For centuries, writers have been fascinated with finding ways to apply lessons from other art forms to literary texts. In some cases, authors use their experiences with other mediums to enrich their writing, creating texts in conversation with the dynamic history of arts and crafts. During World War II, the avant-garde poet H.D. (Hilda Doolittle) turned to needlepoint as a way to cope with the trauma of the Blitz on London, and her practice of needlework strongly influenced her literary craft. Dr. Amy Elkins, an assistant professor of English at Macalester College, will trace the history of needlepoint from King Tut's tomb and Florentine tapestries to Victorian drawing rooms and contemporary craftivism. Elkins will also use a recently discovered archive of H.D.'s needlework tapestries to show the enduring legacy of needlecrafts in narratives of survival.

The Library Salon Series is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Thank you to our sponsors: Minnesota State Arts Board, Northeast Bank, and T-Rex Cookie Company.