Bio
Alexandra McIntosh lives and writes in Kentucky, her favorite place in the world. She currently teaches high school English and writes poetry and prose contemplating the natural world, the landscape of memory, mental illness, and classic rock. Her book “Bowlfuls of Blue" is available from Assure Press. In collaboration with her husband, the oil painter Brad Davis, McIntosh oversees "Plein Air Poetry," a Substack blog and collaborative project inspired by the rich history of artists painting outside ("en plein air" in the Impressionist tradition), pairing paintings with poems (or poetic prose) done on site.
http://Pleinairpoetry.substack.com
Potential Residency Project
Writing the Rivers
4 session Nature Writing workshop for high school students
In each session, students will spend time with mentor texts (poetry and prose) from Kentucky authors including Wendell Berry, Crystal Wilkinson, and Harlan Hubbard, and engage in discussions of how rivers invite symbolic interpretation– as places of origin, as passages, or portals. Prompts will be provided that encourage students to think about the significance of rivers or waterways in their own sense of place.
If possible, one session will be spent hiking along a river or creek, with pauses for journaling and reflection. The fourth section will include time for students to share their work in an open-mic setting, with the option of creating a class zine.
Residency Options
Residency Length: 1 to 5 days
Ages and Grades: Children through Older Adults
The potential residency option listed above is just an example—I'm happy to work with you to imagine unique experiences that suit the needs of your particular school or organization. While I have formal education experience with middle and high school students, I’ve had the pleasure of leading teams and facilitating activities for all ages, from children to older adults.
With a background in outdoor education and creative writing, I am excited about the possibility of engaging students with both literature and adventure, focusing on our connection to the natural world and the depths of inspiration it offers. Even if transportation or location doesn’t allow us to leave the campus, we can creatively incorporate time outside into the lessons.