Author Brenda Hillman to read at CSB

The College of Saint Benedict Literary Arts Institute (LAI) welcomes author Brenda Hillman to read from her book, "Seasonal Works with Letters on Fire," at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, in the TRC Boardroom, Main Building, CSB.

Hillman is a renowned poet, writing teacher and non-violent activist. She has published seven collections of poetry and three chapbooks, as well as edited a collection of Emily Dickinson's poetry.

"Seasonal Works with Letters on Fire," which was nominated for the 2013 National Book Award in poetry, completes her masterful series on the elements of earth, air, water and fire. The book introduces fire as a metaphor to chart the changes of seasons during financial and environmental crisis and social justice.

Hillman was born in Tuscon, Ariz. Her upbringing in a deeply religious Baptist family influences her thoughts in many of her poems. Hillman's poetry covers topics of geology, environment, politics, family and spirituality.

She received her bachelor's degree from Pomona College in Claremont, Calif., and earned her master's degree in fine arts from the University of Iowa.

Hillman is currently the Olivia Filippi Professor of Poetry at Saint Mary's College in Moraga, Calif. She is also a member of the Napa Valley Writers' Conference and the Squaw Valley Community of Writers.

The event is free and open to the public and is part of LAI's celebration of the CSB Centennial.