Ross Gay (CRF 2016) is a finalist for the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award for his fourth book, “Be Holding.” The award goes to a book-length work of any genre for its originality, merit, and impact. Terrance Hayes (CRF 2015) is a judge for the PEN/Voelcker Award which recognizes the importance of the poetry collection as an art form.

Hafizah Geter, Mei-Mei Berssenbrugge, S*an D. Henry-Smith, Asako Serizawa, and Souvankham Thammavongsa are finalists for the PEN Open Book Award. This award goes to an exceptional book-length work of any literary genre by an author of color and the awardee receives a fully funded artist residency at Civitella.

Congratulations to all, and we look forward to welcoming one of the Open Book finalists to the castle soon. See more about the awards and finalists here. #CivitellaRanieri