It’s a privilege to watch what feels like a private conversation happening on stage. This is the case with Dave Eggers and Kevin Boehm.
The Chicago Humanities presentation starts with introducing the dynamic between them. The men met in college and have been friends ever since. We witness a sense of pride and admiration between them as they gush about each other’s successes.
The Chicago Humanities hosts this event to promote Eggers’ new book, Contrapposto. However, the book comes second to Eggers’ musing on his nonprofit, 826, the dangers of book banning and AI, and seeing and reminiscing with old friends and mentors.
The evening feels like a homecoming of sorts for the praised and award-winning author. We, the audience, feel like we’re invading something sacred by being here. Nevertheless, we’re grateful to be present.
It’s an energy in the room.
Eggers’ excitement radiates as he zooms from one topic to the next. His face and aura light up as he discusses 826 and those he has helped publish.
826 is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping young children find their literary voices. It results in some published work and some appearing in a special library for young authors. It’s an exciting program that we understand the passion Eggers has for it.
It makes you want to help as well.
Eggers has been a well-known author for 30+ years and a mentor for over 20 years. He cares about helping to better the literary world and encouraging artists’ passions.
In one of Eggers’ asides, he discussed not tearing other artists down. He thinks that makes you not an artist yourself. It’s about lifting others.
That philosophy comes through in this presentation and his various projects. We need more people like Eggers. Those who see the world as open and wide enough for many different forms of art.
He also briefly criticizes some MFA writing programs for making things competitive. As someone who got rejected from one of them, I have always passionately been against those because it was something that broke my spirit a bit when it came to writing fiction.
Therefore, it felt slightly validating to hear someone so acclaimed and accomplished also feeling like these competitive programs hurt more than help.
That’s what makes these events and programs, such as the ones hosted by the Chicago Humanities, so important. They allow artists to speak on their work, but also invite the community to come and be inspired by them.
A world of art is made more powerful when those who love it come together and share those passions. I have been a fan of Eggers since college, as he was a friend of some of my professors or their favorite author.
I have read a few of his books throughout the years. However, this is the first time I have seen him speak at an event.
I am glad I got this opportunity (thank you Chicago Humanities, for the tickets), because it just made me admire and appreciate his work more.
Dave Eggers Chicago Humanities conversation was energetic, thoughtful, and a reminder that art should exist and be available for all. Not hoarded or banned.
The Chicago Humanities is hosting plenty more events in Chicago this year. Make sure to check them out.
