Name: The Family of Things: Writing the Self and Nature through the Work of Mary Oliver
Start: 2026-11-07
End: 2026-11-07

Rochester, NY, is the third-largest metropolitan area in New York State, nestled along the southern shore of Lake Ontario. With a proud sports tradition, Rochester is home to iconic teams like the Rochester Red Wings (MiLB), Rochester Americans (AHL), Rochester Knighthawks (NLL), and Flower City Union (NPSL). Our vibrant sports culture thrives across all levels, from youth clubs and high schools to elite collegiate programs, creating a strong, year-round foundation for athletic excellence.

The Rochester NY Sports Commission champions Monroe County through the power of sports tourism. By attracting championships, invitationals, and tournaments across a wide range of disciplines, we help fuel the region’s economy and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Each year, Rochester welcomes a growing roster of sporting events, showcasing our top-tier facilities, supportive community, and dedication to teamwork on and off the field.

We invite event organizers, rights holders, and sports professionals to discover why Rochester and Monroe County are ideal destinations for your next competition or tournament. Let’s play in Rochester!

Visit Rochester

Mary Oliver’s writing connects the human experience with the universal elements of nature, of the earth. She focuses on the importance of observation, and writes of paying attention and being open to being astonished. Through a deep, day-long exploration of Oliver’s poetry and essays in the natural beauty of the Gell Center we will write in multiple forms, ultimately unmasking our truths, and following Oliver’s advice to share our stories.

**Ren Van Meenen, PhD.**, teaches Writing, Literature and Media Studies at Rochester Institute of Technology. She is the longtime editor of Afterimage: The Journal of Media Arts & Cultural Criticism and the Book Review Editor for the Journal of Poetry Therapy. Ren has edited several collections of poetry and has contributed writing to Art Papers, Art New England, Source: Ireland’s Photographic Review, Afterimage, City Magazine, Film Festival Reporter, National Association of Artists’ Organizations Newsletter, Western New York Artist Residency Exchange Catalogs, the Pyramid Arts.

The Family of Things: Writing the Self and Nature through the Work of Mary Oliver

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