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Gateway releases Racine County NEA Big Read event list

Gateway Technical College has announced the array of Racine County activities which will be held in connection with the Charles Portis classic “True Grit.” Activities will be held by Gateway as well as the many organizations which have partnered with the college to bring this event to our community.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.


NEA Big Read Kick-Off Event

Saddle up to kick-off this wonderful community event. See back panels for specifics.

Gateway Technical College Campuses

Fri., October 7, 2016  •  6:00 p.m.


NEA Big Read True Grit Book Discussion

Please join us for a book discussion on the Charles Portis novel True Grit.

Racine Public Library, 75 7th St., Racine 53403

Tues., October 11, 2016 • 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.


NEA Big Read Book Discussion & Evening of Bluegrass Music & Refreshments

Please join us at Marty’s Restaurant & Fiesta Hall in Waterford for a book discussion followed by a lively evening of Bluegrass Music & Refreshments. Book discussion begins at 5:30 p.m.

Marty’s Restaurant & Fiesta Hall, 201 W Main St., Waterford 53144

Wed., October 12, 2016 • 5:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.


NEA Big Read True Grit Book Discussion

Please join us for a book discussion on the Charles Portis novel True Grit.

Racine Campus Library, Gateway Technical College, 1001 S. Main St., Racine 53403

Thurs., October 20, 2016  • 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.


NEA Big Read Book Discussion: Larger Than Life Characters in True Grit

Please join Laura Kastelic at the Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts during their Fall Family Fun Fest for a Book Discussion about the worlds of the True Grit characters and how what they wore speaks to the nature of their character.

Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts, 2519 Northwestern Ave., Racine 53404

Sat., October 22, 2016 • 3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.


True Grit: A Historical Perspective

Join UW–Parkside History professor Dr. Sandy Moats to discuss True Grit from a historical perspective.

D.P. Wigley, 234 Wisconsin Ave., Racine 53403 

Thurs., October 27, 2016 • 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.


Film Screenings
NEA Big Read True Grit (1969)

A drunken, hard-nosed U.S. Marshal and a Texas Ranger help a stubborn teenager track down her father’s murderer in Indian territory. Starring John Wayne, Kim Darby, Glen Campbell.

Racine Public Library, 75 7th St., Racine 53403 

Thurs., October 6, 2016 • 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.


Great Lakes Room, Racine Campus, Gateway Technical College, 1001 S. Main St., Racine 53403 

Tues., October 11, 2016 • 12:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.


Film Screenings
NEA Big Read True Grit (2010)

A drunken, hard-nosed U.S. Marshal and a Texas Ranger help a stubborn teenager track down her father’s murderer in Indian territory. Directed by the Coen Brothers; starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Hailee Steinfeld.

Racine Public Library, 75 7th St., Racine 53403 

Fri., October 14, 2016 • 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.


Waterford Public Library, 101 N River St., Waterford 53185 

Fri., October 21, 2016 • 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.


Great Lakes Room, Racine Campus of Gateway Technical College,
1001 S. Main St., Racine 53403

Tues., October 25, 2016 • 12:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.