Place-based writing is prose, poetry, or nonfiction that engages with the physical locations that shape our lives and communities. In this 90-minute generative workshop, we’ll look at examples of literature rooted in the natural or human-built environment, discuss techniques for bringing the landscape to the page, and dedicate time to a guided creative exercise to help you begin a new work that emphasizes setting as a central element. No writing background is needed to participate, and all levels of experience are welcome.

Eleri Denham is the Rambler Arts visiting Artist in Residence this January. They are a writer, editor, and multimedia artist. Their fiction, nonfiction, and poetry have been published in numerous venues, including Fruitslice, Central Oregon Book Project, The Ilanot Review, Bending Genres, and Whale Road Review. Their work has been nominated for Best Microfiction and Best of the Net, and in 2025, they were one of the winning playwrights featured in the Majestic 8 10-Minute Play Festival. Originally from Chicago, Eleri now lives in Oregon with their partner. Find out more at eleridenham.com or @eleridenham.bsky.social.

Join us 3rd Saturdays in January, February and March for the Rambler Arts Winter Concert Series

1/17 Tomo Nakayama & Tiny Vipers

Free. All Ages. Doors open at 4p. Music from 4:30-6p. BYOB. Donations Welcome.

About the artists:

Tomo Nakayama: Born in Japan and raised in Seattle, Tomo Nakayama has explored the lines between intimate indie folk, exuberant synth pop, and cinematic soundtracks for over two decades. Best known for placements in Netflix’s “House of Ninjas” and the Sundance Grand Jury nominated film “Touchy Feely”, Tomo’s music has been praised by NPR, KEXP, and the New York Times, and his hit single “Get to Know You” received over 2 million streams worldwide. https://www.tomonakayama.com/

Tiny Vipers: Seattle’s Jesy Fortino has performed under the name Tiny Vipers since her teen years. Honing her craft in punk houses and squats, Fortino’s haunting folk elegies are as sparse as they are dense. People and times past wander through her songs like ghosts looking for a home, appearing and then vanishing into deft guitar playing that is reminiscent of John Fahey and Ry Cooder. Her first two full-length records, Hands Across the Void and Life On Earth (Sub Pop, 2007 and 2009, respectively) were masterworks of delicate, deliberate composition and instrumentation. Rarely has music this minimal made such a massive statement. https://tinyvipers.bandcamp.com/

Join us for our 2nd annual Makers Market & Holiday Party! Come shop stunning pieces from local artists and businesses including:

• Myorian Studio (Custom Glassware and Wall Art)

• Fern Street Pottery (Ceramics)

• History & Industry (Paintings, Jewelry)

• Second Child (Curated Boutique)

• Warrior Peak Botanicals (Small Batch Herbal Medicines)

• Melodie Knight (Paintings)