On November 29, poet and writer Mark Strand (Director's Guest 2008, 2011) passed away at his daughter's home in New York; he was 80 years old.
Many at Civitella had the pleasure of meeting Mark Strand, and those who did not were able to know him through his numerous publications in our castle library. Strand donated thousands of books from his personal library to the Foundation throughout the last 8 years. He came twice as a Director's Guest, and was often found at work at the picnic table in the Fellows' Garden (when the castle was cold), or at the kitchen table in Castrabecco.
His last book of prose pieces, 'Almost Invisible', was largely composed at Civitella. Mark shared news of Civitella with colleagues and friends, sent us nominators, and made suggestions of those who could help put Civitella 'on the map' within the world of writing. He gave inspired readings while in residence, read Fellows' works in progress and visited studios. We will miss his generosity and wry sense of humor.
An obituary appeared in the New York Times and the New Yorker published a short tribute to Strand's life and writing.
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