Update: Wednesday, April 15
Spring session is well underway, we're about to get our classic April snowstorm, and our overloaded bookshelves at home are finally proving their worth.
We've also officially launched Lit Fest (in a virtual format from June 1 to July 3) with more free events and tuition assistance than ever. If you missed the chance to apply to an advanced workshop, we're building a waitlist, given the uncertainty of these times. Just send your class or genre preference, workshop experience, and ten pages or less of manuscript to [email protected].
We've added free daily Zoom classes for those considered essential workers.
And we've put together a working list of resources for artists during these hard economic times.
Update: Monday, March 23, 2:30 PM
As Denver has just received official “stay at home” orders from our mayor, our hearts go out to all who are facing uncertainty and health challenges in these uncharted times. At Lighthouse, we’ve been working around the clock to maintain our presence as a beacon for those who might otherwise feel adrift. Thanks to all who are helping us do so, and a particularly warm welcome to those who, due to geography or other factors, we haven’t gotten to “see” before or often enough.
Due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding when social distancing will no longer be necessary, spring classes will take place via Zoom for the duration of the session. We'll continue to monitor the situation and determine the status of our summer programs at a later date.
See what's happening in the next two months: click here for Adult offerings and here for Youth offerings (including daily sessions).
And in case you're slightly hesitant about remote participation, here are what some recent Zoom workshop participants have said:
I loved the hybrid Zoom class and would very much like to sign up for the next session, but I live in NY. I’m excited to be able to participate through Zoom for a Lighthouse class!
—DM in New York
I am stoked to see that Lighthouse is offering classes on Zoom, and that I can now take a course that would have otherwise been inaccessible, since I'm not currently in Denver. For me, this is a joyous unanticipated consequence of the virus. Thanks for being so adaptable and strengthening the Lighthouse's offerings during this mind-boggling time.
—DK, northwest of Tucson
Update: Tuesday, March 17, 3:00 PM
We’ve missed seeing your lovely faces here at Lighthouse, but are picturing you and yours healthy and weathering the social distance gracefully. While we’ve closed Lighthouse offices for the time being, we’ve migrated all of our spring session workshops to the most dynamic online platform we could find—Zoom—which means whether you’re in Denver or Atlanta or Anchorage, you can connect with our award-winning faculty and tremendously smart and talented writers. Unlike our online workshops, remote classes take place live, at set times, and provide a just-like-being-there-only-in-sweatpants experience.
Not sure what that’s like? Drop into one of our free Zoom teaser sessions later this week. Our instructors will be holding 45-minute classes where they’ll provide a snapshot of craft while offering writers a chance to test out the experience. Check out the options here.
We’ve also added new online and Zoom classes for kids and teens beginning Monday, March 23. Online classes will run throughout the week, and live Zoom sessions like Writing World Tour, Historical Fiction, Words with Pictures, and more will be offered daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM . Click here to see the full lineup, and check back soon for more options for the coming weeks!
Plus, we’ve still got room in some of our tried-and-true, asynchronous online classes, including a new 8-Week: Online Nonfiction Workshop with Khadijah Queen and 8-Week: Advanced Fiction with Jessica Roeder. See the full list here.
Keep your eyes peeled for more programming announcements from us. We’re working hard behind the scenes to keep our community writing and connecting, even if we can’t see each other in person.
Update: Monday, March 16, 2:50 PM
We hope everyone is hanging in there! For our own part, to better ensure the safety of our staff, Lighthouse headquarters and Lighthouse North are closed to the public indefinitely, beginning Tuesday, March 17.
As a reminder, all Spring Session classes will be moving to remote participation through April 17, and Spring Session has been postponed one week and will officially kick off on March 23. Unlike our online workshops, remote classes are taking place at set times and dates and provide a live classroom experience using Zoom, an easy to use video conference system. Not sure what that’s like? We’ll be offering some free classes via Zoom later this week. Stay tuned for the details.
We know these are uncertain times. We’re not 100% sure what the next two months will look like, but we are 100% certain we’re going to do everything we can to continue to provide the highest caliber of artistic education, support, and community for writers and readers in Colorado and beyond. Please know that we, like you, are working madly to figure out how best to do that in this altered landscape and stay tuned for what’s next. Let’s keep each other going!
Below is a list of the current status of upcoming programs:
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Friday 500 at Denver Headquarters: Events currently being altered for a remote format.
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Grand Lake Retreat: We’re currently monitoring the situation, and will provide updates as we have them, with what we hope is a final decision by May 1. (Some of this is contingent on Shadowcliff’s status, whether or not they’re planning to be open.)
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Lit Fest 2020: We’re planning on moving forward, but developing contingency plans and will continue to be in communication. Advanced applications priority deadline was March 14, but we’ll continue accepting applications until March 31. Emerging Writers Fellowship is closed, but Veterans fellowship is still open for late applications, deadline 3/21.
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Member Writing Hours: Cancelled through April 17.
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Rekindle Retreat in Juneau, Alaska: We’re monitoring the situation closely. We’ll make a final call on April 1 or earlier.
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Spring Break Youth Workshops: In-person workshops cancelled; please stay tuned for new youth options available online and through Zoom beginning the week on March 23.
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Spring Session Workshops: The start of session is postponed one week and all workshops and classes are moving to remote participation via Zoom. All one-days and weekend intensives will take place via Zoom the day they were originally scheduled.
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Visiting Author Series with John Freeman: In-person visit postponed, remote option forthcoming.
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Visiting Author Series with Porsha Olayiwola: In-person visit postponed, remote option forthcoming.
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Visiting Author Series with Vanessa Hua: In-person visit postponed, remote option forthcoming.
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The Writer’s Studio with Edwidge Danticat: Postponed to October 3, details forthcoming.
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Write & Talk for Teens at Sam Gary DPL : March 18 4:30-6:30 is canceled with the hope of rescheduling at a later date. April 15 & May 20 sessions still scheduled to run until further notice from DPL.
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Writing in Color Meetup: The 3/20 event will be virtual at the scheduled date and time. Stay tuned for details.
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Writing in Color Retreat: We’re planning on moving forward, but will provide updates as we have them, and on May 1.
Update: Friday, March 13, 1:36 PM
We thank you all for your continued patience and understanding amidst the rapidly changing circumstances surrounding the new coronavirus (COVID-19). We want to update you all on what we’re doing to ensure our community’s safety and health while also recognizing the need for a writing community at times like these.
While we at Lighthouse initially hoped to maintain in-person classes and programming, it has become clear this is no longer the best course of action. In accordance with the latest information from public health agencies, all Spring Session classes will be moving to remote participation through April 17. The start of Spring Session classes will also be postponed one week, to give us time to perfect remote participation technology, train faculty and staff, and communicate any changes with you. One-day classes and weekend-intensives will still take place remotely on their originally scheduled date. We are also adding more online classes, so check back regularly as we'll be adding classes this week and next. Stay tuned, too, for additional offerings through Zoom and online for young writers beginning the week of March 23.
Further, member writing hours at Lighthouse are cancelled through April 17, and all events the weekend of March 14-15 are cancelled. We’re doing our best to reschedule upcoming events or convert them to a virtual format, so please check our website for the latest information.
If you are currently registered for an upcoming class, you’ll be hearing from us with more details on how to use Zoom, our remote participation program, next week. If you’re thinking about signing up, please do! We’ve got a variety of classes available to keep you writing and connected with your fellow writers. Participants who have already used remote technology to meet with their class have given the experience rave reviews, and we’re here to provide any technical assistance needed.
We will continue to assess our plans as the days and weeks progress, and we’ll announce any further updates through email, social media, and on our website. Rest assured we’re hard at work to continue to make Lighthouse a place for all writers and readers–so keep writing, keep reaching out, and stay tuned for opportunities to participate and connect with your fellow Lighthousers. As the great Toni Morrison said, “This is precisely the time when artists go to work.”
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to [email protected]. Due to the increased volume of e-mails, we ask for your patience as we respond—we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Below is a list of the current status of upcoming programs:
- Friday 500 at Denver Headquarters: Cancelled on March 13, further events currently being altered for a remote format.
- Grand Lake Retreat: We’re currently monitoring the situation, and will provide an update on May 1.
- Lit Fest 2020: We’re planning on moving forward, but developing contingency plans and will continue to be in communication. Advanced applications priority deadline is March 14.
- Member Writing Hours: Cancelled through April 17.
- Rekindle Retreat in Juneau, Alaska: We’re monitoring the situation closely, and still planning to hold the retreat. We’ll make a final call on April 1.
- Saturday Writing Studio for grades 3-5: Graphic Novel: Cancelled on March 14; enrolled students will be notified through email about a make-up date through Zoom.
- Spring Break Youth Workshops: In-person workshops cancelled; please stay tuned for new youth options available online and through Zoom beginning the week on March 23.
- Spring Session Workshops: The start of session is postponed one week and all workshops and classes are moving to remote participation via Zoom. All one-days and weekend intensives will take place the day they were originally scheduled.
- Visiting Author Series with John Freeman: Going forward.
- Visiting Author Series with Porsha Olayiwola: Postponed, details forthcoming.
- Visiting Author Series with Vanessa Hua: In-person visit postponed, remote option forthcoming.
- The Writer’s Studio with Edwidge Danticat: Postponed to October 3, details forthcoming.
- Write & Talk for Teens at Sam Gary DPL : March 18 4:30-6:30 is canceled with the hope of rescheduling at a later date. April 15 & May 20 sessions still scheduled to run until further notice from DPL.
- Writing in Color Meetup: The 3/20 event will be virtual at the scheduled date and time. Stay tuned for details.
- Writing in Color Retreat: We’re planning on moving forward, but will provide an update on May 1.
Original Post: Monday, March 9
As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to make news in Denver and throughout Colorado, we wanted to assure you that we’re monitoring the situation closely and will be in touch with any updates.
For now, we are going forward with all classes and programs as normal, and our offices remain open. We’ll continue to keep close tabs on information provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, The City and County of Denver’s Department of Public Health and Environment, and the CDC.
As of today, events such as Inside the Writer’s Studio with Edwidge Danticat, our Young Writers Spring Break Camps, Spring Session, the Book Project April Intensive, and Lit Fest are proceeding as planned. If the situation changes, we will communicate with participants promptly through social media, email, and our website.
We are taking additional measures to ensure our surfaces are clean and disinfected, including tables, doorknobs, and light switches. We'll be leaving disinfectant spray in all classrooms and encourage students and members to wipe down surfaces before and after they are used as well.
To help everyone stay healthy, please stay home if you’re feeling unwell and contact your instructor to receive any missed materials.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at [email protected].
Take everyday actions to protect yourself and those you love. There are effective ways to reduce the risk to yourself and the people you care about:
1. Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
2. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
4. Stay home if you’re sick, and keep your children home if they are sick.
5. Clean surfaces in your home, and personal items such as cell phones, using regular household products.
To stay up to date with the latest developments, please visit Colorado's Department of Public Health and Environment's website.
