From illustrated children’s books and playful verse to poetry inspired straight from the natural world, this will be a lively and engaging evening for all. Jay Schauer, author of The Birds That Wish That They Were Fish, will share his whimsical work that explores imagination, identity, and the outdoors through humor and illustration.

Poet Matthew James Friday will recite original haikus and lead the room in a simple, reflective writing exercise, inviting participants to try their hand at crafting their own.

Schauer is an American author and educator based in Oregon who works in public education and enjoys blending literacy, humor, and environmental themes in his writing. Friday is a British poet, storyteller, and public-school teacher living in Bend, Oregon. His first full-length poetry collection, Wunderkammer (Kelsay Books), will be published this spring, following three earlier chapbooks: The Residents, The Be-All and the End-All, and Strange Beauty.

Participation is optional – come to watch, listen, and mingle, or dive in and join the activities. Either way, it’s a night to celebrate birds, poetry, and community.

$40 / person, Saturday, April 18, 5 to 9 p.m.  |  60 spots available
Location: Valley Golf Club – 245 US-20, Hines, OR 97738