Women of Appalachia Storytelling

Join us for an extraordinary evening in Rugby, Tennessee, as Bloom Stage, Poetry in the Boro, and Historic Rugby, Inc., proudly present “Women Speak,” a free admission celebration marking the 15th Anniversary of the Women of Appalachia Project and the book launch of Women Speak: Volume Nine. Immerse yourself in the rich narratives of Appalachia’s finest literary, visual, and performing women artists.

The Women of Appalachia Project™ (WOAP), dedicated to embracing diversity, encourages women of all backgrounds to share their spoken word and fine art. Through public forums and annual anthologies, artists confront issues of marginalization and stereotype, presenting a unified and non-violently confrontational force that reveals the whole woman beyond superficial judgments. Nestled in the tranquil setting of Historic Rugby, surrounded by the beauty of the Big South Fork National Park, this celebration finds the perfect backdrop. Historic Rugby, conceived as a class-free, agricultural community, remains dedicated to preserving history and cultural expression.

Co-hosted by Kara Kemp and Kory Wells of Bloom Stage and Poetry in the Boro, this first-time-for-Rugby event promises to showcase amazing stories from the Appalachian area, as curated by WOAP founder Kari Gunter-Seymour, and the music of Roberta Schultz. This event, made possible in part by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission, will be free to the public and held in the Historic Rugby Visitor Centre, 1331 Rugby Parkway, Rugby, TN  37733. Donations made to support the ongoing mission of Historic Rugby to provide a venue for community arts are always appreciated and can be made here: WOAP: “Women Speak” at Historic Rugby.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the power of women’s voices in the heart of Appalachia while celebrating WOAP’s 15th anniversary!