve your wizarding powers!
Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/No Reservations
Big Read Kickoff
Saturday, April 7, 2018, 3:00 pm-5:00 pm
An exhibition of original illustrations by renowned fantasy artist, Charles Vess. Many of these amazing works will be featured in the 50th anniversary edition of A Wizard of Earthsea compilation book.
Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/No Reservations
Exhibit Opening: Earthsea Imagined by Charles Vess
Saturday, April 7, 2018, 3:00pm-5:00 pm
An exhibition of original illustrations by renowned fantasy artist, Charles Vess. Many of these amazing works will be featured in the 50th anniversary edition of A Wizard of Earthsea compilation book.
Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/No Reservations; on view through May 6, 2018
Exhibit Opening: Fantasy Poster Exhibition
Saturday, April 7, 2018, 3:00pm-5:00 pm
An exhibition of original fantasy posters by area Middle and High School students.
Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/No Reservations; on view through May 6, 2018
Exhibit Opening: Magic to Dragons: A Timeline of Major Achievements in Fantasy Literature
Sunday, April 8, 2018, 5:00 pm
The term “fantasy” was not used as a descriptor until the 20th century, but fantasy literature has been around for millennia. This display wall will look at the elements of fantasy literature and major achievements in the field, from ancient myths to modern series like Game of Thrones.
Walsh University Library, inside Farrell Hall, 2020 E. Maple St, North Canton, OH 44301
Free/Public/No Reservations
Book Discussion with Sherie Brown
Monday, April 9, 2018 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Massillon Public Library Director, Sherie Brown, will lead a casual discussion of Ursula K. LeGuin's classic coming-of-age novel, A Wizard of Earthsea. The program is free, and refreshments will be available for purchase.Monday, April 9, 2018 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Crema Espresso Bar and Café, 4469 Hills and Dales Rd NW, Canton, OH 44708
Free/Public/No Reservations
History Happy Hour: The Evolution of the Hero: Different Heroes for Different Times with Dr. Ann Martinez
Tuesday, April 10, 2018, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. Talk begins at 6pm
From Beowulf to King Arthur, from Sherlock Holmes to Harry Potter, and from Judith to Wonder Woman, the heroic qualities we admire in our main characters are constantly changing, updating, and echoing each other.
Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/No Reservations
Fantasy Illustration Class—What it Takes to Make a Good Poster
Wednesday, April 11, 2018, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Tim Eakin artist and illustrator will teach the ins and outs of what it takes to make a great poster. From the artwork, color composition, lettering style, correct imagery for what you are trying to convey, and more. Limit 12; High-school and adult ages only.
Supplies provided.
Ikon Images 221 5th St NW, Canton, OH 44702
Free/Public/Registration Required
Plants with a Purpose
Saturday, April 14, 2018, 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Humans have always relied on plants for food, medicine, clothing and shelter. In A Wizard of Earthsea, plants, both real and fantastical, play a role in the story. In partnership with the Massillon Museum’s Big Read, join us to explore the many plants that been put to practical uses over the centuries in our region.
The Wilderness Center 9877 Alabama Ave SW, Wilmot, OH 44689
Free/Public/No Reservations
Runes and Codes
Saturday, April 14, 2018, 2:00pm-4:00 pm
Description: All ages are invited to drop in on the second Saturday of the month anytime between 2 and 4 pm as artist and educator Kathy Jevec shares information and activities about ancient runes and mysterious codes.
Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/No Reservations
Book Discussion: Wizards of Earthsea; an Analysis with Dave Harding
Monday, April 16, 2018, 6:00 pm
An examination of various themes found in the novel. Some usage of poetry may be available.
Kozmo’s Grille, 37 1st St SW, Massillon, OH 44647
Free/Public/No Reservations
Book Discussion: “Literary Echoes” Theme
Wednesday, April 18, 5:00 pm-6:30 pm
Literature does not exist in isolation and echoes can always be found in different texts by different authors. Kent State Stark's English Club will be leading a discussion on the commonalities found in Le Guin's, AWizard of Earthsea, Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Martin's Game of Thrones, and Rowling's Harry Potter series.
Kent State University at Stark Library, 6000 Frank Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720
Free/Public/No Reservations
Make Your Own Fairy Garden Accessories
Wednesday, April 18, 2018, 5:30 pm- 6:30 pm
Learn to use found or recycled materials to make tiny implements for your fairy friends! Free; registration required. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/Registration Required
Washington High School One-Act Plays
Wednesday, April 18, 2018, 7:00 pm
Washington High School will premiere performances of works created specifically around the themes of A Wizard of Earthsea.
Washington High School, 1 Paul E Brown Dr SE, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/No Reservations
Make Your Own Fairy Garden
Thursday, April 19, 2018, 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm
Join master gardener Rita Mullett as she guides you in creating your own fairy garden to take home. Registration required; $18 fee must be received by April 14; ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.Thursday, April 19, 2018, 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm
Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
$18/Public/Registration Required
Magic Cats
Saturday, April 21, 2018, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Kids in grades K-6 will explore magical cats in literature, from Ursula K. LeGuin's Catwings to Puss In Boots to Katherine Applegate's Crenshaw.
Registration is required for this free program, which will include snacks, activities, and an art project.
Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/No Reservations/ages K-6
The Secret in the Forest: Literacy, Nature and The Woodland Elves with Shary Williamson
Saturday, April 21, 2018, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Description: 2 hours of interactive fun combining literacy, nature and The Woodland Elves. This multi-generational journey of discovery will inspire young children to experience curiosity and wonder. Creativity is encouraged and learning is a byproduct of the fun. Using music, words and imagination, this hands-on presentation will inspire children to read, write and express their own creativity. Elf inspired centers will include: nature mandalas, story stones, a magic theater, W-ELF news station, scavenger hunt and more. Now in 81 countries, The Woodland Elves are proud to be joining The Massillon Museum.
Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/No Reservations/ages 8-12
For inquiries, Find The Woodland Elves at: www.thewoodlandelves.com. You may contact Shary Williamson shary@roadrunner.com or FB Shary Williamson or call 740-225-8391.
The Secret in the Forest: Literacy, Nature and The Woodland Elves with Shary Williamson
Saturday, April 21, 2018, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
This 2 hours of interactive fun once again combines literacy, nature and The Woodland Elves, only it is geared for a younger group of students. This multi-generational journey of discovery will inspire older children to experience curiosity and wonder. Creativity is encouraged and learning is a byproduct of the fun. Using music, words and imagination, this hands-on presentation will inspire children to read, write and express their own creativity. Elf inspired centers will include: nature mandalas, story stones, a magic theater, W-ELF news station, scavenger hunt, creative writing activities and more. Now in 81 countries, The Woodland Elves are proud to be joining The Massillon Museum.
Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/No Reservations/ages 3-7
For inquiries, Find The Woodland Elves at: www.thewoodlandelves.com. You may contact Shary Williamson shary@roadrunner.com or FB Shary Williamson or call 740-225-8391.
Earth Day Celebration: Bubble Dragons
Sunday, April 22, 2018, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Make a colorful and magnificent bubble dragon that can be transferred to paper! It is a fun way to use old or recycled materials to create vibrant bubble chains that will spark the imagination and change ordinary bubbles into the body of a majestic dragon. These bubbles can be transferred to paper to create awesome and beautiful prints that can be taken home. This is a fun piece of artwork that creates an awesome action art activity that can be enjoyed for all ages.
Kent State University at Stark, Campus Center Parking Lot near the Ponds and Wetlands Area,
6000 Frank Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720
Free/Public/No Reservations
Book Discussion: Dragons, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Monday, April 23, 2018, 6:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Explore dragons throughout the ages as formulated in A Wizard of Earthsea with Dave Harding.
Kozmo’s Grille, 37 1st St SW, Massillon, OH 44647
Free/Public/No Reservations
Brown Bag Lunch: Building a Complex Fantasy World with Mindy McGinnis
Tuesday, April 24, 2018, 12:10-12:50 pm
Ohio-based fantasy writer, Mindy McGinnis, will speak on building a complex fantasy world in literature. McGinnis is an Edgar Award-winning author who writes across multiple genres including fantasy, historical, mystery and contemporary.
Massillon Salvation Army, 315 6th St NE, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/No Reservations
Book Signing with Mindy McGinnis
Tuesday, April 24, 2018, 1:00 pm-1:30 pm
Join Mindy for a book-signing of her works. Books will be available for purchase.
Massillon Salvation Army in Massillon, 315 6th St NE, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/No Reservations
Poetry Read-In
Tuesday, April 24, 2018, 6:30 pm-7:45 pm
Bring your original poems, share the work of your favorite poet, or just sit back and enjoy the art of performance poetry in a coffeehouse open-mic atmosphere! Your reading must be family-friendly and limited to five minutes. This program is free, no registration is required, and free coffee and cookies will be served.
Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/No Reservations
Keynote with Fantasy Illustrator, Charles Vess
Thursday, April 26, 2018, 7 pm
Vess’s long list of accomplishments include the Stardust illustrated novel with Neil Gaiman, cover art for Marvel, DC, Tor and Subterranean Press as well as many illustrated books and graphic novels for which he has won four World Fantasy, three Chesley, a Mythopoeic and two Will Eisner awards. His most recent accomplishment?--Creating original illustrations for the upcoming 50th anniversary version of Le Guin’s Wizard of Earthsea compilation, now on view at MassMu. Charles will give a lecture on his inspiration behind the drawings as well as a live illustration demonstration.
Lion’s Lincoln Theatre, 156 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/No Reservations; Doors open at 6:30 pm
Film: Tales from Earthsea
Saturday, April 28, 2018, 12:00 pm-2:00 pm
A free showing of the 2011 PG-13 film featuring the voices of Mariska Hargitay, Timothy Dalton, Willem Dafoe, and Cheech Marin. Free popcorn and pop!
Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/No Reservations
Tween Time: Dragon Puppet-Making Workshop
Saturday, April 28, 2018, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Kids grades 4-8 will design a dragon marionette & create refreshments in the Alchemy Lab. Dragon storytelling.
Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/Registration Required
Big Read Creature Class with Bili Kribbs
Sunday, April 29, 2018, 2:30 pm-4:30 pm
Participants will create small fantasy figurative sculptures using hands-on techniques used by professional sculptors.
Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
$5-MassMu member, $7 nonmember/Public/Registration Required/9+
Cake Wars
Monday, April 30, 2018, 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
Teens in grades 7-12 will compete in a challenge to decorate a cake with a surprise assigned theme from materials provided. Free; space is limited so registration is required, and free refreshments will be served.
Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/Registration Required/ Grades 7-12
Book Discussion
Monday, April 30, 2018, 5:30 pm-6:30 pm
General book discussion on A Wizard of Earthsea
Kent State University at Stark Library, 6000 Frank Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720
Free/Public/No Reservations
Massillon Public Library Desserts and Book Discussion
Wednesday, May 2, 2018, 6:30 pm
Join us for delectable desserts and dynamic discussion of A Wizard of Earthsea! Registration recommended for this free program.
Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/Registration recommended
Do the Mu: Fantastical Plant Terrariums with Kat Francis
Saturday, May 5, 2018, 12:00 pm-2:00pm
Make a fun terrarium with fantasy plants of your own imagination!
Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/No Reservations
Brown Bag Lunch: Birds of Prey
Tuesday, May 22, 2018, 12:00 pm-1:00 pm
With kestrels serving a central role in A Wizard of Earthsea, Stark Parks educator, Allison Terlacher, will give lecture on birds of prey, including a visit from some of our feathered friends.
Massillon Salvation Army, 315 6th St NE, Massillon, OH 44646
Free/Public/No Reservations
Previous Massillon Museum The Big Read Selections:
2017: True Grit by Charles Portis
2016: In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez
2015: Old School by Tobias Wolff
2014: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
2013: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
2012: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe
2011: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
2010: The Shawl by Cynthia Ozick
2009: The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
2008: The Call of the Wild by Jack London
To learn more about the NEA The Big Read, click here.
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