Celebrated Latina author, playwright, actress, and teacher Denise Chavez will be presenting selected readings from her library of works at Sonoma State University on October 13 in Warren Auditorium. By sharing her work with the community and world as whole, Chavez hopes to convey a message of Latina pride and empowerment.
Chavez is a native of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and teaches creative writing at New Mexico State University. She has been honored many times over for her many novels and plays, receiving the Luminaria Award from the New Mexico Community Foundation, the Woman of Distinction in Education award from Soroptimists International of the Americas, the New Mexico Governor's Award in Literature, as well as the Writers of the Pass award from the El Paso Herald-Post. Additionally, Chavez has garnered several awards for her philanthropic work in her local community.
At her reading at SSU, Chavez will be reading passage from several of her novels, including Loving Pedro Infante and Face of an Angel. Also featured will be her collection of short stories entitled The Last of the Menu Girls. Chavez will talk about what it means to be a Latina, and how that identity and culture has shaped her life.
Chavez is scheduled to appear at several other Sonoma County locations to give more readings and present stories to Sonoma County youth. There will also be a reception on Thursday, October 14 at Kendall-Jackson Winery starting at 7 p.m. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served. For more information or to sign up for this event, please contact Barbara O'Hara at (707) 545-0831, extension 578.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Free Reading at Sonoma State University
Wednesday, October 13, Noon-1 p.m.
Warren Auditorium, 1801 E. Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park
Free Reading at Windsor Regional Library
Wednesday, October 13, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Windsor Regional Library, 9291 Old Redwood Highway, Building 100, Windsor
Storytime For School-Aged Children
Thursday, October 14, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Northwest Regional Library, 150 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa
Reception at Kendall-Jackson Winery
Thursday, October 14, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Kendall-Jackson Winery, 5007 Fulton Road, Fulton
Suggestion donation for event: $5-10
