School of Art, Graduate School and International Education to Host Student Writing Retreat

The School of Art's Art Education program, in collaboration with the Graduate School and International Education, will host the second annual Ink & Inspiration: A Student Writing Retreat on April 1-2 in the Fine Arts Center.

Designed for U of A undergraduate and graduate students at any stage of the writing process, the retreat will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 1, and 1 to 5:30 p.m. on April 2.

Created by Kathy J. Brown, Ph.D., endowed assistant professor of art education and director of graduate studies in art education, in collaboration with Julia Smith, associate director of graduate student support, Ink & Inspiration offers students time, guidance and community to support their writing projects.

"This retreat is designed to provide writing tips, ideas to engage or reengage with your work and time to focus," Brown said. "It is especially helpful for students working on academic research papers or projects that require sustained writing. We welcome undergraduate and graduate students from across campus to participate in this engaging writing experience."

Now in its second year, the retreat expands to a two-day format. Brown first hosted the inaugural event with co-host Kennedi Richards, an art education master's student, and this year's program features new sessions led by various experts from across campus and beyond. Speakers will cover topics such as academic writing and publishing, interviewing and storytelling in research, ethical uses of artificial intelligence in higher education, concept mapping for organizing inquiry and strategies for developing sustainable writing practices. A list of speakers and sessions is available online.

Participants will also have dedicated time to work on their own projects and share feedback with peers. The retreat aims to inspire new approaches to writing while helping students develop their unique voice. Brown said she hopes participants leave with practical tools and renewed motivation for their academic or creative work. Ink & Inspiration is open to students from all disciplines. Presentations, breakout sessions and meals are free for all attending U of A undergraduate and graduate students.

Students are encouraged to register on HogSync. An agenda is available on the retreat page and the HogSync event invite. Individuals interested in learning more should contact Brown at kjb038@uark.edu.