On That Note: Letters to Loved Ones Inspired by John Scott

We invite you to come, read John T. Scott’s letters, and write your own to someone (or someones!) you wish to strengthen a connection to.

Artist, educator, and humanist, John T. Scott, stayed connected to many he met through written letters. He wrote to friends, family, colleagues, former students, and those he came across while traveling. These beautiful compositions were in themselves works of art, as Scott was a master of calligraphy who also included watercolors and drawings. He would make his own beautiful envelopes, as well. In the spirit of connectedness, we invite you to come, read his letters, and write your own to someone (or someones!) you wish to strengthen a connection to. Come to one, or come to all three. Guidance for writing and envelope making, stationery, stamps, decorative elements, and art materials will be provided.

Session One – How you’ve been?
John Scott’s letters were deeply personal and commonly featured updates about his life, his family, and his art. He also used his letters as an opportunity to learn about the recipient’s life, family, and art. In this session we are holding time and space for attendees to write to someone about how they’ve been, while also asking about the person on the receiving end of the letter.

About the Facilitator: Kyley Pulphus-Smith is a mama, educator, and writer from New Orleans. She received her BA in Communications from the University of New Orleans, her MFA in filmmaking from Florida State University, and her PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from Louisiana State University. Kyley was a skilled classroom teacher, teacher coach, and teacher consultant for the Greater New Orleans Writing Project. She was also the founding program director of a youth writing nonprofit, where, under her stewardship, she supported thousands of young people in strengthening their writing skills. She oversaw the publishing of 30 books of youth writing, worked with dozens of teachers, and facilitated many professional development workshops. She received several honors, most recently earning the International Literacy Association’s Helen M. Robinson award. Kyley was also recognized as one of Gambit’s 40 under 40 and a Millennial Educator of the Year Finalist. She is currently the education director of KID smART, an arts-integration organization. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, delicious small-batch ice cream, and dancing, especially to brass band music.