Visiting Writers Series receives grant for Pulitzer winner Percival Everett

Lenoir-Rhyne University's esteemed Visiting Writers Series (VWS) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Arts Culture Catawba, ensuring a significant cultural event for the community: an appearance by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Percival Everett on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. Everett will discuss his highly acclaimed novel "James," capping off a year of engaging literary events.

The generous grant from Arts Culture Catawba underscores the organization's commitment to fostering vibrant artistic and literary experiences within the Catawba County region. This project was supported by Arts Culture Catawba through the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. This funding will directly support Everett's visit, making his insights and literary prowess accessible to students and the wider public.

Percival Everett's novel "James," a powerful and critically acclaimed reimagining of "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," earned him the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2025, in addition to being a National Book Award winner and #1 New York Times bestseller. His appearance at Lenoir-Rhyne is anticipated to be a highlight of the 2025-2026 Visiting Writers Series, offering a unique opportunity for engagement with one of contemporary literature's most compelling voices.

Cat Niekro, vice president of advancement at Lenoir-Rhyne University, expressed profound gratitude for the grant. "We are incredibly grateful to Arts Culture Catawba for their generous support of the Visiting Writers Series," said Niekro. "This $10,000 grant is instrumental in bringing an author of Percival Everett's caliber to our campus and community. Their commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of Catawba County aligns perfectly with our mission to provide unparalleled literary experiences, and we are thrilled to collaborate on such an impactful season."

This year’s Visiting Writers Series season will kick off September 11, 2025, with Shelby Van Pelt, author of the beloved New York Times bestseller "Remarkably Bright Creatures." On November 20, 2025, the series will welcome Patrick Bringley, author of the insightful memoir "All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me."

The Visiting Writers Series at Lenoir-Rhyne University has a long-standing tradition of bringing distinguished authors to the region, fostering a love for literature and providing intimate glimpses into the creative process. Tickets for all Visiting Writers Series events are free but required. They will be available beginning in August.

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