Solitude, Nature, and Art with Michael N. McGregor

Deepen Your Awareness and Creativity

Novelist and non-fiction author Michael N. McGregor will demonstrate how solitude and the natural world can enhance an artist's creative practice. This will take place at Riverside State Park.

Art-making requires patience, awareness, and insight. In this workshop, we’ll explore solitude and contemplation of art and nature as tools for enhancing your creativity, focus, and writing. You’ll learn how to quiet your mind and connect more fully with deeper feelings and values, as well as the world around you. The ultimate goal is to help you develop a stronger sense of yourself and your purpose as a writer or artist of any kind.

About the presenter: Michael N. McGregor is an essayist, memoirist, biographer, and fiction writer. His first book, Pure Act: The Uncommon Life of Robert Lax, was named a top-ten book in American Literature by the American Association of University Publishers, and Kirkus Reviews chose his first novel, The Last Grand Tour, as one of its “100 Best Indie Books of 2025.” His latest book is a memoir called An Island to Myself: The Place of Solitude in an Active Life. An award-winning professor of creative writing, McGregor spent part of his early life leading tours through Europe, teaching Americans about art, history, and culture. Later, he worked as an art critic for the Seattle Weekly and the Oregonian, with a particular focus on theater.

We'll meet at the Bowl & Pitcher Kitchen Shelter/day-use area of beautiful Riverside State Park.

Note: Parking at Riverside State Park requires use of a Discover Pass or payment at the booth upon entry. A one-day parking pass is $10. Or you can check out a Discover Pass from the library (if not already checked out) here. There is also at the library a "Checkout Washington" backpack that includes a Discover Pass. 

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We strive to make events welcoming for people of all abilities. To request accommodations (i.e. hearing assistance, ASL requests, or other ADA inquiries), email sday@spokanelibrary.org.

For all event information inquiries, email telref@spokanelibrary.org or call 509-444-5300.