FEASTING ON WORDS

Founded in 2022, Feasting on Words is an annual writing workshop that combines food and writing, which have both been integral to my healing. The workshop is free and open to BIPOC participants only. In the fall, we meet over four sessions, where we eat food and build community in the first half, and read texts from writers of color and write in the second. Everyone has the opportunity to bring a dish, and is provided with a $20 stipend in return. The workshop concludes with a public reading, where writers can showcase their work.

This work would not exist without the support of the Regional Arts & Culture Council. Some things people have said:

“Attending this class in the middle of winter was completely healing and inspiring  overall. Jenn was a warm and encouraging instructor, who naturally imagined and grew an environment that felt communal, creative, and accessible. Each week the prompts seemed to add more atmosphere and depth to what we had already discussed previously. By the end of our weeks together, sharing culture through both stories and food, sharing with this workshop class felt natural and freeing. I really enjoyed experiencing this class which provided me with physical and spiritual nourishment.”

-CJ

“Feasting on Words was like sunshine during the winter months. It was a very special way to connect with others, learn something soul-touching about them through food, and to share that about myself with others. On top of that, it was a great opportunity to be exposed to pieces of literature that were new to me, hone my craft in writing, and answer thought-provoking prompts. I have much appreciation for Jen for the thoughtfulness she put into crafting the series and the reading selections she chose to share with us.”

-Emilie

“Feasting on Words offers such a wonderful opportunity for connection and creativity. This BIPOC-only space is particularly special because of Jen Shin's thoughtful, flexible facilitation and spot on workshop flow. I left every session full — literally and metaphorically."

-Kate