Arts: Vogue Robinson offers literary reading this weekend

Vogue Robinson’s first full-length publication, “Vogue 3:16,” was released in 2014 by Wrags Ink. Reader, Leslie Hoffman, notes, “Vogue 3:16 is filled with poetry I wish I’d written myself. I do not share this poet’s background, yet I find something in each of her pieces that I can relate to. And don’t let Robinson’s apparent unpretentious-ness mislead you into thinking her poems are simplistic. The opposite is true, and this is her genius.”

Robinson will be in Fallon at the Oats Park Arts Center on Friday and Saturday from 5-7 p.m. each day. Admission is free. She will have a literary reading at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, and a workshop on Saturday at 1 p.m. and an open mic at 5:30 p.m. The Art Bar opens at 4:40 p.m. both days.

Her work has been published in Red Rock Review, Catching Calliope: Vol. 2, Legs of Tumbleweeds, Wings of Lace: An Anthology of Literature by Nevada Women, Clark: Poetry from Clark County, Nevada and a few online blogs as well. Vogue’s recent work has focused on exploring contemporary cultural and family dynamics through the lens of classic fairy tales; a volume of this work is forthcoming.

Named Clark County, Nevada’s second poet laureate in 2017, Robinson says she writes primarily to find clarity and to tell her family’s story. This explains why her work is largely narrative and conversational.

Recently, she has opened herself up to writing commissioned poems for private clients and crafting impromptu poems on typewriters with The Zelda Fitzgeralds. She was introduced to Spoken Word by her friend, Nicole, while in college at San Diego State University. She was apprehensive to share any of her written work with others, but soon the audience became part of the reason why she performed. Spoken Word brings a new element to her writing, “I perform to remind myself that I am amazing because sometimes I forget when I’m not onstage.

Vogue’s grandmother, Martina Carpenter, was also an educator and taught almost every level while taking care of her family. She began in Art Education at Fisk University and retired from Good Hope Elementary School as a second grade teacher. It was no surprise when Vogue decided she wanted to be an educator like her Gramma.

Robinson is a graduate of SDSU where she earned her B.A. in English (in preparation for a teaching credential). While traditional classrooms proved a challenge, she remains passionate about sharing what she has learned with others.

The Oats Park Art Center is located at 151 E. Park St. For information, call 775-423-1440 or email info@churchillarts.org.

CHILDREN’S MUSICAL ‘GILLIGAN’S ISLAND’

The Performing Arts of Churchill County presents the spring children's musical, “Gilligan’s Island,” May 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. with an additional matinee performance May 4 at 1 p.m.

The comedy follows the crew and guests of the S.S. Minnow as they tackle the challenges of being shipwrecked on an uncharted desert isle. The cast of local third through sixth graders brings the seven classic sitcom characters, a country band and a group of movie stars and tourists to life on stage at the Churchill County High School Theater.

Tickets are available now at paccnv.org or with limited availability at the door.

CHURCHILL KIDS CHOIR SPRING CONCERT

Churchill Kids Choir presents a spring concert in the Numa Elementary School multipurpose room April 23 at 6 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

CKC is part of the Performing Arts of Churchill County nonprofit group and seeks to develop the love of singing in children. The group of local third through eighth grade students learns various techniques to improve in both solo and ensemble singing.

For information or volunteer opportunities visit www.paccnv.org/churchill-kids-choir.html.