Glenna Luschei to launch new book at UNL's Quilt Museum

            Poet and literary philanthropist Glenna Luschei will launch her new book of poetry, "The Sky Is Shooting Blue Arrows" (University of New Mexico Press), at an event hosted by Prairie Schooner, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's international literary journal.

            The event will be 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at the International Quilt Study Center and Museum, 1523 N. 33rd St., and is free and open to the public. Luschei will read from her new book and sign copies (available to purchase courtesy of the University Bookstore) afterward. For more details about this event, go to  http://prairieschooner.unl.edu.

            "Glenna Luschei has for over 15 years now been an ardent and very loyal, dedicated alumna and benefactor for her alma mater, the University of Nebraska," said Susan Norby, senior director of development at the University of Nebraska Foundation. "She has demonstrated visionary charitable support, particularly for literature and poetry, and the university is forever indebted to her and inspired by her."

            Luschei has written more than 25 books, ranging from books of poetry to artist books and translations. She is also the founder and publisher of Solo Press, which publishes the poetry journals Cafe Solo, Solo, Solo Cafe, and Solo Novo.

            "Glenna Luschei is very special to this university and especially to Prairie Schooner and the English department," said Kwame Dawes, Glenna Luschei Editor-in-Chief of Prairie Schooner. "Frankly, it is thanks to her generosity and philanthropy that Prairie Schooner has been able to advance with confidence for the past decade or so through her generous gift to the journal. She gives to the university and she has been a great example of giving for years and years, even when she herself was working hard to make ends meet. She recently donated funds to establish the Glenna Luschei African Poetry Book Prize, and her support and enthusiasm make her a very special friend of ours. On top of all that, she is a brilliant poet, and her new book is one we celebrate for its insight, humanity, and craft."

            Luschei's most recent books include "Leaving it All Behind" (Presa Press, 2011), "Witch Dance" (Presa Press, 2010) and "Salt Lick" (West End Press, 2009). Among her artist books is "Enigmas," a translation of poems by Sor Juana Inrs de la Cruz.

Writer: Dan Froid, Prairie Schooner, pspublicity@unl.edu