Christopher Merrill, writer, poet and director of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa, will visit Paducah for a talk, meet & greet and book signing of his memoir Self-Portrait with Dogwood. McCracken County Library will host the free public event on Wednesday, April 12 at 7 p.m.
The Self-Portrait with Dogwood synopsis highlights Merrill’s connection to the dogwood tree. “No ordinary memoir, but a life of journeys across the globe in times of war and peace. Christopher Merrill threads his personal history through stories of the natural environment, politics, and faith to reveal how tragedy can be salvaged by beauty, in his case the dogwood tree.”
Merrill was instrumental in Iowa City’s bid to become a UNESCO Creative City of Literature, a designation awarded in 2008. Paducah joined Iowa City in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2013. Merrill serves on the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO with Mary Hammond, Executive Director of the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau.
For information about the 53rd Annual Dogwood Trail Celebration and dogwood-themed events, visit www.paducah.travel/dogwoodtrail.
The Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the official Destination Marketing Organization for Paducah and McCracken County. The CVB exists to create new economic opportunities through destination marketing, management and tourism development. For more information, visit www.Paducah.Travel.
###
