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"Art of Observation" Writing Contest
"Art of Observation" Writing Contest
Presented by The Center for American Literary Studies and Centre County Reads.
Presented by The Center for American Literary Studies and Centre County Reads.
This contest is part of the 2026 Centre County Reads/CALS Community Read of Eileen Garvin’s Crow Talk, a novel centered on the stories of two families (and a crow) learning to understand each other and the world around them.
Frankie O’Neill is an ornithology graduate student working on finishing her thesis at her family’s caretaker cottage in the Pacific Northwest. The fall brings the arrival of another family, including Anne Ryan and her son, Aiden, who does not speak. Frankie takes in an injured crow and nurses it back to health, and when Aiden visits, to his mother’s surprise, he is adept at aiding in the care of “Charlie Crow.” As a child, Frankie tracked the birds she saw on the walls of an old hunting blind—as Frankie reorients herself in the place her love of birds began, she remembers how to observe, notice, and write about what is right outside her door.
Following the example of Garvin’s novel, enter your best work of writing that centers on a space of observation—and what can be learned from the art of careful noticing.
Submit your piece of 7,500 words or less for competition in one of the following categories:
Best Short Fiction
Best Nonfiction
Best Poetry
Best Entry for a Writer under 18
$300 Grand Prize (additional prizes for winners in each category)
Entries are due by March 16, 2026. Submit to cals@psu.edu
Please include a cover letter with your name, address, contact information, a brief biography, and contest category.
Winning entries will be displayed at the Schlow Centre Region Library and on the CALS website.
Ritual & Artistry Roundtable
Ritual & Artistry Roundtable
Presented by The Center for American Literary Studies and Centre County Reads.
Presented by The Center for American Literary Studies and Centre County Reads.
Wednesday, March 25 | 4pm-5pm | PSU Zoom
Wednesday, March 25 | 4pm-5pm | PSU Zoom
Eileen Garvin’s novel Crow Talk centers on two women educators--ornithologist Frankie O’Neill and music teacher Anne Ryan. They meet unexpectedly one fall on the shores of June Lake in the Pacific Northwest. Staying in their respective family cottages during the off-season, both Frankie and Anne ultimately draw on their scholarly roots and return to teaching. They lean into teaching art and ritual--ornithology and Irish music respectively--to address significant challenges in their families, to heal, and find friendship. The ritual calls of crows help them bond and move forward in empowering ways, generating a connection to Anne’s young son Aiden, who otherwise refuses to speak. Using Garvin’s novel as a touchstone, the three invited panelists on this roundtable session will reflect on how art and ritual intersect in their teaching, scholarly, and/or artistic practices.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Featured Panelists: To be Announced.
Moderator: To be Announced.
Book Discussions
Book Discussions
Wednesday, January 14 | 12:15pm - 1pm | Active Adult Center (Nittany Mall)
Tuesday, February 17 | 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Schlow Library
Wednesday, March 4 | 1pm - 2pm | Holt Memorial Library, Philipsburg
Wednesday, March 18 | 6:30pm | Centre County Library, Virtual | Registration required
Wednesday, March 25 | 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Schlow Library
Storytimes
Storytimes
Wednesday, March 4 | 10:30am | Holt Memorial Library, Philipsburg
Monday, March 9 | 10:30am | Centre Hall Area Branch Library
More Activities
More Activities
Flocked Together: Roosting Behavior of Urban Crows with Dr. Brittingham
Saturday, March 21 | 4pm - 5pm | Hamer Community Room, Millbrook Marsh
Dr. Margaret Brittingham, Prof. Emerita of Wildlife Resources, Penn State University, will share her corvid expertise with the community. Dr. Brittinghams’s research in avian ecology remains an invaluable help to Penn State as the campus still uses her techniques to relocate crow groups that have become troublesome. She is also the Centre County coordinator for the Pennsylvania Bird Atlas.
“Fly Away Home” (PG) Film Discussion Friday, March 6 | 1pm | Centre County Library, Bellefonte
Enjoy this family adventure inspired by true events!
Take & Make - Craft (March) | Centre Hall Area Branch Library
Youth Take & Make - Craft (March 2-7) | Holt Memorial Library, Philipsburg
Youth Take & Make - Craft (March) | Centre County Library, Bellefonte
An Evening with Eileen Garvin
An Evening with Eileen Garvin
Wednesday, April 1 | 7pm - 8pm | Zoom
Wednesday, April 1 | 7pm - 8pm | Zoom
Moderated by Amanda Leigh Passmore-Ott
Associate Teaching Professor, The Pennsylvania State University
Penn State Faculty Affiliate, Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
Faculty Advisor, Rince na Leon – Penn State Irish Dance Club
Free and open to the public. Preregistration is required.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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