Plains Art Museum announces its sixth (6th) iteration of its community-based book forum, Critical Grooves Book Lab.

For our sixth (6th) session (Fall – Winter ’24), we will read four lesser-known writers who will productively intersect with the museum’s scheduled exhibitions during Fall – Winter 2024. We begin with Ocean Vuong’s award-winning novel, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, which dialogues with the Thomas-Suwall collection on exhibition in Full Disclosure. From there, we move into Wilson Harris’s Palace of the Peacock to discuss aspects of the novel’s convergence with A Little Grey for Color. Then, Jamaica Kincaid’s The Autobiography of My Mother provides important context for a robust discussion of several past and upcoming exhibitions in our Starion Gallery. Finally, Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower (a speculative fiction novel set in 2024) captures the perils of climate change, the disparities within human rights, and the struggle for sovereignty—issues found in the upcoming exhibition, Water Talks.

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If this assemblage of lesser-known writers sounds compelling, then please join us at Plains Art Museum on the select dates below. We offer an array of hot teas and hot chocolate. However, feel free to bring your own beverages/snacks, as well.

Projected Fall - Winter Schedule (2024)

Sep. 12: On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

Oct. 10: Palace of the Peacock by Wilson Harris

Nov. 14: The Autobiography of my Mother by Jamaica Kincaid

Dec. 12: Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

To encourage broad participation, you may acquire the selected texts through convenient means, as per your situation. Also note: Critical Grooves Book Lab selections will also be available for purchase from The Store at Plains Art Museum • 704 1st Ave. N • Fargo, ND 58102.

Ages 16+ are welcomed.