Where do writers find inspiration for their work? Sometimes the seed of a story or poem is born from our emotions and sometimes it comes from the simplicity of our day-to-day lives. 

Painter Peter Krasnow (1886–1979)—the subject of the Skirball's upcoming exhibition Peter Krasnow: Breathing Joy and Light—looked to the language and folktales of his Jewish heritage, the plant life of his home and studio, and the shining optimism of Southern California to fuel his artistic pursuits. 

We'll tour the exhibition and look to Krasnow's example, finding new ways to use personal experience, nature, and language as sources for our own original creative writing. Fiction writers, essayists, and poets of all experience levels are welcome to join this friendly and supportive creative writing workshop.

Instructor: Lesley Hyatt teaches writing and mindfulness to students of all ages. She holds an MFA in English and fiction writing and is the author of myriad essays, short stories, and poems. Hyatt received an Outstanding Instructor award for her work as a creative writing instructor at UMass, Amherst. She is a former Fulbright Scholar.