2024 Event

Saturday, June 22, 2024

Journalist, image maker, citizen volunteer, and June 2024 resident Brian Palmer discussed his work at Arrow Rock's Historic Brown's Chapel. Topics included his photography career; his volunteer work restoring and advocating for Richmond, Virginia’s East End and Evergreen Cemeteries; and his stay in Arrow Rock, where he researched and photographed African-American burial sites in surrounding communities. A Q&A and reception followed.

2024 Resident Byron Smith (1960-2024) was remembered and honored at the event, with six pieces of his artwork on hand, thanks to the kind efforts of his friend Greig Thompson. The evening began with a screening the short film Byron Smith Paints the Center for Missouri Studies, available from the State Historical Society of Missouri.

Center photo above: Brian Palmer/brianpalmer.photos
Remaining photos: Persimmon Creek Residency
Pictured artwork: Byron Smith

2023 Events

Saturday, June 3, 2023

Writer, scholar, and May-June 2023 resident David Todd Lawrence read from his work at Arrow Rock's Historic Christian Church. Afterward, he discussed his folklore scholarship and family history during an audience Q&A.

After the Q&A, Arrow Rock favorites the J Love Band performed a mixture of classic soul, R&B and funk at the historic Brown’s Chapel.

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Writer, scholar, and May 2023 resident Karla FC Holloway read fiction and nonfiction at Arrow Rock's Historic Christian Church. Afterward, she discussed her craft and academic career during a moderated Q&A with board member Myra Christopher.

After the Q&A, Brother John performed the historical storytelling concert THE BLUES, THE GOSPEL AND BR. JOHN at the historic Brown’s Chapel.

2022 Events

Saturday, June 11, 2022

June 2022 resident Hermine Pinson read poetry and prose work at Arrow Rock’s historic Christian Church. Afterward, Hermine discussed her craft during a Q&A.

A performance by J Love Band followed the Q&A — with a special guest vocalist on “God Bless the Child.”

Saturday, May 28, 2022

May 2022 resident Sonié Joi Thompson-Ruffin exhibited her fiber art at historic Brown’s Chapel and the historic Christian Church. Afterward, Sonié discussed her art and career during a Q&A at the Christian Church, which also featured a bag show from recent attendees of Sonié’s Tote Bag® workshops.

A performance by J Love Band followed the Q&A.

2021 Events

Thursday, July 15, 2021

July 2021 resident X.C. Atkins read from and discussed his work at the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre.

A performance by J Love Band followed the reading.

Thursday, July 1, 2021

June 2021 resident Glenn North read from and discussed his work at the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre.

A performance by J Love Band followed the reading.