The Literary Arts Institute Presents

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Discover the Literary Arts Institute (LAI) at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University—your gateway to a vibrant literary community. Since 1997, LAI has been the hub for students passionate about creative writing and publishing. Engage with acclaimed authors through our Minnesota Street Visiting Writers Series, gain personalized mentorship from our McNeely Creative Writer in Residence, and explore the art of fine letterpress in collaboration with the Welle Book Arts Studio. Elevate your literary journey with us and become part of a dynamic community where your voice matters.

Upcoming Events:

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Visiting Writers Series

Experience the Literary Arts Institute’s “Writers Writing” series, where the campus and local community engage with today’s most influential authors. Join us for public readings, master classes, panel discussions, and conferences that delve into the creative process. Our events have featured esteemed writers, including Pulitzer Prize winners and U.S. Poet Laureates such as Anne Carson, Claudia Rankine, Robert Pinsky, and Marilynne Robinson. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with literary luminaries and enrich your understanding of contemporary literature.

Engage with Renowned Authors
A white page with a poem titled "Allegiance" printed on it. The text is accompanied by a decorative illustration, including an illuminated initial "A" and abstract design featuring nature elements like trees and the sun. Copyright text is at the bottom.
A textured black silhouette of a person is surrounded by repeated grayscale, slightly transparent faces with glasses. Latin text is written over and below the silhouette. Handwritten red and yellow highlights and text appear on the right side of the image.

Explore the Welle Book Arts Studio

Immerse yourself in the art of bookmaking at the Welle Book Arts Studio, where tradition meets innovation. Engage in hands-on experiences with vintage and modern equipment for papermaking, letterpress printing, and bookbinding. Enhance your studies in editing, publishing, art, history, or English, and bring your creative visions to life. Join a community of artists and writers dedicated to preserving and advancing the book arts.

Unleash Your Creativity

In the many thousand daily choices we make, we create ourselves and the voice with which we speak and work.

Carolyn Forché Poet, Teacher, Activist visited CSB+SJU in 2022

College of Saint Benedict
Literary Arts Institute
CSB Benedicta Arts Center A103

Matthew Harkins
Director, LAI 
Professor of English
320-363-3217

Rachel Marston 
Associate Director, LAI 
Associate Professor of English
320-363-3971

Catherine Rupp
Department Coordinator
320-363-2475

Contact us if you would like to be added to our mailing list.
[email protected]

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