2023–24 Fishtrap Writer-in-Residence
Fishtrap is thrilled to bring Jason Graham (aka MOsley WOtta) back to Wallowa County in 2023-24 as Fishtrap’s Writer-in-Residence. Jason will be spreading his visits out throughout the year, spending five weeks with us between November and June. In addition to gathering inspiration from this beautiful corner of Oregon for his own creative work, Jason will be inspiring youth in our local schools, teaching an adult workshop this winter, and much more. Watch this page for the latest!
About Jason Graham
Jason (McNeal) Graham, better known as MOsley WOtta is a Windy City Heartland transplant living in Central Oregon. Wotta’s work spans nearly two decades of exploration in multiple mediums including writing, painting, performance, video. Mosley Wotta’s music, literary performance and visual art have featured internationally, including: Living Future Con, TED X, Fishtrap, Oregon Community Foundation invited speaker, Goddard College (Resident Scholar), High Desert Museum “Desert Reflections” Exhibition, Street Con Dubai, Valley Forge Fiesta, Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute, and the Portland Art Museum. Jason is an Arts Beautification & Culture award recipient. Individual Artist Fellowship Recipient, Fields Fellowship recipient, City Club Community Leader Honoree, Oregon Slam Poetry Champion 2008, Creative Laureate (Bend, OR.), Oregon Humanities Conversation project leader, and, a Bridging Oregon (North Coast) Facilitator.
About the Fishtrap Writer-in-Residence Program
The last act in mastering your craft is giving it away.
Are you an experienced teaching artist looking to spend time immersed in the community and beauty of rural Wallowa County? Fishtrap Writers-in-Residence have the opportunity to get some creative work done and help inspire local writers of all ages through teaching in local schools, sharing a public reading, and offering your own Fishtrap writing workshop.
A Fishtrap Writer in Residence lasts from 5 -7 weeks and includes a stipend, travel allowance, and lodging. While you are here, Fishtrap will work with you to schedule up to 40 hours of classroom time in Wallowa County schools. You will be asked to lead a one-day adult workshop as part of our local writing workshop series, and have the opportunity to hold a public reading event at Fishtrap’s new home in the historic Bowlby Building. The rest of the time is yours to use to write, be explore the county, and connect with the many local writers in the Fishtrap community.
Who Should Apply
If you are an experienced professional writer who is looking for an opportunity to have time dedicated to creating work and inspire young writers, we want to hear from you. This program is designed to create space for you to work while giving back to remote, rural Wallowa County. Since a Fishtrap Writer in Residence will be spending significant time in Wallowa County schools, proven teaching and classroom management experience, especially at the secondary level, is required. Please contact us to learn more.
NOTE: We are not currently accepting applications for the 2023-24 academic year.
Fishtrap’s Writer-in-Residence program is supported in part by:
