Meacham Writers Workshop

The Meacham Writers' Workshop is supported primarily by an endowment funded by the late Jean Meacham in honor of her husband, Ellis K. Meacham. Occurring each fall and spring, the workshop is free and open to the public; there is no registration. The program consists of readings, discussion sessions, and group conferences. The philosophy of the workshop is to provide support but also honest and direct criticism for developing writers. The atmosphere is informal, and there are many opportunities for lunch and other casual meetings. The conference welcomes non-writers who are avid readers of contemporary prose and poetry, as well as school groups. The conference is open to persons of all age, race, religion, sex, veteran status, national origin, or disability.

The Meacham Writers' Workshop receives additional support from the Tennessee Arts Commission, Allied Arts of Chattanooga, the UTC English Department, UTC Honors Program, UTC Speakers and Special Events Committee, and Chattanooga State. The conference is held on the campuses of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Chattanooga State Technical Community College.

Visiting writers have included Phil Levine, James Tate, Nancy Eimers, Abby Frucht, Phil Deaver, Laura Kasischke, Mark Halliday, Jill Rosser, Tomaz Salamun, Mary Reufle, Dara Wier, Bill Olsen, Robert Houston, Judith Cofer, William Mathews, Stanley Plumly, Marvin Bell, Carol Frost, Eva Toth, Bret Lott, Mark Cox, Mark Jarman, Gerald Stern, and Tim O'Brien.