Elk River Arts & Lectures

"An act of imagination is an act of self-acceptance." - Richard Hugo, Montana writer 

Art by Brody Speake through  ERAL's Poetry in the Classroom program

Elk River Arts & Lectures (ERAL) cultivates and celebrates Park County’s unique, world-class literary legacy.

To meet the needs of our special and growing rural communities, ERAL offers a range of free opportunities and programs to engage with new ideas, be creative, and develop community. We facilitate public author lectures, school programs, storytelling events, writing workshops, and more. 

We believe that opportunities to be creative, paired with exposure to diverse ideas, improve quality of life and strengthen our community. Founded in 2013 by the owners of Elk River Books, ERAL is grounded in the belief that engaging our community with creatives and writers from across the world creates a lasting impact for all. We strive to tell a story of what is possible. We know that nourishing the soul is paramount in these times of loneliness and isolation.

Our Lecture Series brings renowned novelists, poets, and journalists like Tommy Orange, Joy Williams, Richard Powers, Timothy Egan, and Terry Tempest Williams for free public readings and conversations paired with school visits into Livingston’s classrooms. 

Our Storytelling Nights showcase true tales from across our community, focused around themes and hosted by a professional Story Coach, Bex Frucht. 

Poetry in the Classroom brings professional poets into East Side Elementary School to teach fourth graders about form, simile, metaphor, and the power of the poem.

Park County Reads provides free books to Park County students during winter and summer breaks. 

Our Community Writing Workshops invite all across Park County to explore many genres and types of writing.  

The Elk River Writers Workshop features some of our nation’s best literary educators, as well as numerous panel discussions and readings that are open to the public. 

Supporting ERAL supports a stronger Park County. 

Testimonials

"THANK YOU for the Park County Reads project.  I am handing out books today, and the kids are very excited. I can't wait for the Life Skills class to get their books.  They will be the most excited of all.  This is a wonderful project and you've inspired me to try some 'summer reading' incentives for the high schoolers this year, which I hope to further develop next summer." 

- Kate Linde, East Side High School (June 2026) 

"On behalf of the 10th grade, I'd love to say thank you! I know I had a lot of fun, especially learning how poetry can be anything. You encouraged so much expression and that is important, especially today. Not only did you make poetry fun, you brought the fun! Overall, you both brought so much knowledge and connection. We really appreciate it." 

- A 10th-grade student, Gardiner High School (May 2026)

"Thank you for a fabulous, memorable couple of days in Livingston. You've got an extraordinary thing going in your relatively small community."

- Pulitzer-winning writer Timothy Egan (May 2026)

"Storytelling was a fabulous experience! I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in what has become a favorite community event. Creating, editing,rewrit,ing  and rehearsing a personal story to present to a crowd of friends,  family and strangers was exhilarating, energizing, and humbling all at once. With the expert coaching from Bex, constructive feedback from my co-story tellers and boundless enthusiasm from the audience this was one of the most unforgettable experiences I have had since moving to Livingston. Thank you for bringing this event to our town!"

-Barb Horan, Storytelling Alumni (November 2025)