Chickens, art and humor in one show
The University of Indianapolis Kellogg Writers Series hosted “The Chicken Show,” featuring humorist and author Michael Perry. The show was held at the Wheeler Arts Center Theater on Thursday, Nov. 11.
Michael Perry is the author of “Population 485: Meeting Your Neighbors One Siren at a Time,” “Truck: A Love Story” and “Coop: A Family, a Farm, and the Pursuit of One Good Egg,” as well as an essay collection, “Off Main Street.”
“I love writing to my core. I love art. I love poetry. The first thing I want to do in the morning is write,” said Perry during a Q&A held in Esch Hall.
Perry’s book “Population 485” is based on true occurrences in his life. He even had the main character, a one-eyed butcher with two ex-wives, look over the material before he sent it to the printer. Perry emphasized his non-fiction really happens. He writes about things he sees and writes honestly.
Michael Perry read from several of his books at “The Chicken Show,” part of the Kellogg Writer’s Series and the Spirit and Place Festival on Nov. 11. Photo contributed by C.J. Shimon and J. Lindemann.
“He also gave them great information about writing as a freelance writer,” said Associate Professor of English and Co-Director of The Kellogg Writers Series Elizabeth Weber. “The show itself got people writing.”
Associate Professor of English Kevin McKelvey and Weber both took part in bringing Perry to Indianapolis.
“I’ve known his work for a long time,” McKelvey said.
The interactive chicken show, which took place in conjunction with Perry’s presentation, explored the chicken beyond a source of food.
“I came up with the idea of chickens as art,” McKelvey said.
The show influenced students and the local community to consider chickens as living sculptures.
Weber has a great appreciation for chickens.
“Chickens have always been inspirational for me because my grandmother raised chickens, and later, I, too raised them,” Weber said.
Future Farmers of America students from Manual High School brought chickens to the show. The Kellogg Writers Series partnered with Second Story and Big Car. Second Story, a program that helps young students with creative writing, gathered poems to display at the show. Big Car, a community art organization, gathered art to create one big art show. UIndy students and local artists displayed their artwork and shared writings.
“The Chicken Show” was part of the Spirit & Place Festival. According to their Web site, the Spirit & Place Festival “promotes civic engagement, respect for diversity, thoughtful reflection, public imagination, and enduring change through creative collaboration among arts, humanities, and religion.”
The theme for this year’s Spirit & Place Festival is “Food for Thought.” It focuses on food as a necessity, that also influences families and cultures.
The audience interacted by writing their own poems about chickens and making chicken art.
