Mall of America Writer-in-Residence Winner Moves in June 14
Bloomington, Minn. – Brian Sonia-Wallace, winner of the first-ever Mall of America Writer-in-Residence contest, will be at the Mall June 14-18, 2017 where he will write 125 personal poems to help celebrate its 25th birthday. Mall of America recently announced Brian as the winner of its Writer-in-Residence contest after culling through 4,000 creative writing entries from writers across the U.S.
During his week-long stay at the Mall, Brian will be poised with his 1917 typewriter composing personal poems for mall-goers at a different location inside the Mall every day. All 125 poems will also be recorded and shared with the public throughout the summer as a part of Mall of America’s 25th birthday events. Aside from dedicating four hours to writing each day, Brian will have the opportunity to engage in the many attractions, shopping and dining experiences available at Mall of America.
“The appreciation of art and design are a big part of what makes our Minnesota community so special,” said Dan Jasper, MOA Communications Vice President. “With Brian’s unique vantage point at the Mall, combined with his creative medium, we’re hopeful that Mall guests enjoy the interaction and poems we share following his residency.”
Brian has been a writer since childhood and embraced poetry when he attended university in Scotland. In 2014, he challenged himself to pay his rent solely with the money earned writing poems for strangers on the street, and since, he has been on a journey around the world creating poetry for large companies and celebrities to homeless children. Hailing from Los Angeles, this summer will mark Brian’s first trip to Minnesota.
