The 6th annual Books in Bloom event in Eureka Springs brings together accomplished authors, booklovers, and writers in a lovely, informal ‘garden-party’ setting at the 1886 Crescent Hotel Sunday, May 16th from Noon to 5 PM.
With a reputation for attracting big name authors, Books in Bloom has captured the attention of booklovers throughout the state, and this year is no exception. Gail Sheehy, famed author of “Passages,” will be one of the featured speakers, along with Nevada Barr, Steve Berry, Michael Shelden, and Arkansas historian, columnist and author, Tom Dillard.
“People tell us that they can’t believe the level of talent we are able to present,” said Lin Wellford, co-chair of the festival. “It’s almost a year-round effort, and sometimes it takes years to convince an author to come. Nevada Barr turned us down several times. This year she accepted, telling us she admired our persistence!”
In addition, one of this year’s authors, Steve Berry, has offered his services to present a writer’s workshop while he is in the area. The day-long workshop will benefit the Carroll County Historical Society, and takes place on Saturday, May 15, at the Grand View Hotel on the square in Berryville.
Books in Bloom at 1886 Crescent Hotel
Along with scheduled author talks in the conservatory, the gardens surrounding the Crescent Hotel will be filled with local and regional authors and publishers. There will be on-going readings and book signings throughout the afternoon.
“The University of Arkansas Press always has a booth, and they offer some wonderful bargains during our festival,” said Jean Elderwind, who serves as co-chair and also administrator or the Carroll and Madison Public Library System. “In fact, they’ve told us Books in Bloom is one of their best scheduled events. Tim Ernst will also join us this year. His books are well known and wildly popular among our attendees.”
Festival-goers are encouraged to come early and take advantage of a free shuttle service provided to ease traffic congestion. Refreshments will be available throughout the day, provided by Friends of the Library members.
The festival will take place rain or shine, moving onto the hotel veranda, with additional covered space provided by the hotel in case of showers.
Books in Bloom is a project of the Carroll and Madison Public Library Foundation. Visit website for further details.
Kevin Kresse, an Arkansas native living in Little Rock, will present an Oil Portraits class. The 3-day Studio class is for Intermediate Level students. The informative and fun portrait painting class will focus on capturing a subject’s likeness and personality in oils. Emphasis will be placed on individual attention to each artist participant’s needs and questions.
