When the “Moveable Feast” originated in 1996, it became a moveable event because the sponsoring group selected a new site each month so graduate English and art students could showcase their work.
Nine years later, people travel downtown to the 1708 Gallery, a nonprofit art space at 319 W. Broad St.
VCU’s Graduate Writers Association sponsors the “Moveable Feast” that features special free readings so English department graduate students can present their theses statements to a diverse audience.
Angela Rehbein, president of the writers association, said an eclectic mix of people attend the presentations.
“People wander in off the street to check out what’s going on,” she said. “But it’s also an opportunity to be around others who like to write.”
Jeff Lodge, graduate programs coordinator for the English department, said the event provides oral publication for graduate students working on their theses.
“They (the students) get a chance to say, ‘I’ve been at this for three years, and here’s what I’ve done,’ ” he said.
Lodge also stressed the collaborative nature of art by saying, “It’s a time to thank everybody.”
Each month one student reads a piece of fiction and one reads poetry.
Jim Panos and Kathy Davis last week read to a crowd of more than 40. Davis began reading selections from her poetry replete with pop culture and college-life references.
Panos concluded the evening by reading excerpts from his timeless short story. Still protective of the work’s title, he said the tale tells many things but focuses on one man’s reflection of his life after meeting a person from his past. Panos said he prefers people interpret the story’s meaning by reading it.
Formerly an undergraduate journalism major, Panos resumed his educational career several years ago by enrolling in a creative writing class. Since then, he not only has continued writing but also included parts of his first story in his final thesis.
“I’ve always trusted my destiny,” he said. “After working so hard, I’m just going to see what opportunities come my way.”
Those involved with the “Moveable Feast” said 1708 Gallery allows community members to be exposed to art and literature without having to pay for a ticket.
“There’s an atmosphere of creativity,” Rehbein said. “It’s a good place for it to be going on.”
Lodge agreed, identifying literature as just another art medium.
“Our degree is a Master of Fine Arts,” he said. “It’s all the same.”
At one point, the “Moveable Feast” further combined literature and art at VCU by working with the Graduate Artists Association. During recent years, however, only English department graduate students have participated in the “Moveable Feast.”
While English department graduate students are familiar with the writing of their peers, Panos said he remains interested in collaborating with students and faculty from other schools on the Monroe Park Campus.
“It would be nice to see more interaction between the creative departments,” he said. “There’d be more opportunities to see each other’s work.”
Lodge encouraged students to attend future readings.
“So many students have had graduate teaching assistants at VCU,” Lodge said. “Here’s a chance to see what they’re doing outside of class.”