Bi-Monthly By Ryan #10

A twice monthly newsletter by Ryan Jafar Artes

Author

Ryan Artes
September 12, 2024

A photo of Ryan Jafar Artes, taken by myself. I clear my mind on long walks along the Susquehanna River, during which I take a both break from, and think about, my activism and art. Water is such an important model for all of my work, and I always learn a lot from myself and my surroundings during my walks along the river.

Dear Friends,

Tomorrow evening, I will be reading a poem (and another special treat!) at United Against Silence with some dearly beloved poets and friends at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda. As I get ready to travel, I am thinking about so many small details of so many small tasks I have to complete. This week, I will provide a small glimpse into my life as a full time writer.

I am busily at work planning for my second run of Letters to Our Homes, my upcoming letter writing class for Black and Brown adoptees only. Spots are still available, just reply to this email to sign up! I made an Eventbrite page with information about my class, including reviews from my past students.

The reviews warm my heart! They are lovely to read, particularly during my down moments, when I have lost sight of who, and how, I am. Here is one of my favorite reviews (they are all my favorite!):

❝

“I’m not sure I even considered my writing as anything other than the physical expression of my messy brain. Through you, I now see magic, I feel power, I hear my ancestors deep within. They want me to speak. They’re urging me to pick up the pen. They brought you to me, or me to you.”

HP

Visit my Eventbrite page linked above to read more reviews, and I also made a slideshow of the reviews on Instagram. Comments such as this one makes me feel like I could never teach another letter writing class ever again, and also like I want to do so for the rest of my life! I plan to offer various letter writing classes moving forward, some for Black and Brown adoptees exclusively, and some will be open to everyone.

I am currently marketing my second run of Letters to Our Homes. My tasks include creating my flyer, drafting a syllabus, and getting people to sign up, which is not easy because everyone is busy! I am also considering changing the time, with the hope of placing my class at a more strategic time, to encourage people to sign up.

As always, thank you for your attention. Here is a reminder that I love hearing from you! Is there anything in particular you would like to read about?

Love, Ryan <3

P.S. Here is an updated flyer for Letters to Our Homes. The start date is actually, September 29, and I am debating a time change. I took a photo of the sunset over the Susquehanna River to use the background of the flyer.

Here is an updated flyer for Letters to Our Homes. This session will start on September 29 and please remember that I am debating a time change. Reply to this email <[email protected]> if you would like to participate, and check out the Eventbrite page, linked above, for more information.