The Summer Writing & Arts Summit is an enriching event that brings together students, faculty, writers, and artists from our community to participate in workshops, presentations, and collaborative sessions designed to enhance writing skills, showcase talent, and foster a creative culture in and around north Alabama. In addition to writing, art and music workshops, we also have food trucks and vendors on site. Each year, in conjunction with the Summer Writing & Arts Summit, we have a writing and art contest, publish a program book and–at the end of the year–a literary journal, The Athena’s Web, that publishes the creative works of those in our community–many of whom attend the Summit.

Jan will be leading a songwriting workshop on Thursday titled, "Rudiments of Lyrical Composition." To date, the time of Jan's workshop has not been confirmed, so check the event's website, as the schedule will soon be posted. This is a wonderful event and offers a really nice variety of workshop options.

The event is free and open to the public, but you need to register. Email or call for more information, writing.center@athens.edu or 256-216-6665.

Registration will open to the public on Feb. 1, 2026 Instructors for 2025 will be Stephen Seifert, Kara Barnard, Jan Hammond and Bob Webb Come to Dulcimer Week in the Wallowas to learn Appalachian mountain dulcimer in this beautiful, inspiring place! We draw students from across the country, and many can’t wait to come back. Every morning Monday-Friday, we’ll have two class periods with rotating instructors, except for Beginners who will have Bob Webb for the entire morning. Advanced Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced classes will each have two instructors every day. Steve Seifert will teach Intermediate and Advanced, Kara Barnard will teach Advanced Beginners and Advanced, and Jan Hammond will teach Advanced Beginners and Intermediate. Afternoon electives at various skill levels will be offered by all instructors for dulcimer, plus other fun topics that may include ukulele, percussion, or singing (feel free to bring your other instruments!). One of the most popular aspects of Dulcimer Week is the amount of free time built into the schedule. There is so much here to see and do – you can enjoy Wallowa Lake, take the tram to the top of Mt. Howard, go birding on the backroads or fishing in the Wallowa River, hike up Hurricane Creek, or go into Joseph to check out the museum, galleries and coffee shops. Family members and friends who attend as “non-participants” (companions who spend time on-site but are not taking dulcimer classes) will find many interesting things to occupy their time. If you have any questions about Dulcimer Week, please contact Heidi Muller at 304-382-9422 or email wallowadulcimer@gmail.com.