The Loft Literary Center

Featured Offerings
Image of Maggie Smith April 5 event in partnership with Magers & Quinn. Image depicts her face as well as the image of her book cover entitled Dear Writer.
Maggie Smith Event | April 5

Maggie Smith's new book Dear Writer is coming out soon and the Loft is partnering with Magers & Quinn for this special event. Don't miss out!

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Art in Words at MIA
Art in Words at Mia | April 17

In this adventurous class series at Mia, writer and Loft Executive & Artistic Director, Arleta Little, will invite participants to explore ekphrastic writing through discussion, exercises, and workshops while learning about visual art and artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. Next event is April 17!      

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Graphic for event with Mark Gustafson book cover and an image with outline of state of Minnesota with the words "How Minnesota Became a Literary Powerhouse"
Loft Through the Years | April 19

Join us for a book launch and conversation about Minnesota's powerhouse literary scene and the role the Loft played in contributing to that ecosystem. 

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Upcoming Loft Events

Learn More About Loft Events

The Loft hosts numerous events throughout the year. Take a look at our upcoming offerings and plan your next visit.

Upcoming Loft Events
Apr
17
2025
Art in Words - Writing@Mia: Ernest Cole (April)

Come, write about art in an immersive experience of exhibitions, lectures, and collections at the Minneapolis Art Institute. In this adventurous class, writer and Loft Executive & Artistic Director, Arleta Little, will invite participants to explore ekphrastic writing through discussion, exercises, and workshops while learning about visual art and artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. This event is sold out!
Apr
19
2025
Loft Through the Years

Join the Loft Literary Center and Milkweed Books for an evening with Mark Gustafson, celebrating Mark's new book Sowing Seeds. Mark will be in conversation with Jim Lenfestey and Nor Hall, considering Minnesota's literary landscape from the late 1950s through today.
Apr
24
2025
2024 Year-Long Fiction Writing Project Final Reading (Summer Online Cohort)

Please join us to celebrate the conclusion of the 2024 Year-Long Fiction Writing Project. Participants from the Year-Long 2024 Fiction Writing Project will read from their completed manuscripts at this culminating event.
The Loft's Blog
The Bookish Brand
My Manuscript Is Done… Now What?!
Celebrate, then get strategic.
Rachel Werner
Mar. 27
Around the Loft
Living Into Our Vision
As the Loft celebrates 50 years, we honor our roots and recommit to uplifting voices, breaking down barriers, and building a literary home for all.
Arleta M. Little
Mar. 25
The Bookish Brand
The First-Time Author's Journey: Marketing, Expectations, and Surprises
Publishing your first book isn’t all champagne & book tours. Author and columnist Rachel Werner sits down with Daniel Tam-Claiborne to have #RealTalk about the behind-the-scenes of debut authors.
Rachel Werner
Feb. 21
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Upcoming Classes

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Loft Classes Now Open

Loft classes are offered online and in-person. All classes are designed to help you reach your goals. Explore our upcoming offerings and find your next chance to learn, connect, and grow.

Learn more about our class offerings on our classes pages.

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