We’re delighted to announce the line up for the 2025 Winter Burrow Literary & Arts Conference!
Misty Skaggs will deliver the Verna Mae Slone Keynote Address. Misty is a poet, activist and artist. She was born and raised in Elliott County, Kentucky where she is currently preparing a little plot of land her Papaw left to her as a forever homestead. Skaggs is a lead organizer and founding member of eKy Mutual Aid. Her poetry book Planted by the Signs is currently available from Ohio University Press. She has lectured on Appalachian literature, done readings and workshops and shown her art throughout the region.
Manuel Iris will be Featured Writer. A Mexican-born American writer, Manuel is Former Poet Laureate of Cincinnati, and Writer-in-Residence at both the Cincinnati Public Library and Thomas More University. A member of Mexico’s National System of Art Creators, his work has been published, translated, and awarded internationally. His 2025 book The Whole Earth is a Garden of Monsters won the prestigious Ambroggio Prize from the Academy of American Poets.
Lacy Hale will be Featured Artist. Lacy is a nationally-recognized, award-winning painter, muralist, and printmaker whose work is deeply rooted in place—the southeastern Kentucky mountains where she was born and raised. She uses her art and the “No Hate in My Holler” slogan and design she created to spread positivity, create community, and uplift the people of Central Appalachia.
Winter Burrow will be held December 12-14 and will have sessions on arts, literature, and Appalachian culture. The theme this year is Creating Hope.
If you want to submit a session proposal for the conference, the guidelines can be found on the Winter Burrow website. Submissions are open September 1 – October 1. All current college students and session presenters will have their registration fee waived.
